Just under 7000 fans turned out at AAMI Park to pay tribute to Kevin Muscat and the legendary Melbourne skipper again emerged a winner as Melbourne Victory defeated the Come Play XI 4-0.
Just under 7000 fans turned out at AAMI Park to pay tribute to Kevin Muscat and the legendary Melbourne skipper again emerged a winner as Melbourne Victory defeated the Come Play XI 4-0.
Muscat’s good mate Tom Pondeljak stole the show in the testimonial match, scoring two ripping goals, including the first at Melbourne Victory’s new home. Adrian Leijer and Semir Sivic scored the others, while the Melbourne fans got one last look at Mitch Langerak before his move to Germany.
It was the Sevic goal which demonstrated Muscat’s marvellous qualities. With four minutes left, Evan Berger was brought down in the box. Muscat stepped up for the spot kick, but tapped it to Sevic, who is set to retire at just 22 after a horrible run with injuries. He finished it for a dream farewell.
The night belonged to Muscat, who relished his evening in the spotlight watched on by great friends Craig Moore, Zeljko Kalac, Stan Lazaridis, Steve Corica and Tony Popovic.
After an enthusiastic start from the Come Play XI, Melbourne took control of the match nine minutes in thanks to a quick break from Carlos Hernandez. The Costa Rican sprung the offside trap, and charged into the box before a perfect cross back from Pondeljak, who finished well from close range.
Hernandez was busy early in the match and could have had one of his own on 16 minutes, only for Dean Bouzanis to parry his shot away, while four minutes later he shot wide.
The Come Play XI didn’t have its first serious shot on goal until 25 minutes in when Adelaide striker Francesco Monterosso’s shot was deflected just wide.
But just as the young Come Play XI looked likely to get back into the match, Melbourne put on a classic counter attack. Berger broke down the left and looped in an excellent cross. Leijer was there to slide in and get the ball into the net for a 2-0 lead.
The other major highlight for the half was when the man of the moment made a rare foray forward, but his shot at goal was poor and he quickly scurried back to the other end of the park to resume his defensive duties.
Muscat tried again early in the second half, but had a similar result. Pondeljak showed him the way again with a fantastic goal on 56 minutes,
Leigh Broxham started the movement off, winning the ball in the midfield before setting up Pondeljak. The 34-year-old hit the ball with the outside of the right foot to make it 3-0.
The crowd was on their feet again just after the hour when Langerak was substituted in what was his last appearance for the club before joining German giant Borussia Dortmund. The young keeper embraced his team-mates as he departed the field.
Pondeljak also left the field with Sebastian Mattei and Marvin Angulo came on, while Sivic received a farewell appearance, replacing an impressive Mate Dugandzic.
Jack Hingert brought down Berger in the box on 86 minutes and when the referee pointed to the spot, all attention turned to Muscat. But the Australian football legend was not interested in his own glory, giving Sevic a moment to remember.
Muscat then departed to a standing ovation, leaving fans to wonder if they’ll see him in a Melbourne Victory shirt again.
The earlier match saw Sydney FC women’s team defeat Melbourne Victory’s women’s team 3-1.
