Stuttgart confirm Rojas swoop

Transfer ... Marco Rojas is set to move to VfB Stuttgart in Germany. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

German Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart has confirmed Marco Rojas as its latest signing.

The Johnny Warren medallist passed Monday's medical and signs from Melbourne Victory on a free transfer, with the A-League club to receive $180,000 in compensation under FIFA laws.

Rojas has agreed terms on a multi-year deal with the club announcing the signing on Wednesday in Germany (Wednesday night EST).

"Marco has just been voted player of the year in Australia but that's not the only reason we noticed him,'' Stuttgart's head of sports Fredi Bobic told the club's website.

"He is a player who is well used to the attacking wide positions and provides speed.

"It will be interesting to see how quickly he can get used to the pace in Germany.''

Rojas said in a statement he was delighted with the move and looked forward to the challenge of stepping up to European football.

''With the decision that I make, it will probably revolve around those two things - making sure I play football and continue to push myself,'' Rojas said.

"It's important to continue to push myself, to become a better player and it's important to be playing games. That's probably the most important thing.

"No matter how hard you train and how much you do during and after training, it's always important to be playing the games and being in the match situations, that helps more than anything."

Stuttgart is currently 12th on the Bundesliga table and while the German league is one of the best in the world, Rojas said in March that he wanted to move to a club where he would play.

Victory hoped to retain Rojas after his breakthrough season, where he scored 15 goals, but it became evident that his sights were set on Europe when the Rojas camp refused to entertain the idea of extending his contract.

Rojas was signed from Wellington by former Victory coach Ernie Merrick and spent two seasons in Melbourne, though he struggled in his debut season, failing to score a goal.

But his stunning transformation this season saw him dubbed ''Kiwi Messi'' as he claimed the A-League player of the year award comfortably ahead of Alessandro Del Piero.

Rojas will join fellow former A-League players including Robbie Kruse, Mitch Langerak and Nikita Rukavytsya in Germany's top flight.

View the original article here

Rojas wins Johnny Warren Medal

Young star ... Rojas wins the Johnny Warren Medal and the NAB Rising Star award. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Melbourne Victory star Marco Rojas polled more than twice the votes of Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero to take out the Johnny Warren Medal for the A-League player of the year award on Monday night.

New Zealand representative Rojas polled 908 votes from his fellow players, with Sydney FC marquee star Del Piero next best on 449 in his successful maiden season in the A-League.

It was a red-letter night for 21 year-old Rojas at Sydney's Hilton Hotel, where he also scooped the young player of the year award.

Golden Boot winner Daniel McBreen, who led the A-League with 17 goals, was third in the Johnny Warren Medal, on 280 votes, followed by Central Coast clubmate and New Zealand international midfielder Michael McGlinchey (239), with Adelaide playmaker Dario Vidosic (222), rounding out the top five.

Midfielder Rojas has yet to decide whether he will play overseas next season or stay with Victory.

"I just wanted to finish the season first before I thought about it,'' Rojas said.

"Now it's finished I'll sit down with dad and think about it.

"I'll have a look at what's been offered to me and see what's the best for me, what's going to help me further develop my football.''

Melbourne midfielder Marcos Flores won the goal of the year award for his round five effort against Wellington Phoenix.

First-season franchise and Premier's Plate winner Western Sydney Wanderers picked up two awards.

Tony Popovic was named coach of the year and goalkeeper Ante Covic won the Golden Glove award.

Brisbane Roar collected the fair play award and Peter Green referee of the year.

Roar's Matildas star Clare Polkinghorne won the Julie Dolan Medal for the W-League player of the season.

Among the major W-League winners were Brisbane's Tameka Butt (players' player of the year), Perth's Katie Gill (Golden Boot), Newcastle's Emily van Egmond (goal of the year), Canberra's Mackenzie Arnold (goalkeeper of the year) and Melbourne's Stephanie Catley (young player of the year).

