The Melbourne Victory beat the Wellington Phoenix last night, securing their first ever Pre-Season Cup.
After neither side failed to churn out a goal in regular playing time, it was left up to a penalty shoot-out to determine the victor. After both Shane Smeltz and Nick Ward lobbed their penalties over the bar, it wasn’t until the 18th penalty that Michael Theoklitos stopped Karl Dodd’s attempt, giving Melbourne its third piece of silverware.
It was en enjoyable, free-flowing match, with Melbourne and Wellington quite evenly matched. Both sides attacked with verve, but it was two strong defences that triumphed in the end.
Ernie Merrick started with a back four of Vargas and Thwaite in the centre, while Ryall and Kemp played as fullbacks. Kemp struggled with the pace of Leo Bertos early on, but emerged as one of Melbourne’s strongest players after Merrick swapped him to the right side of the pitch.
There was little width to the Melbourne midfield, with Luis Lopez, Hernandez, Ward and Berger all moving in the centre of the park. Berger and Kemp brought width to the formation at times, but it’s plain to see that the main thrust of Victory’s attack will come down the central channel this season.
Up front, Fabiano and Allsopp combined well, but were thwarted by solid defensive performances from Jon McKain, Karl Dodd and Manny Muscat. Still, I was impressed by Fabiano’s touch and vision.
Ultimately, it was Theoklitos that won the game for Melbourne. Some fine saves in the second half kept Melbourne in the game when Wellington were bearing down hard.
The victory means that Melbourne are now the most successful A-League team in terms of silverware amassed. Not only that, but Ernie Merrick is the most successful A-League coach.
Which is all well and good, but most of us know that the Pre-Season Cup means very little. What was most encouraging about last night was the team’s solid performance.
Does Melbourne have the talent and depth to claim more silverware this year? Me thinks so.
1 comment so far ↓
Yeah it was promising enough…it seems we still have a problem with the long ball. Both teams were rusty so I think we will improve as we go. Theo in top form which is a positive.
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