Sydney FC have defeated Melbourne Victory 4-2 in a penalty shootout in Sunday’s A-League grand final to win the championship. They have also claimed the domestic double.
In the shootout, Sydney’s Alex Wilkinson sprayed his shot wide before Melbourne’s Carl Valeri crashed his effort off the crossbar and Marcos Rojas had his effort saved by Danny Vukovic. It was left to Johnny Warren Medal winner Milos Ninkovic to slot home the match-winning spot kick.
Melbourne’s Besart Berisha and Sydney’s Rhyan Grant scored the goals during the first 90 minutes of a bruising battle – in which 11 yellow cards were issued among 59 fouls. Berisha gave Victory the lead in the 20th minute with a sublime goal. Tempers boiled over in the 34th minute when Sydney’s Milos Ninkovic was taken down by a Leigh Broxham tackle.
Scores were locked at 1-1 after extra-time at Allianz Stadium, but the Blues prevailed to claim the club’s third championship. With the scores tied, the decider went to extra-time and Melbourne playmaker Troisi came centimetres from a winner – his crisp volley in the 107th minute struck the inside of the left-hand post. Just three minutes later, Sky Blues stalwart Carney was brought down and tumbled into the box amid cries for a penalty, but the foul occurred centimetres outside the box. Carney then butchered a gilt-edged chance when in time and space in the box before the penalty shootout.
Sources: BrisbaneTimes.com.au