Ironically coach of the year went to former Melbourne Victory mentor Mike Mulvey, who left the W-League club during the season to take over as Brisbane Roar men's coach.

---

Johnny Warren Medal - Marco Rojas

NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award - Marco Rojas

Goalkeeper of the Year (Golden Glove) - Ante Covic - Western Sydney Wanderers

Golden Boot - Daniel McBreen - Central Coast Mariners - 17 Goals

Goal of the Year - Marcos Flores - Melbourne Victory v Wellington Phoenix - Round 5: 5 Nov 2012

Coach of the Year - Tony Popovic - Western Sydney Wanderers

Referee of the Year - Peter Green

Fair play award - Brisbane Roar FC

View the original article here

Hersi, Rojas threaten ADP's crown

On the march ... will Hersi or Rojas catch Del Piero? Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

After every round of the A-League season, Fox Sports will award points to the best three players in each fixture.

Judges will award points on a 3-2-1 basis, with the man with the most points at the end of the season being named the Alex Tobin Award winner.

Foxsports.com.au will update the standings every week.

---

Points after round 23:

26 points - Alessandro Del Piero

22 points - Marco Rojas, Youssouf Hersi

19 points - Michael McGlinchey

18 points - Richard Garcia, Dario Vidosic 

17 points - Mark Milligan, Rhyan Grant, Nikolai Topor-Stanley

16 points - Thomas Broich 

15 points -  Liam Miller, Daniel McBreen, Shinjo Ono

13 points - Pedj Bojic, Mark Bridge 

14 points -  Marcelo Carrusca

12 points - Aaron Mooy, Archie Thompson, Ruben Zadkovich

11 points - Adama Traore, Tom Rogic, Trent Sainsbury, Matt Thompson

10 points - Patrick Gerhardt, Jeremy Brockie, Massimo Murdocca

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Round 24

Newcastle Jets v Perth Glory

3-Danny Vukovic, 2-Michael Bridges, 1-Ruben Zadkovich

Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners

3-Rhyan Grant, 2-Terry Antonis, 1-Peter Triantis

Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory

3-Michael Theo, 2-Archie Thompson, 1-Mark Milligan

Western Sydney Wanderers v Wellington Phoenix

3-Youssouf Hersi, 2-Ben Sigmund, 1-Michael Beauchamp

Melbourne Heart v Adelaide United

3-Marcelo Carrusca, 2-Eugene Galekovic, 1-Dario Vidosic

---

Mid-week votes

Wellington Phoenix v Newcastle Jets

3-Michael Bridges, 2-Ruben Zadkovich, 1-Dominik Ritter

Points for round 23

Adelaide United v  Brisbane Roar

3-Ivan Franjic, 2-Thomas Broich, 1-Besart Berisha

Central Coast Mariners v Western Sydney Wanderers

3-Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 2-Michael Beauchamp, 3-Michael McGlinchey

Perth Glory v Sydney FC

3-Liam Miller, 2-Steve McGarry, 1-Alessandro Del Piero

Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Heart

3-Paul Ifill, 2-Jeremy Brockie, 1-Ben Sigmund

Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets

3-Marco Rojas, 2-Leigh Broxham, 1-Mark Milligan

---

Here are the points for round 22:

Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar

3-Jade North, 2- Emile Heskey, 1-Ruben Zadkovich

Western Sydney Wanderers v Perth Glory

3-Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 2-Shinji Ono, 1-Liam Miller

Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne Victory

3-Michael McGlinchey, 2-Bernie Ibini, 1-Mitch Duke

Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United

3-Corey Gameiro, 2-Marcelo Carrusca, 1-Cassio

Sydney FC v Melbourne Heart

3-Matt Thompson, 2-David Williams, 1-Jeremy Walker

---

Here are the points for round 21:

Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Heart

3-Zenon Caravella, 2-Adam Taggart, 1-Ryan Griffiths

Sydney FC v Adelaide United

3- Alessandro Del Piero, 2-Terry McFlynn, 1-Rhyan Grant

Melbourne Victory v Western Sydney Wanderers

3-Jerome Polenz, 2-Shinji Ono, 1-Scott Galloway

Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners

3-Nick Ward, 2-Liam Miller, 1-Trent Sainsbury

Brisbane Roar v Wellington Phoenix

3-Shane Stefanutto, 2-Luke Brattan, 1-Corey Gameiro

View the original article here

Hersi, Rojas threaten ADP's crown

On the march ... will Hersi or Rojas catch Del Piero? Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

After every round of the A-League season, Fox Sports will award points to the best three players in each fixture.

