Melbourne City secured their first win of the season off the back of Jamie Maclaren, downing Adelaide United 2-1 at AAMI Park.

Maclaren, who missed last week’s opener with international duties, booted two goals in the first half to establish an early lead for Melbourne, which despite a strong second half from Adelaide was enough to claim the three points.

City controlled possession early and owned the ball in their forward half. Ramy Najjarine broke free of the defence for the first opportunity, his low strike thundered into the post and was saved by Paul Izzo, who dived on the ball just before it crossed the line.

It took until the 24th minute for City to strike. Najjarine placed the ball into the path of a surging Maclaren, who one-on-one with the keeper found the back of the net for the team’s first goal of the season.

Minutes later Maclaren struck again. From the corner Scott Jamieson whipped the ball to the top of the box where the striker seized on the bouncing ball, booting his second goal in the 28th minute.

The momentum then began to shift in the direction of the visitors. Michael Maria created two opportunities within a handful of minutes.

His first was parried away by Dean Bouzanis before he connected with a low cross from Riley McGree and put it just wide of the post.

Adelaide continued their momentum to start the second half by creating an early opportunity for McGree, whose shot was saved by Bouzanis.

Ten minutes into the second half Maclaren almost secured his hat-trick, following a long pass from defender Scott Galloway but his attempt went high. Minutes later Maclaren tried again, this time he was denied by the keeper.

A corner opportunity for Adelaide set up a low strike from McGree, which found the back of the net, halving the deficit.

This sparked the Reds and minutes later they had an opportunity to level the game. A cross from Nikola Mileusnic found McGree wide open but he squandered a golden opportunity to equalise.

Adelaide continued to create chances late in the half but City’s defence, bolstered by the late inclusion of Joshua Brillante, held strong.

After four minutes of extra time, Adelaide were unable to find the equaliser relegating them to their second defeat of the season.

While Melbourne City after a draw last week secured their first win under new coach Erick Mombaerts.

The Reds will be looking to reverse the result when the two teams face off in the FA Cup Final in three days time.

Melbourne City: 2 (Maclaren 24’ 28’)

Adelaide United: 1 (McGree  67’)

AAMI Park
Referee: Shaun Evans
Assistant Referees: Daniel Ilievski, Tony Peart
Fourth Official: Jack Morgan

Melbourne City: Dean BOUZANIS (GK), Scott JAMIESON, Harrison DELBRIDGE, Richard WINDBICHLER, Scott GALLOWAY, Connor METCALFE, Rostyn GRIFFITHS, Lachie WALES, Craig NOONE, Jamie MACLAREN, Ramy NAJJARINE, Javier CABRERA (45’), Joshua BRILLANTE (61’), Adrian LUNA (79’)

Unused Subs: Thomas GLOVER (GK), Nathanial ATKINSON, Curtis GOOD, Moudi NAJJAR

Adelaide United: Paul IZZO (GK), Michael MARRONE, Michael MARIA, Vince LIA, Ryan KITTO, Riley McGREE, Kristian OPSETH, Nikola MILEUSNIC, Michael JAKOBSEN, Louis D’ARRIGO, Yared ABETEW, Lachlan BROOK (45’), Nathan KONSTANDOPOULOS (72’), Al Hassan TOURE (72’)

Unused Subs: Isaac RICHARDS (GK)

Feature image credit: Ngau Kai Yan