Recruit Reno Piscopo has scored a spectacular long-range goal to deliver Melbourne Victory a 2-1 comeback win over Macarthur FC.
Much like their Australia Cup loss to the Bulls, Victory appeared set to rue a dominant A-League Men performance without a clinical edge when Macarthur skipper Valere Germain headed home against the run of play in the 51st minute.
But substitute Daniel Arzani sparked the Victory then equalised from the penalty spot in the 69th minute, before the impressive Piscopo, 26, delivered the lead in awe-inspiring fashion six minutes later at AAMI Park on Sunday.
With Socceroos coach Tony Popovic among those watching on, Piscopo, who has had a promising career interrupted by injury, received the ball in midfield and looped a wonderful strike into the top corner.
It capped off an eye-catching performance that had previously lacked end product – from both Victory (22 shots to nine) and Piscopo.
Intriguingly, coach Patrick Kisnorbo left veteran striker Bruno Fornaroli out of his squad.
Kisnorbo has used Greek recruit Nikos Vergos as his starting striker, with Jing Reec his preferred first option off the bench.
Victory had nine shots (four on target) to Macarthur’s three (none on target) in the first half, but rarely tested Filip Kurto.
Macarthur winger Jed Drew failed to take golden opportunities in the 11th and 16th minutes, while Victory’s Ryan Teague rippled the side netting from long range in the 26th minute among a plethora of Victory chances.
Referee Jack Morgan was unwilling to pay fouls or dish out cards early and tempers flared when Macarthur’s Luke Brattan went through Nishan Velupillay, without being booked, in the 43rd minute.
Kurto denied Piscopo three minutes after halftime and, predictably, Macarthur struck soon afterwards.
Marin Jakolis lifted a wonderful cross into a dangerous area where Germain rose between two Victory defenders to flick home.
Zinedine Machach should have equalised in the 54th minute, but blasted his shot into the stands.
Shortly after, Kisnorbo was incensed when Morgan didn’t book Jake Hollman for what was almost a rugby tackle, and turned to Arzani just after the hour mark.
Reno Piscopo celebrates after scoring. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Victory earned their penalty when Walter Scott was ruled to have handballed in the box.
After a lengthy delay, Arzani buried the spot-kick.
Then Piscopo received the ball in space from Kasey Bos and let loose a certain goal-of-the-year contender.
The Bulls pressed for an equaliser late, but Jason Geria in particular defended brilliantly as Victory held on.
Second-placed Victory (2-1-0) host Brisbane next Saturday, and sixth-placed Macarthur (1-0-2) face Sydney FC away next Sunday.
© AAP
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