Judges will award points on a 3-2-1 basis, with the man with the most points at the end of the season being named the Alex Tobin Award winner.

Foxsports.com.au will update the standings every week.

---

Points after round 23:

26 points - Alessandro Del Piero

22 points - Marco Rojas, Youssouf Hersi

19 points - Michael McGlinchey

18 points - Richard Garcia, Dario Vidosic 

17 points - Mark Milligan, Rhyan Grant, Nikolai Topor-Stanley

16 points - Thomas Broich 

15 points -  Liam Miller, Daniel McBreen, Shinjo Ono

13 points - Pedj Bojic, Mark Bridge 

14 points -  Marcelo Carrusca

12 points - Aaron Mooy, Archie Thompson, Ruben Zadkovich

11 points - Adama Traore, Tom Rogic, Trent Sainsbury, Matt Thompson

10 points - Patrick Gerhardt, Jeremy Brockie, Massimo Murdocca

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Round 24

Newcastle Jets v Perth Glory

3-Danny Vukovic, 2-Michael Bridges, 1-Ruben Zadkovich

Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners

3-Rhyan Grant, 2-Terry Antonis, 1-Peter Triantis

Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory

3-Michael Theo, 2-Archie Thompson, 1-Mark Milligan

Western Sydney Wanderers v Wellington Phoenix

3-Youssouf Hersi, 2-Ben Sigmund, 1-Michael Beauchamp

Melbourne Heart v Adelaide United

3-Marcelo Carrusca, 2-Eugene Galekovic, 1-Dario Vidosic

---

Mid-week votes

Wellington Phoenix v Newcastle Jets

3-Michael Bridges, 2-Ruben Zadkovich, 1-Dominik Ritter

Points for round 23

Adelaide United v  Brisbane Roar

3-Ivan Franjic, 2-Thomas Broich, 1-Besart Berisha

Central Coast Mariners v Western Sydney Wanderers

3-Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 2-Michael Beauchamp, 3-Michael McGlinchey

Perth Glory v Sydney FC

3-Liam Miller, 2-Steve McGarry, 1-Alessandro Del Piero

Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Heart

3-Paul Ifill, 2-Jeremy Brockie, 1-Ben Sigmund

Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets

3-Marco Rojas, 2-Leigh Broxham, 1-Mark Milligan

---

Here are the points for round 22:

Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar

3-Jade North, 2- Emile Heskey, 1-Ruben Zadkovich

Western Sydney Wanderers v Perth Glory

3-Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 2-Shinji Ono, 1-Liam Miller

Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne Victory

3-Michael McGlinchey, 2-Bernie Ibini, 1-Mitch Duke

Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United

3-Corey Gameiro, 2-Marcelo Carrusca, 1-Cassio

Sydney FC v Melbourne Heart

3-Matt Thompson, 2-David Williams, 1-Jeremy Walker

---

Here are the points for round 21:

Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Heart

3-Zenon Caravella, 2-Adam Taggart, 1-Ryan Griffiths

Sydney FC v Adelaide United

3- Alessandro Del Piero, 2-Terry McFlynn, 1-Rhyan Grant

Melbourne Victory v Western Sydney Wanderers

3-Jerome Polenz, 2-Shinji Ono, 1-Scott Galloway

Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners

3-Nick Ward, 2-Liam Miller, 1-Trent Sainsbury

Brisbane Roar v Wellington Phoenix

3-Shane Stefanutto, 2-Luke Brattan, 1-Corey Gameiro

View the original article here

Archie reveals secret to Rojas duo

Dream team ... Archie explains the secrets to his success. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Archie Thompson revealed Melbourne Victory coach Ange Postecoglou's structure and discipline is the reason he and Marco Rojas have flourished this season.

