The last season’s runners up won their first game against Brisbane roar despite Adrian Luna’s red card.
Melbourne were off to a winning start in A-League after outplaying Brisbane Roar 1-0 at Dolphin Oval.
Kisnorbo’s side would be delighted with the result following their slump in the last season’s final.
The hosts posed as the most dangerous side in the opening half but their momentum withered after.
Melbourne broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute when midfielder Connor Metcalfe found the nets after combining brilliantly with last season’s top scorer Jamie Maclaren. Soon, the visitors were reduced to ten-man after attacking midfielder Adrain Luna received his second yellow for his foul on Rahmat Akbari.
However, Brisbane couldn’t take advantage of the situation as their complacency in the final third, similar to last season, proved costly once again. They looked solid in the defence bar the one moment in the second when Maclaren and Metcalfe combined to score the winner. Roar’s Joey Champness and Scott McDonald, who returned to the set-up after a year hiatus, had the chances to upset Melbourne but all went in vain.
Andrew Nabbout’s debut with Melbourne City was cut short after he was taken off in the second half due to what looked like a hamstring injury.
Metcalfe has had a great game to remember after scoring the first goal of A-League this season. The 21-year-old midfielder, who grabbed the spotlight last season, looks like he is poised for another great campaign.
