A lack of goalscoring ability cost Melbourne Victory in its 2-0 loss to Sydney FC at Telstra Dome.
A lack of goalscoring ability cost Melbourne Victory in its 2-0 loss to Sydney FC at Telstra Dome.
A goal in the first half to Mark Bridge and a second to John Aloisi after the break disappointed a large Melbourne crowd as well as Victory Coach Ernie Merrick.
“It was a fair result, Sydney were the better team on the night,” he said.
“An extremely scrappy first half performance from the Melbourne Victory, and for some reason we were intimidated I think. We were standing off them and we seemed to be second to the ball.”
Merrick was left to lament the lack of goalscoring options when Victory had a number of chances after Sydney’s opening goal. Star striker Archie Thompson and Ney Fabiano were missing due to suspension.
“The second half was full of effort we got the ball forward but didn’t have a goalscorer. There’s no doubt we paid the price for the red cards tonight. The number of times we got forward and had nothing to show for it, there was hardly a quality strike on target.”
Merrick was also frustrated for the fans who provided a terrific atmosphere at the Dome.
“I have to say the fans were fantastic at the end, they were cheering us even after defeat, we’ve got great, great support.”
Despite the disappointing loss there is no panic in the Victory rooms and Merrick will be looking for the team to bounce back next week.
“We’ve certainly got the players to do it and Adelaide is a good team to play in the next game” he said. “Doing it tough in Adelaide will be very good for us.”
Victory memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 season are currently available from the Victory Shop, 236 Swan Street, Richmond, by calling 1300 GO MVFC or online by clicking here.