Rojas has been the biggest benefactor of the Postecoglou regime, with Sunday's brace against Newcastle Jets taking his tally to 14 for the season - 14 more than his barren 2011-2012 campaign.

Thompson has already reached last season's seven goals and exceeded his assist tally, setting up his fifth of the season and Rojas' opener on Sunday.

It's foolish to say Rojas struggles without Thompson, but Fox Sports Stats prove how much the Socceroo helps the Kiwi when he's on the park.

Thompson said Postecoglou has given him a new lease of life at 34 but Rojas is the one who's realty grown under the new boss.

"He's one player that's really flourished under Ange, who has installed so much confidence in him,'' Thompson said.

"You don't even have to know football to see what the kid's got, he's confident, scores goals, it's exciting.

"Ange has instilled discipline and structure which has been good for me and the reason we've improved so drastically.

"At A-League level I've usually had that freedom to be able to float around the park where in the Socceroos I've always played within a structure.

"I'm 34 and if anything I'm still learning and that's why I enjoy playing so much and becoming a better player.''

Thompson's influence is evident - Victory has won just one of six without him while it concedes 3.2 goals per game without Thompson (19 in six games) and just 1.1 when he plays.

But the Rojas and Thompson numbers are intriguing:

* They are responsible for 51 per cent of Victory's goals this season;

* They've directly combined for seven of Victory's goals this season, primarily with their training ground counter attack and cross move;

* The club record 6-0 loss in round 2 was the only time both players have missed the same game.

Thompson said opposition teams were applying more attention to Rojas in recent weeks.

"Obviously he's getting more attention now and it's well deserved because he's done really well this year,'' Thompson said.

"When the likes of myself and Marcos (Flores) don't play, the opposition will tend to focus on one of the other key players and Marco has been one of them.

"Coming in takes some pressure off him and that's my job also.''

Postecoglou said 21-year-old Rojas is a victim of his own sudden rise.

"I still think people judge Rojas far too harshly, Marco has been consistent all year against all opposition,'' Postecoglou said.

"He's scored 14 goals, he's got half a dozen assists, he's 21 and if you have a look at all the other scorers on the charts there's not many that age and he hasn't scored any penalties, others have. And he doesn't play as an out and out striker.

"People say he struggles without Archie, we as a team don't have as many attacking options.

"If he does nothing else this season, scorers all over the world would be happy with that.

"Marco needs to supply, he can't pick up the ball himself.''

Thompson, Gui Finkler and Flores were the three who supplied that and with Flores set to return this week, no one will be happier than Rojas.

View the original article here

Rojas back in Medal hunt

Back in the race ... Marco Rojas is breathing down Del Piero's neck. Source: David Crosling / AAP

After every round of the A-League season, Fox Sports will award points to the best three players in each fixture.

Judges will award points on a 3-2-1 basis, with the man with the most points at the end of the season being named the Alex Tobin Award winner.

Foxsports.com.au will update the standings every week.

---

Points after round 23:

26 points - Alessandro Del Piero

22 points - Marco Rojas

19 points - Michael McGlinchey, Youssouf Hersi

18 points - Richard Garcia 

17 points - Dario Vidosic, Thomas Broich, Nikolai Topor-Stanley

16 points - Mark Milligan

15 points -  Liam Miller, Daniel McBreen, Shinjo Ono

14 points - Rhyan Grant,  

13 points - Pedj Bojic, Mark Bridge 

12 points - Aaron Mooy

11 points - Adama Traore, Tom Rogic, Trent Sainsbury, Marcelo Carrusca, Matt Thompson, Ruben Zadkovich

