Round 15 had 26 goals in six games and there were no draws. In five out of six games there was at least one team that scored three goals.
In four out of six matches where a team claimed three points, the winning team had less possession than their opponent.
Perth Glory were the only team with the bye.
Let’s take a look at who made a difference for each team.
Western United
Noah Botic was in the mood to score goals; the 23-year-old’s first goal was a good header from a pinpoint cross by Western United captain Ben Garuccio and the second one was a goal of the season contender, with a cracking finish from distance, which made the score 3-0.
Western United coach John Aloisi spoke about Botic post-match: “I would love Noah to stay. I believe so much in him. If he does stay, he can push if Australia make the World Cup. He’s even scoring goals from outside the box, that’s unlike Noah.”
Newcastle Jets
Lachlan Rose made an impact off the bench by scoring a goal that gave the Jets a lifeline, as the poacher’s finish reduced the deficit for the Jets to two goals in the 58th minute.
The 25-year-old brought energy off the bench and looked like he wants to cement a spot in the Jets’ starting 11.
Western Sydney Wanderers
Juan Mata helped the Wanderers get back into the game and gave them the impetus to nearly claim a point or a win with a pinpoint cross that was headed into the back of the net by fellow substitute James Temelkovski, which made the deficit for his team one goal in the 85th minute.
What will be the fallout of Stajcic’s comments? (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic praised Mata’s performance: “Juan was exceptional when he came on today. He really showed a bit of spark and creativity and added that extra little bit of quality that we needed in the front third in the last ten minutes and had that little bit of X-factor that we needed.”
Central Coast Mariners
Mikael Doka was outstanding for the Mariners; the 24-year-old created four chances, which was the most by any player in the match and provided an assist with a great cross that led to a headed goal by substitute Ryan Edmondson, which gave them a 2-0 lead in the 69th minute and scored the winning goal in second half stoppage time running the length of the field to put the game to bed.
The Brazilian made some fascinating comments via translator and teammate Arthur De Lima: “The team was together, the team was connected, that’s the whole point. It was just a great performance from the team, mentally.”
Auckland FC
Nando Pijnaker scored the second goal of the game in the 40th minute. The centre-back made a crucial intervention from a cross by Aziz Behich in first half stoppage time, that looked destined to go into the back of the net with City attacker Ben Mazzeo lurking. What resulted shortly afterwards was the third goal for Auckland FC.
Melbourne City
Patrick Beach had a challenging game, as City conceded three goals. The 21-year-old kept the scoreboard respectable with some top draw saves; the three-goal loss flattered his team. The save Beach made from Auckland FC substitute Cameron Howieson in the 91st minute epitomised his value to the team.
Sydney FC
Joe Lolley did everything in his power to get his team at least a point; the 32-year-old created the most chances of any player in the match with five, but unfortunately for Lolley he was on the losing side, despite providing two assists, both on his non preferred right foot.
Brisbane Roar
Ben Halloran played a part in all four goals scored by the Roar; the former Reds winger scored the opening goal of the game, thanks to an exquisite chip over Sky Blues goalkeeper Harrison Devenish-Meares, after a great long pass by Roar captain Jay O’Shea.
The 32-year-old put in a great cross that led to the second goal and provided the assist for both the third and fourth goals scored by his team, which proved pivotal in the outcome of the game.
Adelaide United
Ethan Alagich scored what proved to be the winning goal of the game thanks to a fantastic cutback by Reds substitute Yaya Dukuly; the goal made the score 3-2 in the 71st minute. The 21-year-old scored his second goal of the season.
Reds coach Carl Veart was full of praise for Alagich: “I am very pleased for him. Ethan gets through a lot of work, and I’m very happy to see him get that moment.”
Melbourne Victory
Daniel Arzani put in a good shift for Victory. The playmaker came close to scoring in the 21st minute thanks to a cutback by Clarismario Santos, but Arzani’s shot was well saved by Reds goalkeeper Ethan Cox.
The 26-year-old created the most chances of any player in the match with four and provided an assist for the equalising goal scored by Santos in the 66th minute with an inch perfect cross, which made the score 2-2.
Macarthur FC
Luke Brattan performed admirably; the former Sky Blue helped his team control the tempo of the game and the balance of play in the first half.
The 34-year-old was the architect of the first goal of the game, as the midfielder’s pass to Jed Drew led to a goal scored by Jake Hollman. The experienced campaigner created four chances, made five tackles, won ten duels and displayed great fight.
Wellington Phoenix
Alby Kelly-Heald justified him starting in two successive games; the 19-year-old kept a clean sheet against the Sky Blues and was arguably man of the match against the Bulls.
The Phoenix shot-stopper kept the deficit for his team at one goal going into half time and gave his team the impetus to go on win a game, despite not being at the races in the first half.
Post-match the young prospect showed he has his feet on the ground: “Credit to Macarthur, I thought they were amazing.”
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