Tom Smithies 1609986672,1609987821
“I think we’ve got the best No 9 in the country.”
Even by the standards of coaches promoting their players, Adelaide United boss Carl Veart’s claim about Tomi Juric was a bold claim for Match Week One.
The eyebrows of Melbourne City’s prolific marksman Jamie Maclaren might well have shot up in response, but there are several strikers around the A-League who are likely to believe they deserve that title… or will do soon.
Juric added succour to Veart’s claim with his first goal back in Adelaide’s colours against Melbourne City in Match Week Two, reflecting afterwards on “a rough couple of years” thanks to injury.
Matthew Comito 1609588826,1609588825
A change in tactics from Brisbane Roar and lack in match fitness in the Melbourne Victory camp were the key factors that contributed to Brisbane s 3-1 win on Saturday night, according to coaches of both sides.
An enthralling first half had ended at 1-1 at AAMI Park, with Scott McDonald s opener for Brisbane cancelled out by Callum McManaman s brilliant goal with just 24 minutes on the clock.
But in the second half everything changed as the Roar powered to a 3-1 win, and head coach Warren Moon had one thing in mind when assessing how his side managed to turn the tide in their favour: the introduction of midfielder Jesse Daley which released the shackles on creative technician Jay O Shea.
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The Socceroos winger, making his debut for City after a convoluted off-season switch from crosstown rivals Melbourne Victory via Perth, pulled up clutching his left hamstring midway through the second half of the 1-0 win at Redcliffe s Dolphin Stadium.
Midfielder Connor Metcalfe scored the winner for Patrick Kisnorbo in his first match in charge of City just minutes before Nabbout s injury.
City also had to play the final 20 minutes of the game with 10 men after Uruguayan Adrian Luna was shown a second yellow card by referee Adam Kersey.
Read More The first half was a bit sloppy. I think it probably comes down to nerves, Kisnorbo said.