10 points - Patrick Gerhardt, Massimo Murdocca, Archie Thompson, Jeremy Brockie

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Mid-week votes

Wellington Phoenix v Newcastle Jets

3-Michael Bridges, 2-Ruben Zadkovich, 1-Dominik Ritter

Points for round 23

Adelaide United v  Brisbane Roar

3-Ivan Franjic, 2-Thomas Broich, 1-Besart Berisha

Central Coast Mariners v Western Sydney Wanderers

3-Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 2-Michael Beauchamp, 3-Michael McGlinchey

Perth Glory v Sydney FC

3-Liam Miller, 2-Steve McGarry, 1-Alessandro Del Piero

Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Heart

3-Paul Ifill, 2-Jeremy Brockie, 1-Ben Sigmund

Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets

3-Marco Rojas, 2-Leigh Broxham, 1-Mark Milligan

---

Here are the points for round 22:

Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar

3-Jade North, 2- Emile Heskey, 1-Ruben Zadkovich

Western Sydney Wanderers v Perth Glory

3-Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 2-Shinji Ono, 1-Liam Miller

Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne Victory

3-Michael McGlinchey, 2-Bernie Ibini, 1-Mitch Duke

Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United

3-Corey Gameiro, 2-Marcelo Carrusca, 1-Cassio

Sydney FC v Melbourne Heart

3-Matt Thompson, 2-David Williams, 1-Jeremy Walker

---

Here are the points for round 21:

Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Heart

3-Zenon Caravella, 2-Adam Taggart, 1-Ryan Griffiths

Sydney FC v Adelaide United

3- Alessandro Del Piero, 2-Terry McFlynn, 1-Rhyan Grant

Melbourne Victory v Western Sydney Wanderers

3-Jerome Polenz, 2-Shinji Ono, 1-Scott Galloway

Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners

3-Nick Ward, 2-Liam Miller, 1-Trent Sainsbury

Brisbane Roar v Wellington Phoenix

3-Shane Stefanutto, 2-Luke Brattan, 1-Corey Gameiro

---

Here are the points for round 20:

Central Coast Mariners v Wellington Phoenix

3-Daniel McBreen, 2-Joshua Rose, 1-Bernie Ibini

Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory

3-Jon McKain, 2-Dario Vidosic, 1-Cassio

Melbourne Heart v Perth Glory

3-Nick Kalmar, 2-Jeremy Walker, 1-Chris Harold

Western Sydney Wanderers v Newcastle Jets

3-Youssouf Hersi, 2-Mark Bridge, 1-Aaron Mooy

Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar

3-Alessandro Del Piero, 2-Rhyan Grant, 1-Peter Triantis

View the original article here

Rojas back in Medal hunt

Back in the race ... Marco Rojas is breathing down Del Piero's neck. Source: David Crosling / AAP

After every round of the A-League season, Fox Sports will award points to the best three players in each fixture.

Judges will award points on a 3-2-1 basis, with the man with the most points at the end of the season being named the Alex Tobin Award winner.

Foxsports.com.au will update the standings every week.

---

Points after round 23:

26 points - Alessandro Del Piero

22 points - Marco Rojas

19 points - Michael McGlinchey, Youssouf Hersi

18 points - Richard Garcia 

17 points - Dario Vidosic, Thomas Broich, Nikolai Topor-Stanley

16 points - Mark Milligan

15 points -  Liam Miller, Daniel McBreen, Shinjo Ono

14 points - Rhyan Grant,  

13 points - Pedj Bojic, Mark Bridge 

12 points - Aaron Mooy

11 points - Adama Traore, Tom Rogic, Trent Sainsbury, Marcelo Carrusca, Matt Thompson, Ruben Zadkovich

