The race for finals spots is hotting up, with only Auckland FC and Melbourne City guaranteed a place with just two rounds left. However, Adelaide United and Macarthur FC are still in contention for the sixth position.
This round’s standout performers were…
Adelaide United, who have faced criticism recently for an eight-match winless run (D2, L6), shone with a gritty 3-2 victory over Wellington Phoenix. They bolted to a 2-0 lead early on and had to dig deep to regain the advantage thanks to Archie Goodwin’s late strike in the 89th minute.
Outgoing head coach Carl Veart described the win as “a true reflection of us“, praising their tenacity and spirit but also expressing concern over defensive lapses that have contributed to a hefty goals-against tally of 54, which is only one behind last-placed Perth Glory.
Currently sitting a point behind sixth-placed Sydney FC and facing an inferior goal difference of -2 compared to +12, Adelaide’s upcoming matches against Brisbane and Melbourne City (both away) look slightly easier than those faced by the Sky Blues.
As this wrap is published, the battle for finals could become clearer, with the Reds set to clash with Brisbane Roar on Tuesday night in a crucial away fixture.
This round’s unfortunate teams…
Western United squandered a chance to gain ground on Melbourne City and move closer to the top two. Securing a top-two finish offers significant perks, including a bye in the first week of finals and access to an AFC Champions League Elite spot that Auckland FC cannot secure as an Oceanian club.
The loss to Western Sydney Wanderers was particularly disheartening for them, marking their first consecutive defeats in this competition across a 20-match stretch.
Manager John Aloisi didn’t hold back in critiquing his players post-match, asserting they “didn’t earn anything” from their 2-1 defeat to his former club, Brisbane Roar, and he showed doubt about their chances of ascending back into the top two, insisting he wouldn’t “look too far ahead“.
With uncertain fixtures against Auckland FC and Sydney FC remaining, if they can manage sufficient points from these challenges to leap back above Melbourne City into second, they will have rightfully earned those rewards.
Golden Boot Update: Round 27
Adrian Segecic, Archie Goodwin, and Nicolas Milanovic all found the back of the net this round, extending their distance from the chasing pack.
Veteran players Kosta Barbarouses, aged 35, and 34-year-old Hiroshi Ibusuki also marked their tenth goals of the season during the matches this weekend.
Goal of the Week
Before the Tuesday night fixtures potentially upstage it, we’re declaring Nicolas Milanovic’s stunning “something out of nothing” goal as the standout strike of this round.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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