He’s a keeper: Kurto proves worth in Phoenix win
People questioned Wellington Phoenix coach Mark Rudan’s decision to use an import spot on a goalkeeper. But not anymore.
While David Williams got the ball rolling by volleying home a Liberato Cacace cross inside the opening five minutes, it was goalkeeper Filip Kurto who finished the job by producing six second half saves as the Phoenix desperately hung on to beat Melbourne City 1-0 at Westpac Stadium on Saturday night.
‘‘He’s paid to stop shots, it’s as simple as that,’’ Rudan said in regards to his keeper’s late heroics. ‘‘I keep reminding him of that. He doesn’t make too many mistakes does he? He certainly earned his money today.’’
Kurto now leads the A-League for saves made (58) and has the highest save percentage (75 per cent) of all the goalkeepers.
After churning through four different goalkeepers during their dismal 2017-18 season, Rudan made it a priority to sign a reliable shotstopper when he began to build his roster.
With All Whites Stefan Marinovic and Jake Gleeson contracted to Major League Soccer clubs at the time, Rudan landed on Kurto, a 27-year-old from Poland playing for Dutch Eredivisie side Roda JC.
He was Rudan’s second signing behind defender Steven Taylor.
‘‘It was quite apparent as far as I was concerned that we needed someone who was really strong. I build my teams from the back and make sure we have a real strong platform to build on,’’ he said.
‘‘Not every coach gets every visa player right, I know that. I’ve spoken to many coaches and I’ve watched from afar as well.
‘‘It probably raised some eyebrows at the time, but tonight [he showed why]. Like a lot of things I’ve done, there’s a lot of people who question a lot of things, but keep questioning, it’s no problem for me.’’
The other standout on Saturday night was striker Williams, who scored a spectacular but contentious goal that ultimately won the game for the Phoenix.
City coach Warren Joyce was adamant that Roy Krishna was offside in the lead-up and he questioned whether the Video Assistant Referee had even checked the footage.
‘‘He’s offside, we’ve seen the film ourselves. I don’t understand that one for a start.’’ Joyce said. ‘‘We’re told there’s a VAR check but I haven’t seen any footage of it, but I’ve seen the footage that we’ve got. I’d like that one explained.’’
However, despite City’s protests the goal stood.
Williams has now scored three goals in the past four games and is providing the Phoenix with another genuine scoring threat alongside joint Golden Boot leader Krishna.
‘‘You need to share the goalscoring load around as far as I’m concerned,’’ Rudan said. ‘‘You look at any successful team in the history of this competition, and going back to the NSL, and the top goalscorer in that team always needed a helping hand from somewhere.’’
After playing three games in seven days, the Phoenix now have a week to prepare for their next match away to leaders Perth Glory.