Melbourne Victory fell to Adelaide United at Marvel Stadium.
Summary
Despite Victory taking the lead through a Jake Brimmer free kick in the first half, the Reds claimed the three points in Docklands.
Melbourne started brightly, with Robbie Kruse forcing the visitors onto the back foot on a number of occasions.
The Victory forward created the first chance of the game – running at the Adelaide defence from midfield before firing just wide.
Kruse threatened again with a solo run but couldn’t beat the Adelaide defenders in front of goal.
Ben Folami created another opportunity for Victory, threading a ball through to Kruse whose effort was met by Adelaide’s goalkeeper, Joe Gauci.
Brimmer gave Victory the lead 23 minutes in – hitting the underside of the crossbar with a free kick from distance.
Victory’s celebrations were delayed by the referee’s whistle, who looked to his assistant before approving the goal.
A stunning free kick from @BrimmerJake 💫 @FOXFOOTBALL #MVCvADL 1-0 #ALeague pic.twitter.com/9GTDNyeHTH
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) March 13, 2021
Adelaide’s Stefan Mauk equalised for the Reds ten minutes before half-time, converting from inside the penalty area.
With half an hour to go, Kusini Yengi gave the visitors the lead, finishing a low cross at the back post.
Mauk scored his second and Adelaide’s third in the 77th minute with a first-time finish.
Jacob Butterfield tried his luck from range with a volley but couldn’t guide his shot on target.
Zaydan Bello had Victory’s final chance of the second half – testing Gauci, following a series of step-overs.
Player in focus – Jake Brimmer
What they said – Jacob Butterfield
On the defeat…
“We’ve worked hard all season, trying to find the right formula and for things to fall into place for us. It has been difficult. We really suffered last week. We wanted to come out, start the game well and show some character. We were on top for the first half and we just didn’t convert our chances, which would’ve made it easier for us. As we’ve done so many times this season, we conceded a cheap goal and that changed the game.”
On Victory’s injuries…
“Every week, by the end of the game we’re patching in the back four. The injuries we’ve had this year have been ridiculous. It’s been difficult for us on that front, but it’s no excuse. We’re professional footballers and we should’ve defended better. It’s happened too many times for us this season, where we’re playing well and end up 3-1 down. Every mistake is turning into a goal against. It’s tough but we just have to keep going. We have another game next week and we will keep believing and keep trying hard.”
Result
A-League 2020/21
Melbourne Victory 1 Brimmer 23’
Adelaide United 3 Mauk 35’ & 77’, Yengi 61’
Melbourne Victory: Acton (gk); Roux, Anderson (Bello 75’), Broxham (c), Traore; Butterfield, Brimmer, Kruse; Folami (Lauton 62’), McManaman, Gestede (Lawrie-Lattanzio 56’)
Adelaide United: Gauci (gk); Strain, Javi Lopez, Elsey, Jakobsen; D’Arrigo, Mauk (Caletti 89’), Cavallo; Al Hassan Toure (Yengi 56’), Halloran (Niyongabire 89’), Goodwin
Yellow cards: Javi Lopez 20’, Brimmer 23’, Anderson 47’, Roux 54’, Broxham 66’
Red cards:
Venue: Marvel Stadium
Next up
Victory travels to Sydney next week for its first of three away games.
