Welcome to Made With Mitre Moments, where aleagues.com.au delivers all the key highlights from each round of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Keep reading for the major talking points from Round 18, brought to you by Mitre.
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Wanderers left outside the six after ‘throwing away’ points in the Derby
Western Sydney’s coach Alen Stajcic expressed his disappointment at his team settling for just a point in the Sydney Derby.
A Rhyan Grant own goal, along with a brace from Zac Sapsford, had the visitors leading 3-1 with only two minutes remaining, but late strikes from Adrian Segecic and Anthony Caceres saw the Sky Blues dramatically equalise.
“I think we lost some momentum when (Gabriel) Cleur and (Brandon) Borrello were subbed off,” Stajcic said during his post-match press conference.
“They provided us with energy and quality. Gab (Cleur) was coming back from a significant hamstring injury, so we had to be cautious with both. But when they left the pitch, we seemed to lose our momentum.
“We should have sealed the match at 3-1, possibly even making it 4-1 or 5-1. There were a few calls that could have gone in our favour, including penalty claims, that might have changed the outcome of the game.”
“I’m very disappointed with the result. I feel we did enough to win and were the superior team for substantial parts of the match.”
“In that first 70-75 minutes, we were the ones creating the significant chances and looked more threatening. It’s frustrating to let two points slip.”
The result leaves the Wanderers in eighth, three points adrift of Melbourne Victory in sixth place.
“It was a strong attacking performance from us. (Brandon) Borrello, (Nicolas) Milanovic, Zac (Sapsford), and Boz (Bozhidar Kraev) all played excellently. Our front players were able to slice through the opposition effectively at times.”
“To be fair, we could have easily scored four or five, especially during those critical moments at 2-1 and 3-1 to really close out the game.”
“We need to convert those chances because you never know when it might cost us.”
“Unfortunately, in the last few weeks, we’ve paid for not taking those opportunities.”
Next up for Stajcic’s squad is a local derby against Macarthur Bulls at CommBank Stadium on February 16.
‘We could see it coming’: Hard work pays off for Aloisi’s Western
Western United climbed to third on the Isuzu UTE A-League table after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Macarthur Bulls.
Noah Botic and Abel Walatee scored to give Western a 2-1 lead at halftime before Marin Jakolis equalised for the Bulls in the 79th minute, ensuring a share of the spoils at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
“In the first half, I felt we controlled the game,” stated Western United’s coach John Aloisi in his post-match remarks.
MATCH REPORT: Bulls and Western fight to a four-goal draw as young striker boosts Socceroos hopes
“We started well and deserved our early lead. Although we were disappointed with how we conceded their goal, we continued playing well and made it 2-1 just before half-time, which was just reward for our efforts.”
“We controlled the first half entirely. In the second half, we lost some of that control and didn’t possess the ball as often as we would have liked. They have a good team with many talented players, but we should have capitalised on our chances.”
“In the second half, we had several clear-cut chances, making it disappointing not to secure all three points. Nevertheless, I can’t ask for more from the players after an away performance against a side also vying for the top six.”
Now third with 26 points from 16 matches, Western United has exceeded many expectations this season.
After winning the Isuzu UTE A-League Championship in the 2021-22 season, Western experienced mixed results, finishing 7th and then 11th, narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon last year.
In the past couple of seasons, several key players left for different clubs, leading many to believe that their new strategy of integrating young talents would result in struggle.
However, the combination of exciting young players with seasoned professionals has turned heads this season, a fact not lost on their head coach.
“Last year was significant for us,” noted Aloisi. “While we didn’t achieve the desired results or league position, allowing our young players to gain experience has instilled belief that they can compete at this level.”
“We had an excellent pre-season, and our new signings have bolstered our squad.”
“Noah Botic and Rhys Bozinovski have gained valuable experience now. We have players that have developed over three to four seasons.”
“As a club, we anticipated this progression. As a coach, I could see it coming.”
He added: “I understand that the public might be surprised, but we work with these players day in, day out, which gives us this insight.”
“While we’re pleased with our progress, there’s still plenty of football to be played.”
Newcastle coach celebrates after taking a ‘big risk’
Newcastle mentor Rob Stanton finally experienced his first home victory of the season as the Jets triumphed 3-0 over Melbourne Victory at McDonald Jones Stadium.
After winning a penalty in the 78th minute, Jets’ captain Kosta Grozos had to wait over 15 minutes to take it due to a medical emergency in the stands.
When the game resumed, Grozos confidently converted the penalty to make it 1-0, followed by goals from Clayton Taylor and Lachie Rose to seal a comfortable win.
MATCH REPORT: Newcastle Jets break their hoodoo as 23-year-old steps up after four years
However, the notable pre-match decision from Stanton was to bench regular keeper Ryan Scott in favour of 23-year-old Noah James, following some disappointing performances from Scott.
“Noah James performed excellently on his debut,” Stanton stated regarding his choice to switch keepers.
“Scotty has been a great player for us, but every goalkeeper can face a downturn, and I felt it was an appropriate time for a change.”
“It was a big risk, but without taking them, we can’t build depth in our squad.”
Stanton continued: “Now it’s on Noah to prove he deserves to retain his spot, and for Scotty to work hard. It’s commendable to see Scotty congratulating him, showcasing the positive culture we’re fostering.”
Furthermore, Stanton indicated that James may earn an extended run in the team following his solid debut.
“Well, for goalkeepers, it’s challenging; they require a few games to find their rhythm.”
