Welcome to Made With Mitre Moments, where aleagues.com.au delivers the biggest headlines from every round of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League season.
Continue reading for the most significant talking points from Round 20, brought to you by Mitre.
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Newcastle’s ‘disappointment’ after stoppage-time defeat: ‘It hurt our season’
There are late victories, and then there’s Melbourne Victory’s dramatic late win over Newcastle Jets on Friday night, a match shrouded in controversy.
Victory claimed an unbeaten run of nine matches – a club record – with Kayla Morrison’s 96th-minute goal capping a thrilling 4-3 win against the Jets at the Home of the Matildas, where Newcastle had equalised dramatically just four minutes prior.
Sheridan Gallagher’s strike in the 92nd minute had seen the Jets complete a stunning comeback from three goals down, before Morrison’s last-gasp effort left the Newcastle squad devastated as Sophia Hoban lay on the ground.
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MATCH REPORT: Victory’s last-minute winner spoils Jets’ remarkable comeback in seven-goal thriller
“It was definitely a roller-coaster. The second half felt chaotic the entire time, with a lot of transitions,” Victory goalkeeper Alana Jancevski recounted to Paramount+.
“Coping with that late goal was tough; a significant aspect of our team is to never be defeated. It’s key to our mentality and why we can finish matches strongly.”
Victory now sits just two points behind their rivals Melbourne City, with Jancevski adding: “It’s crucial to take things match by match. If we can replicate the football we displayed in the first 40 minutes, maintain our mentality, keep fighting, and stay united.
“We’re a brilliant team, and if we keep that unity, we’re unstoppable.”
While Victory celebrated, frustration loomed large within the Newcastle camp.
Victory surged to a 3-0 lead within 22 minutes, thanks to Emily Gielnik’s quick brace, including the opening goal just 53 seconds into the match, leaving her at the top of the Golden Boot standings with 12 goals.
However, the Jets clawed their way back just before half-time with two quick goals, making the contest much more competitive.
Although Newcastle did equalise in the second minute of stoppage time, they fell short in those final moments, increasing their frustration.
“The ball went out, and everyone kind of paused,” Newcastle’s Cassidy Davis told Paramount+.
“We were set to take a goal-kick when the referee signalled a goal. After speaking with the officials, they mentioned it went out, so I really can’t understand why they awarded it. We’re pretty disheartened by that.”
When queried about his involvement in the potential foul on Hoban, Davis replied: “Honestly, I think the ball was out and a foul occurred.
“I can’t say much more than we’re upset about that final decision because our season is hanging in the balance, and we exerted a lot of effort today. To have a call like that go against us is disappointing and has affected our season.”
Phoenix face ‘cup finals’ after Mariners setback
Wellington Phoenix’s hopes of reaching the finals remain alive but are dwindling after a 2-0 home defeat to Central Coast Mariners on Saturday.
Goals from Annalise Rasmussen and Isabel Gomez lifted Central Coast out of a five-match drought, as they climbed to fifth place in the standings – four points clear of the top six and five ahead of the eighth-placed Wellington.
MATCH REPORT: Mariners end winless streak in style with crucial victory against top-six contenders
“We approached this match knowing it was critical given our current standing and the close competition on the ladder,” Mariners head coach Emily Husband remarked to reporters.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team for showing up and delivering such a valiant performance.”
The Phoenix are running out of time to clinch a spot in the Finals Series, with pending matches against Melbourne City, Canberra United, and Western United.
Wellington is winless in their last four outings (L3 D1) and has managed only one victory in their previous home games.
“I can’t say it’s entirely over, but it undoubtedly means we must secure wins in our next three games to have any chance,” head coach Paul Temple told media after the match.
“We’re now in must-win territory, treating each match like a cup final.
“We won’t stop until it’s mathematically impossible. We’ll keep pushing until the end.”
“There will be no resting or rotating players; we’ll field our strongest team to try and claim victory.”
Sky Blues break five-year drought in the capital
Sydney FC hadn’t celebrated a win against Canberra United at McKellar Park since 2020, but that changed over the weekend.
Prior to Saturday’s 1-0 victory, the last time Sydney triumphed in the nation’s capital was January 2020 when Ante Juric’s side won 4-0, courtesy of goals from Remy Siemsen, Veronica Latsko, Chloe Logarzo, and Sofia Huerta.
MATCH REPORT: Canberra’s finals ambitions take a massive hit as Sydney FC claims a hard-earned win
In Round 20, Mackenzie Hawkesby emerged as the hero with her 78th-minute goal, securing the two-time reigning champions a narrow victory.
With back-to-back wins, the Sky Blues are still in 11th place but are now only six points off the top six with three fixtures remaining.
“At this stage, we’re focused on picking up three points every week, and I hadn’t won here in my five years at Sydney FC, so it feels great to take all three points today,” Hawkesby shared.
“Every week we’re battling for our pride and as individuals, we want to excel.
“We are Sydney FC, a massive club with a rich history, so securing victories is crucial.
“Canberra is a commendable team that is tough to overcome on their home turf. They boast a great fan base, so winning here means a lot. I’m thrilled to have achieved this here.”
‘One of the most memorable moments’ that will be replayed
Izzy Foletta’s post-match interview captured the essence of Perth Glory’s thrilling night at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.
Desperate for a goal to boost their finals ambitions, super-sub Foletta netted in the 91st minute to lead her team to a 1-0 win against bottom-placed Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: Late strike from super-sub propels Glory to dramatic win over lacklustre Wanderers
This marked the 25-year-old defender’s second goal in the A-Leagues and her first since the 2022-23 season, as Perth – unbeaten in three matches and with only one loss in their last five – narrowed the gap to sixth-placed Brisbane Roar.
“Certainly one of the best moments of my life,” Foletta reflected to Paramount+ when asked about her goal.
“It wasn’t the prettiest game, but scoring in the dying moments felt incredible.
“Words can hardly express how fantastic that feels.”
“I’ll be replaying that all night,” she laughed.
High-flying Adelaide’s vision: ‘Aiming to create something extraordinary’
From bottom feeders to potential top-two contenders, Adelaide United continue to make waves in 2024-25 with their 3-1 victory over an out-of-sorts Brisbane Roar on Sunday.
Adelaide rallied back from a second-half deficit, ending the round in third place, just four points shy of reigning champions Melbourne City, who have a game in hand following their triumph in the AFC Women’s Champions League quarter-finals.
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The Reds have only faced defeat once in their last 13 matches.
“We aspire to be entertaining, regardless of the outcome,” head coach Adrian Stenta remarked.
“At times, we played well today; at others, we fell short of our desired level – but this team is captivating and has the potential to achieve something special for both the club and the city.”
More than 3,500 fans came out to Coopers Stadium to witness Adelaide hand Brisbane a third consecutive defeat, with the Roar now winless in their last five encounters.
“The atmosphere at Coopers is unparalleled in the country,” Stenta commented. “We’ve been engaging with junior and senior players at WNPL and WSL clubs this week.
“We’d love to see those future stars in the stands supporting us – it truly elevates our performance to another level.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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