Melbourne Victory Men have it all to play for in the second leg of the Isuzu Ute A-League Semi Finals, defeated 1-0 in the first leg by Auckland FC.
Hosting the first leg of a massive semifinals tie at AAMI Park, the atmosphere was pumping despite the pouring rain.
Captain Roderick Miranda was a late withdrawal from the squad due to a leg injury, with Brendan Hamill stepping in to take his place in the heart of defence and the armband for the night.
The heavy rain and chilly temperature in Melbourne set out a tough game for both teams, unable to take tight control over possession with the ball and players skidding about on the playing surface.
Jack Duncan was called into action early on, forced to make a remarkable save that saw him claw the ball off the line with millimetres to spare.
Victory were quick to respond with a chance of their own, with Jordi Valadon’s curling strike narrowly missing the goalframe.
While Victory held more possession and territorial dominance in the first 45 minutes, the visitors were on top in shots on goal.
Both sides remained unchanged at the break for a big second half, equally eager to open the scoring.
Just over 10 minutes into the half, Brendan Hamill went down with a knee injury in significant discomfort.
Josh Rawlins was brought on to replace the centre-back, a disappointing loss for the side.
However, Victory did not drop their heads and continued to play their game.
Daniel Arzani earnt a free-kick and got the crowd up and about with some stunning quick feet that bamboozled the opposing defenders.
From the incoming set-piece, a dangerous delivery into the area forced goalkeeper Alex Paulsen to come flying through with a Superman-esque punch out of the box.
Just as Victory began to gain momentum, the visitors broke the deadlock just past the hour mark.
A trademark cross into the back post from left-back Francis De Vries was met by the leaping header of Logan Rogerson, finding the back of the net.
It was a tough blow to take for Victory, particularly as the Black Knights continued to organise their defensive structure well.
Searching for an equaliser, Arthur Diles introduced Bruno Fornaroli, Santos, Reno Piscopo and Alex Badolato from the bench.
Controlling the ball and keeping Auckland pinned in their own half, Diles spoke post-game about the struggles of breaking down the Premiers’ compact backline.
“We had a lot of the ball, but didn’t create enough.
“When we got to their box, we weren’t clinical enough, weren’t decisive enough.
“That’s a credit to them as well; they’re very strong defensively… but we need to be better.”
After barrages of attacks on goal, that final move never seemed to come for Victory to open up the league’s clean sheet leaders, who added another to their tally at AAMI Park.
Neyder Moreno almost doubled the Black Knights’ lead after his effort struck both posts, a massive relief for the Vuck heading into the second leg.
Travelling across to New Zealand to play in a sold-out Go Media Stadium, Arthur Diles is ready for the big game in Auckland.
“They’ve got great support behind them, but that’ll be a place that we’ll thrive in.
“We want to go there and soak in the atmosphere and use that to our advantage.”
Melbourne Victory Men take on Auckland FC in the second leg on Saturday, May 24, looking to overturn the deficit and book their place in the Grand Final.
Match Details
Isuzu Ute A-League Semi-Final: Leg 1
Melbourne Victory 0
Auckland FC 1 (Rogerson 64′)
Melbourne Victory Starting XI: 25. Jack DUNCAN (GK), 4. Lachlan JACKSON, 5. Brendan HAMILL (C), 6. Ryan TEAGUE, 7. Daniel ARZANI, 8. Zinedine MACHACH, 9. Nikos VERGOS, 14. Jordi VALADON, 16. Joshua INSERRA, 17. Nishan VELUPILLAY, 28. Kasey BOS
Substitutes: 40. Christian SICILIANO (GK), 10. Bruno FORNAROLI (69′), 11. SANTOS (69′), 22. Josh RAWLINS (58′), 23. Alex BADOLATO (84′), 27. Reno PISCOPO (84′), 38. Luka DIDULICA
Auckland FC Starting XI: 12. Alex PAULSEN (GK), 2. Hiroki SAKAI (C), 4. Nando PIJNAKER, 6. Louis VERSTRAETE, 10. Guillermo MAY, 11. Marlee FRANCOIS, 15. Francis DE VRIES, 21. Jesse RANDALL, 23. Dan HALL, 27. Logan ROGERSON, 28. Felipe GALLEGOS
Substitutes: 1. Michael WOUD (GK), 5. Tommy SMITH (75′), 7. Cameron HOWIESON, 14. Liam GILLION (63′), 17. Callan ELLIOT (80′), 22. Jake BRIMMER (80′), 25. Neyder MORENO (63′)
