Our VPL1 side is set to take on Bentleigh Greens Monday night as they look to continue their strong start to the season.
Melbourne Victory made it two consecutive wins to begin their 2024 VPL1 campaign, securing an impressive 2-0 win away at Preston Lions, last Friday night.
Marc Petheriotis and Jesse Hoey lit up the contest last weekend, with their goals ultimately leading to Victory’s triumph.
A superb solo run on the right wing from Petheriotis ended in a deflected shot from a tight angle, with the deflection lifting the ball above the onrushing goalkeeper and just inside the far post to open the scoring.
A determined effort from the winger which combined with a bit of fortune to give Victory a vital lead just over 30 minutes into the contest.
Victory pounced to double their lead with Jesse Hoey winning the ball back in the middle of the park before charging into the Preston half.
Hoey and Alex Menelaou exchanged passes during the run, ending with Hoey once again in possession just inside the penalty area, before the winger clinically finished the chance.
Opponents Bentleigh are coming off a strong showing against Bulleen, with a 2-4 win away, securing their first points of the season.
Academy Head Coach Joe Palatsides said he’s expecting a “really tough matchup”.
“We’ve got a ten-day break which is good for the boys, we can give them a bit of a rest,” he said.
“We won’t change too much in the way we play and hopefully what we do in terms of the way we play as a team gets better and better as the year goes on.”
“Bentleigh we’re expecting to be a really tough challenge next week.”