10 points - Patrick Gerhardt, Massimo Murdocca, Archie Thompson, Jeremy Brockie

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Mid-week votes

Wellington Phoenix v Newcastle Jets

3-Michael Bridges, 2-Ruben Zadkovich, 1-Dominik Ritter

Points for round 23

Adelaide United v  Brisbane Roar

3-Ivan Franjic, 2-Thomas Broich, 1-Besart Berisha

Central Coast Mariners v Western Sydney Wanderers

3-Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 2-Michael Beauchamp, 3-Michael McGlinchey

Perth Glory v Sydney FC

3-Liam Miller, 2-Steve McGarry, 1-Alessandro Del Piero

Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Heart

3-Paul Ifill, 2-Jeremy Brockie, 1-Ben Sigmund

Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets

3-Marco Rojas, 2-Leigh Broxham, 1-Mark Milligan

---

Here are the points for round 22:

Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar

3-Jade North, 2- Emile Heskey, 1-Ruben Zadkovich

Western Sydney Wanderers v Perth Glory

3-Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 2-Shinji Ono, 1-Liam Miller

Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne Victory

3-Michael McGlinchey, 2-Bernie Ibini, 1-Mitch Duke

Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United

3-Corey Gameiro, 2-Marcelo Carrusca, 1-Cassio

Sydney FC v Melbourne Heart

3-Matt Thompson, 2-David Williams, 1-Jeremy Walker

---

Here are the points for round 21:

Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Heart

3-Zenon Caravella, 2-Adam Taggart, 1-Ryan Griffiths

Sydney FC v Adelaide United

3- Alessandro Del Piero, 2-Terry McFlynn, 1-Rhyan Grant

Melbourne Victory v Western Sydney Wanderers

3-Jerome Polenz, 2-Shinji Ono, 1-Scott Galloway

Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners

3-Nick Ward, 2-Liam Miller, 1-Trent Sainsbury

Brisbane Roar v Wellington Phoenix

3-Shane Stefanutto, 2-Luke Brattan, 1-Corey Gameiro

---

Here are the points for round 20:

Central Coast Mariners v Wellington Phoenix

3-Daniel McBreen, 2-Joshua Rose, 1-Bernie Ibini

Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory

3-Jon McKain, 2-Dario Vidosic, 1-Cassio

Melbourne Heart v Perth Glory

3-Nick Kalmar, 2-Jeremy Walker, 1-Chris Harold

Western Sydney Wanderers v Newcastle Jets

3-Youssouf Hersi, 2-Mark Bridge, 1-Aaron Mooy

Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar

3-Alessandro Del Piero, 2-Rhyan Grant, 1-Peter Triantis

View the original article here

Rojas helps Victory shoot down Jets

Melbourne Victory ... Mark Milligan scores his second penalty in their smashing of Newcastle. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Archie Thompson's comeback has helped Melbourne Victory soar out of an A-League form slump to hand 10-man Newcastle a five-goal hiding.

Marco Rojas and Mark Milligan both scored twice, Milligan's goals both from penalties, as the Victory won 5-0 at AAMI Park on Sunday to climb to third.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Western Sydney	23	15	2	6	14	47
2	Central Coast	23	13	6	4	24	45
3	Victory	23	12	3	8	3	39
4	Adelaide	23	11	3	9	1	36
5	Newcastle	24	8	6	10	-11	30
6	Brisbane	23	8	4	11	1	28
7	Heart	23	8	3	12	-2	27
8	Sydney	23	8	3	12	-10	27
9	Perth	23	7	4	12	-3	25
10	Wellington	24	6	6	12	-17	24

It broke a run of three losses which culminated in last round's shock 6-2 defeat to Central Coast.

Thompson, sidelined with a hamstring injury while his team lost those games, was in the thick of it on return as the Victory scored three times in the first 30 minutes.

He played the ball which put Rojas clear into the box for an easy goal in the eighth minute.

Rojas, who was given far too much space by the Jets' defence, was again involved in the next, seven minutes later.

The New Zealander's corner kick found Victory skipper Adrian Leijer, who firmly headed home from the near post.

There was almost a replay two minutes later when another Rojas corner found the Victory's other central defender, Daniel Mullen, who also headed truly.