“We’ll see how he rebounds. Goalkeeping involves many responsibilities, including decision-making.”
“Regardless of the outcome today, my opinion on him won’t change because he earned his place here.”
“I took a chance with him, and he embraced that opportunity. It’s about risk versus reward, but it’s also about the faith from both myself and his teammates.”
Mariners ready to ‘race’ as the battle for the top six intensifies
Central Coast Mariners coach Mark Jackson believes his team remains in contention for a top-six finish despite drawing their fourth successive match.
A second-half goal from 16-year-old Haine Eames secured a point against Perth Glory in Round 18, although the defending champions still sit four points outside the top six.
“That’s our aim; we’re in a race to secure finals football,” Jackson stated at the media briefing following the draw in Perth.
MATCH REPORT: Teenage talent shines as reigning champions snag a point in Perth
“We’re all aligned on that goal, and as a manager, I’m firmly focused on achieving it. We must pursue victories in upcoming matches.”
“It’s disappointing that we haven’t capitalised in our last few outings, especially the previous two, where we felt we could have secured wins.”
“The conditions were challenging today, with travel-related fatigue playing a role, but we prepared thoroughly. We allowed ourselves an uphill battle in the first half.”
The Mariners found themselves trailing 1-0 within the first ten minutes, with Socceroo Adam Taggart scoring for the home side.
Solid goalkeeping from Dylan Peraic-Cullen kept Central Coast within one goal until Eames’ equaliser in the 61st minute, though Jackson expressed frustration at the slow start.
“We emphasised the importance of a good start, and we didn’t meet that expectation for various reasons, which we need to explore.”
He elaborated: “We must assess our mentality and hold each other accountable during our game review to prevent similar situations in the future.”
After setting a club record with four consecutive draws in the Isuzu UTE A-League, the Mariners will now focus on concluding their ACL Elite campaign positively against Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta’zim F.C. on Tuesday night.
Goal-scoring machine Goodwin shines again as Adelaide closes in on the top
Archie Goodwin continued his impressive goal-scoring run in Round 18 of the Isuzu UTE A-League, netting his eighth goal of the season to secure a 1-0 victory for Adelaide United over Melbourne City.
Goodwin played 74 minutes in his ninth starting match of the season at Coopers Stadium before being substituted by Carl Veart, who was quick to commend the young striker’s performance.
“It’s all credit to Archie; he has bounced back from last week,” Veart remarked about Goodwin’s revival in form.
MATCH REPORT: Goodwin propels Adelaide back to winning ways while extending six-year streak against rivals
“Last week, he could have scored a couple but wasn’t at his best. Today, his movement in the box leading to that goal was exceptional.”
“He’s still very young, and we must remember he only started four A-League matches prior to joining us.”
“He’s doing remarkably well and will continue to improve with each game.”
After joining Adelaide in the off-season from his boyhood club Newcastle Jets, Goodwin has flourished under Veart’s guidance, showcasing his abilities after a tumultuous injury track record.
Having debuted for the Jets in 2021, repetitive injuries meant the 20-year-old played a total of 46 league matches, making just six starts and netting eight goals.
Now rejuvenated in South Australia, Goodwin has matched that goal tally in just 15 games for the Reds, raising suggestions that he may soon attract the attention of Socceroos coach Tony Popovic.
“This season, my aim was to consistently reach match fitness and play 90 minutes regularly,” Goodwin said when quizzed by former Adelaide defender Robbie Cornthwaite about his readiness for international competition.
“This is a critical moment for me to step up, challenge my body, and play as much as I can.”
He added, “I’ve been building up, and today I coped with 75 minutes. It’s a significant step into what I aim to achieve, and it will only improve from here.”
Next up for both Adelaide United and Goodwin is a home match against his former side, Newcastle Jets, in Round 19 of the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Brisbane coach lauds returning star after latest goal: ‘We needed him’
Brisbane Roar head coach Ruben Zadkovich has highlighted the significant impact of Henry Hore following his return to the club.
Following a commendable season last year, Hore moved to K League 1 side Gangwon FC on a six-month loan that could potentially lead to a permanent transfer.
However, the 25-year-old made a swift return to the Roar last month after registering 13 appearances in South Korea. He has hit the ground running, scoring two goals in three games since his return to the Isuzu UTE A-League.
MATCH REPORT: Wellington held by last-placed Roar as penalty no-call frustrates the Phoenix
After going a goal down in the 61st minute, Hore equalised for the Queenslanders with a brilliant solo effort ten minutes later, securing a point.
“As I mentioned before he left, he was our leading goal scorer, topped the goal contributions, and led in assists last season,” said Zadkovich.
“Based on those metrics alone, he’s arguably our best player.”
“Losing someone like Wellington’s standout player, Kosta Barbarouses, would significantly impact them. The absence of Hore for the first 10 or 11 matches hurt us, frankly; it really did.”
“Many of those matches were closely contested. His absence was felt sorely. Yet, some of these situations are beyond my control, and financial limitations present real challenges.”
“Having him back— a local player with a strong character and professionalism who is eager to improve— is a huge boost. He has been registering almost a goal every two games since I’ve been here.”
“Our playing style aligns well with his strengths, making him a crucial part of our approach. We need to attract a few more quality players around him to make a significant difference.”
Leaving New Zealand with a point, Brisbane Roar now enjoys a weekend off in Round 19 before facing Newcastle Jets away on February 21.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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