Melbourne Lose Opener

Thursday, August 6, 2009
Melbourne Victory: 0
Central Coast Mariners: 2 (Simon 10′, McGlinchey 15′)
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Crowd: 18,855

Just a short post today as I didn’t see the game live due to logistical and technical difficulties, probably lucky in the end . Anyway, Melbourne played very poorly in the first half, lacked creativity and an attacking drive, which was probably due to the fact Merrick had deployed Brebner and Broxham in the middle of the park together (due to Ward and Celeski still not 100% fit). You not going to get far with two defensive midfielders trying to spark attacks, proof of that was when Ward came on in the 80th minute, he instantly impacted as he charged down the right wing causing headaches for the Mariners, and was unlucky not to have an assist to his name when Fabiano failed to finish off his beautiful cross. All in all, I’m not particularly worried as Melbourne have only ever won the first match of the season once, we will eventually hit our stride. Berger played well in left back. We were very unlucky to concede those 2 goals, especially McGlinchey’s which deflected off Vargas, also Ward and Celeski should be fit for this weeks game against Brisbane which should give us some drive in the midfield.

My only concern is that Muscat is injured and will miss 3-4 weeks. Matt Kemp has been the man earmarked to slot into his position alongside Vargas in the middle of defence, with rumors that either Sukha or PACE will play in right back as Kemp moves central. I hope Sukha gets the nod ahead of Pace or else we are in trouble.

Category: Melbourne Victory Team News

Tags: A-League, Billy Celeski, Brisbane Roar, Central Coast Mariners, Grant Brebner, Kevin Muscat, Leigh Broxham, Matt Kemp, Matt Simon, McGlinchey, Melbourne Victory Team News, Nicky Ward, Roddy Vargas, Steven Pace, Surat Sukha

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