GOSFORD, Australia (Interstat) — The Central Coast Mariners opened their A-League season with a 1-0 victory over favored Melbourne Victory on Sunday at Industree Group Stadium.

Ali Auglah scored the game’s lone goal in the 35th minute, assisted by defender James Donachie. The match turned in the 55th minute when Mariners defender Nathan Paull received a red card, forcing the home side to play a man down for the final 35 minutes. Despite the disadvantage, Central Coast’s defense held firm against a Melbourne side that was projected by statistical models to have a 63 percent chance of winning.

The Victory’s frustration showed with three yellow cards in the second half. The result gives the Mariners an early win as both teams began their 2026 league campaigns.