Sydney FC Lose[/b]
Melbourne Victory kept its season alive for another week and condemned Sydney to finals defeat in the most dramatic fashion with a stoppage time volley from Brazilian Gui Finkler, whose goal gave the hosts a 2-1 win on Friday.
Both sides were preparing for extra time and a potential penalty shoot out when the excellent James Troisi summoned the energy for a last gasp burst into the Sydney penalty area. His cross was blocked, but the ball fell to Adama Traore, whose chipped pass into the penalty area was met perfectly by Finkler to shatter the Sky Blues finals dreams in the 91st minute. It was a suitably thrilling conclusion to an exciting contest in which both sides, at different times, had looked the more likely victors. With the game destined for extra-time, the Brazilian found space in the box and kept his composure to calmly slot away Adama Traore’s cross for a 2-1 elimination final win at Etihad Stadium.
Victory will go on and play Brisbane Roar or Western Sydney depending on the result between Central Coast and Adelaide United in Gosford, but it was a blunder by the star Italian that led to the opener - with Seb Ryall creating a decoy overlap, Del Piero tried to cut inside only to be tackled by Pablo Contreras. The Chilean carried the ball forward, released to James Troisi who patiently attacked the Sydney defence and when he drew the back three in a central position, released Archie Thompson wide on the left who curled it past keeper Vedran Janjetovic with his first touch.
But Del Piero’s made a telling contribution for the equaliser as he released Ali Abbas, who tried hard all night and the Iraqi’s cross was volleyed home by Ryall 12 minutes before halftime. The former Juventus star will now hold talks about his future and although the smart money would be on him calling time on his career, the last few weeks have made him think that he could go on for another year. There were some epic sub-duels going on - Mark Milligan versus the wily Milos Dimitrijevic, Troisi against Ognenovski and the master (Frank Farina) against the apprentice in Kevin Muscat. But after some hairy moments early in his tenure - none more so than the 5-0 Australia Day loss to Sydney FC at the same venue when some were calling for Muscat’s head. But he hasn’t put a foot wrong since then, which was a turning point for Victory and an A-League grand final and Asian Champions League round of 16 appearance is not beyond the realms.
Melbourne Victory kept its season alive for another week and condemned Sydney to finals defeat in the most dramatic fashion with a stoppage time volley from Brazilian Gui Finkler, whose goal gave the hosts a 2-1 win on Friday.
Both sides were preparing for extra time and a potential penalty shoot out when the excellent James Troisi summoned the energy for a last gasp burst into the Sydney penalty area. His cross was blocked, but the ball fell to Adama Traore, whose chipped pass into the penalty area was met perfectly by Finkler to shatter the Sky Blues finals dreams in the 91st minute. It was a suitably thrilling conclusion to an exciting contest in which both sides, at different times, had looked the more likely victors. With the game destined for extra-time, the Brazilian found space in the box and kept his composure to calmly slot away Adama Traore’s cross for a 2-1 elimination final win at Etihad Stadium.
Victory will go on and play Brisbane Roar or Western Sydney depending on the result between Central Coast and Adelaide United in Gosford, but it was a blunder by the star Italian that led to the opener - with Seb Ryall creating a decoy overlap, Del Piero tried to cut inside only to be tackled by Pablo Contreras. The Chilean carried the ball forward, released to James Troisi who patiently attacked the Sydney defence and when he drew the back three in a central position, released Archie Thompson wide on the left who curled it past keeper Vedran Janjetovic with his first touch.
But Del Piero’s made a telling contribution for the equaliser as he released Ali Abbas, who tried hard all night and the Iraqi’s cross was volleyed home by Ryall 12 minutes before halftime. The former Juventus star will now hold talks about his future and although the smart money would be on him calling time on his career, the last few weeks have made him think that he could go on for another year. There were some epic sub-duels going on - Mark Milligan versus the wily Milos Dimitrijevic, Troisi against Ognenovski and the master (Frank Farina) against the apprentice in Kevin Muscat. But after some hairy moments early in his tenure - none more so than the 5-0 Australia Day loss to Sydney FC at the same venue when some were calling for Muscat’s head. But he hasn’t put a foot wrong since then, which was a turning point for Victory and an A-League grand final and Asian Champions League round of 16 appearance is not beyond the realms.