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While only in charge of the side for 18 months, Postecoglou has
made an invaluable contribution to the football club, acknowledged by players and fans alike.
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| Ange says goodbye. Credit: Melbourne Victory |
Melbourne claimed a tense 1-0 victory over the Brisbane Roar in a match of class and intrigue. It was the hero from last week James Troisi who stepped up to the mark again, nailing the solemn goal in the 56th minute.
In a night of high emotions at Etihad, it was a delicious
hit of irony that in his last game before taking the Socceroos post,
Postecoglou would come up against his former club Brisbane Roar.
In many aspects this was the game that Ange built. The DNA of
Postecoglou’s game plan was all over this match as both sides' passing game was
in full flight for the 90 minutes.
Victory had the better of the exchanges in the first 20 minutes
as they tried to run Brisbane off the park early. From there it was
Brisbane who managed to work their way into the game, testing the Victory
defence to no avail.
With top marksmen Besart Berisha out injured and Henrique warming
the pine, the attacking load was left to youngster Kwame Yeboah. The young speedster
caused Victory problems all night on the ball.
A real feature in Melbourne’s first two games has been a
reliance to attack up the field via the left flank. This was in full use again
as Victory attempted to penetrate down Brisbane's right on more
than one occasion.
The deadlock was broken on 56 minutes as Troisi made
it two goals in two games for Victory. The goal came from some tidy lead in play between Archie
Thompson and Mitch Nicholls. Troisi had looked like he buried himself with a
heavy first touch but he recovered well and converted from a tight angle.
Despite the best efforts from Brisbane to force an equaliser
the fairytale farewell to the Victory gaffer came true.
The three points for the Victory were made possible thanks to a grinding defensive effort by the back four all evening. It was the club's second clean sheet for the season and against a club known for their goal scoring prowess. The target of much criticism last season, Victory's back line have been rejuvenated this year lifting their effort considerably and tonight was no different.
While proud of his brief spell and looking forward to the challenge ahead with the national team, Postecoglou still leaves the club with a heavy heart.
While proud of his brief spell and looking forward to the challenge ahead with the national team, Postecoglou still leaves the club with a heavy heart.
“I was given a great opportunity to come home and coach the biggest
club in the country. When you are given an opportunity like that you want to repay
that, but I don’t think I have.”
For Victory their post-Postecoglou life starts much earlier than anticipated. In such a short time at the club Postecoglou has managed to make some vital changes that will be carried on by whoever steps into the coaching hot-seat next.
But just like those hearty 17 and 18 year old graduating school kids, the big test
lies ahead for both the Melbourne club and the now ex-Melbourne coach.
Melbourne Victory
1. Nathan COE (GK), 3. Adama TRAORE, 4. Nick ANSELL, 5. Mark
MILLIGAN(c), 6. Leigh BROXHAM, 9. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 10. Archie THOMPSON, 14.
James TROISI, 15. Mitch NICHOLLS, 23.
Adrian LEIJER, 25. Jason GERIA
Subs: 20. Lawrence THOMAS (GK), 7. Guilherme FINKLER, 11. Connor
PAIN, 16. Rashid MAHAZI, 24. Scott GALLOWAY
Brisbane Roar
1. Michael THEO (GK), 2. Mathew SMITH (C), 3. Shane STEFANUTTO,
5. Ivan FRANJIC, 11. Liam MILLER, 13. Jade NORTH, 17. Matt McKAY, 18. Luke
BRATTAN, 19. Jack HINGERT, 22. Thomas BROICH, 29. Kwame YEBOAH
Subs: 20. Matthew ACTION (GK), 10. HENRIQUE, 15. James DONACHIE,
23. Dimitri PETRATOS, 26. Corey BROWN.