A-League Recap: A Record-Breaking Weekend Filled with Goals Galore

Macarthur FC’s thrilling win in Adelaide on Friday night was no mere fluke, but a glimpse of things to come as Round 23 achieved an unprecedented milestone.

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Even before the match between Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix kicked off on Sunday night, Round 23 had already established a new A-League Men record for the highest number of goals in a single round. The 1-1 draw in Sydney brought the total to 33, shattering the previous record of 30 goals set in Round 26 of the 2023/24 season.

‘Peak A-League’ Moments of the Week

Nearly everything unfolded perfectly for Western United this weekend as they notched up their fourth win in a row… though at least Hiroshi Ibusuki was in fine form!

The A-League Women’s competition produced an astounding 28 goals across five matches — averaging 5.6 per game compared to the men’s 5.5 — with four out of five matches featuring either a winning or equalising goal scored beyond the 88-minute mark.

Festivities erupted in Tarneit as Western United held onto fourth spot with their thrilling 4-3 win against Canberra United, with reports that United’s substitute Chloe Lincoln needed a head bandage after a mishap during the celebrations!

The Biggest Winner of Round 23 Is…

Western Sydney Wanderers executed one of the most astonishing comebacks of the season, securing their fourth win in succession (the first time in nearly a decade) and moving ahead of both Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City (who lost a midweek catch-up match).

Alen Stajcic outwitted Victory coach Arthur Diles with his tactical acumen, waiting to deploy some of his most energetic goal-scorers, Nicolas Milanovic and Marcus Antonsson, who capitalised on their fresh legs to score the Wanderers’ third and fourth goals in the dying moments of the game.

Stajcic’s team has amassed 16 points from the last 18 available and has surged into playoff contention. They will need to ensure they do not peak too early, with important fixtures against Auckland and Western United lined up for April.

Seven players from the squad will be involved during the international break, either at senior or under-23 level. Brandon Borrello has been selected for Tony Popovic’s 26-man Socceroos squad, while Bozhidar Kraev and Mohamed Al-Taay will represent Bulgaria and Iraq, respectively, in their critical international matches.

The Biggest Loser of Round 23 Is…

Defending champions Central Coast Mariners appear to be struggling in the 2024/25 season, having failed to secure a victory in eight consecutive league matches (D5, L3) alongside a couple of ACL losses in between.

A 2-2 draw in their first match in Auckland is commendable, but unfortunately, they find themselves in a position where it’s insufficient.

Head coach Mark Jackson, aged 47, commended the “character” of his players but noted their defensive lapses on set pieces, one of which resulted in a goal.

Following Macarthur’s triumph in Adelaide, the Mariners finished the weekend 11 points adrift of the top-six, with Newcastle, Sydney, and Adelaide all above them, each with a game in hand.

They’re also at risk of being overtaken by Wellington Phoenix, whose coach previously downplayed his team’s chances of making it to the finals.

Goal of the Week

Don’t miss the incredible control displayed by Rhys Bozinovski during the second of his two goals for Western United in their emphatic win. Watch how, after a shot with his dominant right foot was blocked by Jets keeper Noah James, he cleverly recovered the rebound and bettered it with his weaker foot. What a superb strike!