Melbourne Victory’s Senior NPL side could not put a stop to the red-hot Heidelberg United, suffering a 3-0 loss in Bundoora.
Three changes were made to the starting XI that fell short to Altona Magic, with several key players unavailable for selection after travelling with the A-League Men’s side in their emphatic semifinals win in Auckland.
The Young Vucks were in for a big challenge against the league leaders, who entered the game on a 12-game winning streak in all competitions.
Unsurprisingly, Heidelberg came out hot at the Home of the Matildas, looking to secure an early lead.
Reinstated back in between the sticks, Christian Siciliano pulled off a few impressive saves early on to keep Victory level.
However, Heidelberg would find their opener around the 10-minute mark after Bul Juach followed in an effort that rebounded off the woodwork.
A quick-fire double seemingly followed just a few minutes later, but the offside flag was raised, much to the relief of the Victory faithful.
Looking to respond following the brief scare, Patrick Wall stood out for the Boys in Blue.
Bursting past yellow shirts down the right wing with blistering speed, Wall caused a number of issues for the visitors.
Pressing the opposing fullback into coughing up possession, Wall entered the box and played a ball across to captain Jack Mihailidis.
Aiming for the corner, a last-ditch block from a defender denied what looked to be an almost certain goal coming from some excellent Victory forward-line pressure.
Unable to capitalise on their chances, the Bergers doubled their lead thanks to a goal from star winger on loan from the Central Coast Mariners, Sabit Ngor.
It was tough to take from Victory, with the fine margins being the difference between a potential equaliser in the 21st minute and a 2-0 deficit in the 28th minute.
Late in the half, a driving run down the flank by Patrick Wall once again saw the winger cut a ball back to the onrushing Jesse Hoey, who struck the upright and had the deflection bounce straight to the goalkeeper.
While Heidelberg stood out and largely deserved the lead, Victory showed their moments of promise and were unfortunately not able to convert them into goals.
Two down at the break, it was a big ask for Boris Seroshtan’s young squad to overcome the odds against their experienced opposition.
Christian Siciliano was called into action a few more times to make some important stops, keeping Victory in the mix in search of a comeback.
Just past the hour mark, talented 17-year-old James Lackay was provided with his senior NPL debut.
Formerly featuring in Bayern Munich’s World Squad, the tricky youngster displayed great potential in his cameo on the left flank.
Attacking trio Jordan Hoey, Alexander Houridis and Tommaso Minutoli were all introduced as the half progressed, with Victory not backing down and pushing to claim points.
However, a late goal from defender Jamal Ali sank the hearts of the young group, sealing a 3-0 win for Heidelberg.
Despite the efforts of the Young Vucks, they simply weren’t able to find a way past the league’s best defense.
The loss to the Bergers represents a fifth-straight loss in Victoria’s top flight for Victory, needing to turn around their form amid a contested fight for survival.
With just three points separating Victory in 10th and Melbourne Knights in 14th, the Young Vucks will prepare for a potential relegation six-pointer up against South Melbourne at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday, June 1.
Match Details
NPL Victoria Men Round 15
Melbourne Victory 0
Heidelberg United 3 (Juach 10′, Ngor 28′, Ali 86′)
Melbourne Victory Starting XI: 40. Christian SICILIANO (GK), 10. Jack MIHAILIDIS (C), 11. Daniel LAZAREVSKI, 16. Anastasios GEORGAKOPOULOS, 20. Parker WILLIAMS, 22. Patrick WALL, 23. Jesse HOEY, 28. Charlie GOREVSKI, 29. Tobenna OBANI, 32. Aaron BAZENSKI, 36. John RADIMISIS
Substitutes: 30. Yonathan SULTAN (GK), 9. Tommaso MINUTOLI (83′), 12. Raymond DIHO, 14. Jordan HOEY (73′), 24. James LACKAY (63′), 38. Alexander HOURIDIS (73′)
