By james art 
Anna Harrington |
Coach Patrick Kisnorbo believes there is more to come from Reno Piscopo after the Melbourne Victory rookie scored a spectacular long-range goal to secure a 2-1 win against Macarthur FC.
Kisnorbo also backed the somewhat “harsh” decision to leave the stalwart Bruno Fornaroli completely out of his squad.
Much like their Australian Cup final loss to the Bulls, Victory looked set to rue a dominant but wasteful performance in the men’s A-League when MacArthur captain Valer Germain scored in the 51st minute.
But substitute Daniel Arzani sparked the victory, then equalized from the penalty spot in the 69th minute, before 26-year-old Piscopo gave the lead in impressive fashion six minutes later at AAMI Park on Sunday.
Under the watch of Socceroos coach Tony Popovic, Piscopo – who had a promising career cut short by injury – received the ball from Casey Boss in midfield and fired a wonderful shot into the top corner.
But if everyone else was amazed, Kisnorbo reduced the goal.
“The Reno goal was great, but the pressure on the ball to get that ball to pass to Reno was outstanding,” he said.
“In pre-season and now in the season, he’s really fought his way into the team through hard work, which is great and he’s got to keep it up.
“Regardless of the goal, which was nice, I thought his work on and off the ball was great.”
Kisnorbo started Greek rookie Nikos Vergos, with Jing Riek as his preferred back-up striker.
He chose an additional defender in the person of Joshua Rawlins instead of a third striker.
“I made the decision late yesterday and we picked another defender – I thought Rawlins started really well last week,” he said.
“So it was a bit tough for him to miss, but that’s the game. I think Nikos and Jing were outstanding.”
Kisnorbo pointed out that Fornaroli handled his miss well and must continue to work hard to regain his place.
Tempers flared when MacArthur’s Luke Brattan went over Nishan Velupillai without being booked in the 43rd minute.
Kisnorbo was fuming when Morgan did not book Jake Holman for an effective tackle on Ryan Teague in the 59th minute.
He said Brattan and Hollman’s challenges should have earned referee Jack Morgan bookings.
Victory earned their Walter Scott handball penalty.
Kisnorbo felt Scott’s arm was away from his body, but MacArthur colleague Mile Sterjovski believed it was in a natural position.
“To be honest – if you’d asked me a few years ago I would have said it’s definitely a pen, but we’re getting different messages,” he said.
“We had a meeting with the head of referees last week. If you ask me after this meeting, it won’t be a pen according to him and what he told us.
“So I’m tired of inconsistencies, to be honest.
“Last night there was a penalty that was not given (on Central Coast against Perth) for the same thing. It’s very disappointing.”
Second-placed Victory (2-1-0) host Brisbane next Saturday and sixth-placed MacArthur (1-0-2) face Sydney FC next Sunday.
AAP