The goal was disallowed as Milligan was penalised for making contact with the head of Newcastle defender Ruben Zadkovich.

That didn't stop the home side for long.

Thompson was brought down after weaving into the box, earning the Jets' Taylor Regan a yellow card and Milligan a 30th-minute penalty, which he converted.

Things went from bad to worse for the visitors early in the second half when Regan gave away another penalty and picked up his second yellow - for dragging down Mullen off the ball - allowing Milligan his second goal from the spot and reducing the Jets to 10 men.

With the win safe, Thompson was subbed off.

But the Victory kept surging.

Rojas showed off his fast feet to dribble past a defender and keeper Mark Birighitti and walk the ball into the net to make it 5-0 in the 66th minute.

The Jets - who rested strikers Emile Heskey and Michael Bridges and were missing Zenon Caravella and Sam Gallaway to injury - stayed fifth.

But their goal difference sank to minus 11, which could prove costly given the tight fight for the bottom two spots in the top six.

The Victory are all but guaranteed of a home elimination final but remain six points shy of the second-placed Mariners.

View the original article here

European eyes on Rojas

Plenty of interest ... Will Melbourne Victory hang onto their prized talent? Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

The line of suitors queuing to check out Melbourne Victory youngster Marco Rojas is growing.

Another three European scouts will be in the crowd when Victory face the Mariners on Saturday night.

It is believed that representatives of Brett Holman's most recent Dutch club, AZ Alkmaar, Austrian outfit Red Bull Salzburg and Robbie Kruse's German side Dusseldorf are flying to Australia to watch Rojas after the 21-year-old's barnstorming season.

With 12 goals and six assists, Rojas has been a key force behind Ange Postecoglou's reinvention of Victory.

Rojas has already been scouted by Liverpool and Juventus, and though Victory kept the Kiwi winger in the recent transfer window, there seems little doubt he will follow Tom Rogic overseas as the A-League's next big-money departure.

Victory face the Mariners desperate to arrest a run of two straight losses and keep alive their hopes of beating the Mariners and Wanderers to the Premier's Plate.

Meanwhile, Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop will continue his wide-ranging engagement tour with supporters at University of Western Sydney in Parramatta.

Gallop will follow similar discussions at The Star and in Melbourne at the UWS's Room EA from 7.30pm tonight, along with A-League boss Damien DeBohun and SBS pundit Craig Foster.

Join Head of A-League Damien de Bohun right here on foxsports.com.au for a lunchtime Q & A from 1pm (EDT).

View the original article here

European eyes on Rojas

Plenty of interest ... Will Melbourne Victory hang onto their prized talent? Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

The line of suitors queuing to check out Melbourne Victory youngster Marco Rojas is growing.

Another three European scouts will be in the crowd when Victory face the Mariners on Saturday night.

It is believed that representatives of Brett Holman's most recent Dutch club, AZ Alkmaar, Austrian outfit Red Bull Salzburg and Robbie Kruse's German side Dusseldorf are flying to Australia to watch Rojas after the 21-year-old's barnstorming season.

With 12 goals and six assists, Rojas has been a key force behind Ange Postecoglou's reinvention of Victory.

Rojas has already been scouted by Liverpool and Juventus, and though Victory kept the Kiwi winger in the recent transfer window, there seems little doubt he will follow Tom Rogic overseas as the A-League's next big-money departure.

Victory face the Mariners desperate to arrest a run of two straight losses and keep alive their hopes of beating the Mariners and Wanderers to the Premier's Plate.

Meanwhile, Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop will continue his wide-ranging engagement tour with supporters at University of Western Sydney in Parramatta.

Gallop will follow similar discussions at The Star and in Melbourne at the UWS's Room EA from 7.30pm tonight, along with A-League boss Damien DeBohun and SBS pundit Craig Foster.

Join Head of A-League Damien de Bohun right here on foxsports.com.au for a lunchtime Q & A from 1pm (EDT).

View the original article here