A-League: Jamie Maclaren scores brace for Brisbane Roar in win over Sydney FC
BRISBANE coach John Aloisi’s demand that his side bounce back from their two-week nightmare was answered in style as the Roar returned to form with a 3-1 win over Sydney FC.
UPDATE: BRISBANE coach John Aloisi’s demand that his side bounce back from their two-week nightmare was answered in style as the Roar returned to form with a 3-1 win over Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.
Inspired by a brace from the returning Jamie Maclaren and a Thomas Broich masterclass, the Roar rediscovered their attacking spark and defensive grit after leaking eight goals and scoring only one – a penalty - in their previous two matches.
The win lifted the Roar above Melbourne City into second spot on the ladder, where they sit two points behind leaders Western Sydney Wanderers.
“What I really wanted from our players was a response from the last two weeks,” said a satisfied Aloisi as he reflected on the Roar’s return to the winner’s circle after 4-0 and 4-1 losses to Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United respectively.
“We conceded eight goals … had a lot of possession dominated a lot of the game but didn’t really do a lot with it, so I wanted desperation in both boxes, defending and in the final (attacking) third and it was a great response from the players.”
Back from the Olyroos’ failed AFC under-23 championships campaign, striker Maclaren opened the scoring in the eight minute after being found by a magnificent scoop pass from Broich, who produced arguably his best performance of the season a day after turning 35.
Surrounded by three Sydney players, Broich’s vision and technique were superb as he picked out Maclaren, who after hitting the post with his initial effort was first to the rebound to put the Roar ahead.
Sydney weathered the Roar storm and a first-half downpour to start the second half with intent and were rewarded with an equaliser in the 52nd minute when Roar midfielder Corona turned an Alex Gersbach’s free-kick into his own net.
However, Brisbane regained control of the contest and again hit the front in the 67th minute through skipper Matt McKay, who headed home at the back post after being found unmarked by a pinpoint Dimitri Petratos cross.
Maclaren sealed the Roar’s win in the 76th minute with his ninth of the campaign, tapping home from close range after some brilliant build-up work from Petratos and substitute Henrique.
“(It’s) a really good return from Jamie … I feel that every time that he plays that he’s going to score,” Aloisi said of the former Perth Glory marksman.
“He’s a goalscorer, he wants to score goals … there’s a lot of improvement left in him, but to get nine goals so far, and still a lot of football to be played, I expect Jamie to bang in some more.”
Sydney coach Graham Arnold said his team “looked flat” after backing up from their 1-0 loss to Melbourne Victory last Tuesday night.
“Give credit to Johnny (Aloisi) and Brisbane. They came down here with a plan … they deserved the three points,” Arnold said.
Originally published as A-League: Jamie Maclaren scores brace for Brisbane Roar in win over Sydney FC
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