A-League
Mariners’ Brave Fight Falls Short Against Vissel Kobe
Mariners Prove Their Mettle Against J1 League Leaders
Central Coast Mariners demonstrated resilience and fighting spirit but fell agonizingly short in their AFC Champions League Elite clash, losing 3-2 to reigning J1 League champions Vissel Kobe on Tuesday.
The Mariners, traveling to Japan for matchday five, faced the formidable 2024 J1 League leaders and two-time defending champions. Despite trailing 2-0 early in the second half, they launched an inspiring comeback with two quick goals, only to see their efforts undone by a late strike from Daiju Sasaki.
Mark Jackson, the Mariners’ head coach, praised his team’s determination, emphasizing their ability to compete at the highest level against elite opposition.
Valiant Fightback Ends in Heartbreak
The game appeared to slip away from the Mariners when Ryuho Kikuchi scored in the 40th minute, followed by an own goal from Storm Roux just after halftime. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when Hotaru Yamaguchi returned the favor with an own goal in the 54th minute, sparking the Mariners’ resurgence.
The breakthrough came in the 74th minute when 19-year-old Bailey Brandtman netted his second ACL Elite goal in as many games, leveling the scoreline. The teenager’s heroics had previously salvaged a point against Shanghai Shenhua, further solidifying his potential on the international stage.
However, their joy was short-lived. With just nine minutes remaining, a long-range strike from Daiju Sasaki eluded young goalkeeper Dylan Peraic-Cullen, sealing the Mariners’ fate.
“We’re really disappointed we couldn’t hold on for at least a point,” Jackson said post-match. “We executed much of our game plan well, particularly defensively, but it’s disappointing to concede the third goal after such a strong fightback.”
Competing at the Highest Level
The Mariners arrived in Kobe with just one point from their first four matches and aimed for their first win of the campaign against one of Asia’s powerhouse clubs. Jackson was candid about the challenge of facing a team of Vissel Kobe’s caliber but lauded his squad’s commitment.
“We knew we were up against a really strong opponent in great form,” he said. “I’m proud of how the team carried out the defensive structure we planned. Conceding from a set-play hurt, but the courage and fight shown to level the match speaks volumes about the team’s character.”
The coach also praised the atmosphere at Kobe’s Noevir Stadium and reflected on the invaluable experience gained by his young players.
“This stage, with incredible fans and a top-level opponent, is a fantastic learning opportunity for our players,” he said. “Despite the result, we’ve proven that we can compete with the best.”
Next Steps
The defeat leaves Central Coast Mariners with a steep hill to climb as they look to salvage their AFC Champions League Elite campaign. Despite the setback, the team’s fighting spirit and the emergence of young talents like Brandtman offer hope for the future.
