Round 13 had 21 goals in six games, with 16 in three games and only five goals in the other three games.
In five out of six matches where a team claimed three points, the winning team had less possession than their opponent.
Western Sydney Wanderers were the only team with the bye.
Let’s take a look at who made the difference for each team.
Melbourne Victory
Zinedine Machach put in a good display; the attacking midfielder created the most chances of any player on the pitch with four, including a through ball, leading to a chance for Daniel Arzani to score, but was denied by Western United goalkeeper Matt Sutton.
The Frenchman provided the assist for the goal scored by Santos in the 79th minute to make the score 3-2 in favour of Victory.
Western United
Hiroshi Ibusuki had a complete performance; the 33-year-old held the ball up well and created havoc for the Victory defence and was rewarded by scoring a brace.
The first goal scored by the Japanese import made the score 1-1, with Ben Garuccio providing the assist with a pinpoint cross, following an exquisite through ball by Luke Vickery.
The second goal scored by him was a typical poacher’s goal with substitute Riku Danzaki crossing the ball to Ibusuki, which made the score 4-3; within the space of a week Western United had scored two goals in second half stoppage time to turn two potential losses into two wins!
The striker made some interesting observations: “We all day work hard, we fight until the last moment. It was a very tough game for us.”
Wellington Phoenix
Corban Piper earned a corner and scored from it, thanks to a great header from a corner taken by Hideki Ishige, which made the score 1-1 in the 50th minute. The 22-year-old won eight duels and showed great endeavour, as he looked to will his team back into the game.
Adelaide United
Dylan Pierias was a big part of why the Reds left Wellington with three points; the 24-year-old played a part in both goals scored by his team.
The right-back passed the ball to Zach Clough, with Clough’s cross resulting in an own goal from Phoenix defender Matthew Sheridan.
The second goal came through a goalkeeping error by the Phoenix goalkeeper, Josh Oluwayemi, from a cross by Pierias, with the mistake pounced upon by Reds substitute Luka Jovanovic.
Melbourne City
Ben Mazzeo scored the only goal of the game with a cracking header from a well taken corner from City substitute, Zane Schreiber. The 19-year-old also created two chances and found pockets of space.
His post-match comments were insightful: “It’s fantastic that us young boys, you know we can score when we need to score and I think now we’re in a situation that is quite positive and it’s just about maintaining it and not dropping the standard.”
Brisbane Roar
Macklin Freke had a fantastic game and was unfortunate to end up on the losing side. It was great to see that the 26-year-old still had the belief to pull off six saves and keep his team in the game.
The Roar were fortunate that they had Freke between the sticks, because they could’ve lost by more than a solitary goal if not for his presence.
Sydney FC
Adrian Segecic was introduced in the 55th minute and played with a point to prove; the substitute scored a hat-trick in a great display that will give Sky Blues coach Ufuk Talay plenty to think about when he selects his next starting 11.
The 20-year-old summed everything up well: “It’s unbelievable. For us, it’s the biggest game of the season. I get my chances off the bench. When you get your chance, you need to come and take them and I think I’ve done that today.”
(Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Anthony Caceres proved that the three goals scored by Segecic were no fluke: “He’s an extremely hard worker and I’m happy for him.”
Central Coast Mariners
Christian Theoharous played with plenty of energy; the 25-year-old won three fouls, nine duels and had a shot well saved by Sky Blues goalkeeper, Harrison-Devenish Meares in the 29th minute. The score was 1-1 in the 65th minute when he was substituted off in a game that the Mariners ended up losing 4-1.
Perth Glory
Jaylan Pearman scored an exceptional goal from outside the box with Jarrod Carluccio providing the assist; the only goal of the game scored in the 29th minute boosted the morale of Glory players and their fans.
The 18-year-old spoke post-match: “It feels amazing, honestly, one of the best strikes I’ve ever done in my life. Can hopefully keep progressing and get more wins from now.”
Glory coach David Zdrilic praised Pearman’s goal: “That was special, I’m glad for him he got the goal.”
Auckland FC
Logan Rogerson was substituted on for Auckland FC after half-time and put in a display that should mean he’s in the starting 11 when Auckland FC play their next game; the 26-year-old finished the game with four tackles, the most of any player in the match, created two chances and won seven duels.
Newcastle Jets
Lachlan Bayliss had the most tackles of any player in the match with five and won nine duels. The 22-year-old created two chances and had two shots on target, most notably in the 77th minute, as the shot from Bayliss was well saved by Bulls goalkeeper, Filip Kurto.
Macarthur FC
Bernardo did everything that’s needed from a substitute; the 20-year-old made an impact with his shot saved by Ryan Scott, that led to an elementary tap in for Jed Drew.
The young prospect played a one two with fellow substitute Daniel De Silva; Bernardo profited from it by scoring a goal with a clinical finish that was too good for Jets goalkeeper Ryan Scott.
Bulls coach Mile Sterjovski was full of praise for the 20-year-old: “The boys who came on made a difference. I was pleased for him.”
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