After a heavy FFA Cup defeat, Jamie Maclaren’s spectacular double goal efforts have gifted Melbourne City a 2-1 victory over new Melbourne rival’s Western United.
Maclaren has scored 10 goals in his past seven games for City – four in the A-League and six throughout the FFA Cup.
The 26-year-old’s stunning execution started during FFA Cup pre-season where he belted a goal against NPL side Marconi Stallions 2-1 in round 16.
Maclaren secured two goals again in the round 32 against NSW NPL side Camberwell City. And found the net again in the quarter-final during a 3-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.
The semi-final was next, as City comfortably surpassed Queensland NPL side Brisbane Strikers 5-1. Maclaren scored two goals, making his personal record six goals from four games before A-League season even began.
He returned to the A-League in the most dangerous of form. Maclaren brought his four A-league goals to six, during an inaugural rivalry with new Melbourne team Western United.
City took an early lead when Maclaren outbroke United’s defence in the 32nd minute.
Despite being a man short for close to 40 minutes, Maclaren rolled his team to victory with five minutes left of the game. Josh Brillante found Maclaren who outbroke United’s defence, neatly pushing the ball past Filip Kurto for the win.
Aside from the likes of John Aloisi, Michael Beauchamp and Simon Colosimo – and Uruguayan striker Bruno Fornaroli, City have lacked a true marquee player to base their on-field victories upon.
The Sunbury native is in the prime of his career and only time will tell if there is a golden boot in his future. Or if his form will continue during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar?
Yet, Maclaren’s aggressive and rhythmic attacks have created a well-rounded offensive side for City so far in the season.
City coach Erick Mombaerts echoed such sentiments and was nothing short of pleased about the star striker’s performance.
“He was perfect today and has been playing very well. He is always a big trouble and danger for opponent teams,” he said.
“It’s not easy to score but he managed to do it.
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Despite being in their tenth A-league campaign, City has endured throughout the perception of being Melbourne’s second club behind powerhouse Melbourne Victory.
The new introduction of United earlier this year had the potential to drop the perception to third after the Green and Black’s started their season undefeated.
Maclaren’s goals against United took his tally to 60 goals in 101 A-League games, as he chases a second A-League golden boot — and perhaps the all-time goalscoring record in the competition.
With 60 goals Maclaren sits alongside Kosta Barbarouses, the Sydney FC forward having also scored 60 goals in the competition.
Feature image credit: Ngau Kai Yan
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