Hosting the Newcastle Jets, Melbourne Victory Men finished off the Isuzu Ute A-League regular season with a 1-1 draw.
Fielding an unchanged starting XI after securing their position in the Finals Series against Macarthur, Victory pressed high early on at AAMI Park and kept the Jets largely pinned in their defensive half.
While Victory managed to create several early chances through the magic feet of Daniel Arzani and Zinedine Machach, the Jets looked to counter quickly, but youngster Joshua Inserra defended valiantly with his speed and anticipation.
Victory thought they had opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after Nikos Vergos deftly chipped Ryan Scott, but an offside flag quickly halted celebrations.
A whipped delivery into the box on the half-hour mark drew the attention of VAR for a potential handball, but play was ultimately continued after a brief review.
Just 12 minutes later, Victory certainly thought they had a penalty kick this time after Daniel Arzani was brought down in the area and the referee pointed to the spot.
However, VAR again intervened and the penalty was overturned, certainly frustrating Victory fans in attendance as the game remained scoreless entering the break.
An exceptional half-time performance from the talented Evangeline Victoria proved to inspire the team to begin the second 45, striking almost immediately.
Released in acres of space down the left wing by a well-weighted pass from Zinedine Machach, Kasey Bos took his time to compose himself and finish perfectly into the bottom corner.
It was a similar goal to the one he scored last week against Macarthur, quickly becoming a trademark for the 20-year-old fullback.
Nikos Vergos wasn’t far from doubling the Vuck’s lead just minutes later, forcing a big stop from Ryan Scott with his powerful shot on goal.
Returning from injury, Santos was introduced from the bench for his first appearance since mid-March past the hour mark alongside Alex Badolato.
Bruno Fornaroli soon joined the pair on the field in the 75th minute as Victory sought to score another and kill the game.
Santos thought he did so after unleashing a rocket on goal that skimmed off the crossbar, impacting the game right away.
Pressing high for the ball, a mix-up playing out from the back saw Clayton Taylor receive the ball in the box and finish via a deflection in the 83rd minute to equalise for the Jets.
It was a disappointing moment for Victory who controlled the vast majority of the game, conceding late to the visitors.
Neither side managed to find the winning goal, settling for a one-all draw to round out the A-League Men’s regular season.
Victory Men await a big elimination final tie against the Western Sydney Wanderers at CommBank Stadium, taking on the Red and Black in the hopes of progressing through the Finals Series on Saturday, May 10.
Match Details
Isuzu Ute A-League Round 29
Melbourne Victory 1 (Bos 47′)
Newcastle Jets 1 (Taylor 83′)
Melbourne Victory Starting XI: 25. Jack DUNCAN (GK), 4. Lachlan JACKSON, 6. Ryan TEAGUE, 7. Daniel ARZANI, 8. Zinedine MACHACH, 9. Nikos VERGOS, 14. Jordi VALADON, 16. Joshua INSERRA, 17. Nishan VELUPILLAY, 21. Roderick MIRANDA (C), 28. Kasey BOS
Substitutes: 30. Daniel GRASKOSKI (GK), 3. Adama TRAORE, 5. Brendan HAMILL (88′), 10. Bruno FORNAROLI (75′), 11. SANTOS (69′), 22. Josh RAWLINS (88′), 23. Alex BADOLATO (69′)
Newcastle Jets Starting XI: 1. Ryan SCOTT (GK), 4. Phil ČANČAR, 7. Eli ADAMS, 9. Lachlan ROSE, 13. Clayton TAYLOR, 18. Kota MIZUNUMA, 19. Callum TIMMINS, 20. Charles M’MOMBWA, 23. Daniel WILMERING, 33. Mark NATTA, 39. Thomas AQUILINA
Substitutes: 21. Noah JAMES (GK), 6. Matthew SCARCELLA, 10. WELLISSOL (89′), 14. Dane INGHAM (66′), 22. Ben GIBSON (70′), 29. Justin VIDIC, 37. Lachlan BAYLISS (46′)
