The Toyota V-League 2016 Round 19 last weekend took place along with a range of entertaining matches, witnessing talented individuals raise the stakes to help their home teams earn a win. Let’s look back at the most notable events of Round 19.

Van Toan ‘fires’, Hoang Anh Gia Lai trounce FLC Thanh Hoa 3-1

After the best players of Gia Lai – Cong Phuong, Tuan Anh, and Xuan Truong – left to play abroad, striker Van Toan has consecutively played poorly in this year’s V-League. However, in the last round, Toan scored after nearly 1,500 minutes without a goal, helping Gia Lai score an impressive 3-1 win again championship candidate FLC Thanh Hoa at Pleiku Stadium. In addition to Toan’s goal, Hong Duy and Ming Vuong also contributed two goals to their home team’s victory.

Gaston Merlo makes a milestone at V-League with 100 goals

Argentine striker Gaston Merlo has reached a milestone of 100 goals while playing for SHB Da Nang. His 100th goal was netted in a clash with Hanoi T&T last weekend. The spectacular kick by Merlo could not help his home team earn a point at Chi Lang Stadium but helped him along with Cong Vinh of Becamex Binh Duong and Hoang Vu Samson from Hanoi T&T set a record at V- League of reaching 100 goals (Cong Vinh 116 goals, Samson 123 goals). Currently, Merlo and Samson are in a tie for the top scorer title; both have scored 14 goals after 19 rounds.

Hai Phong impressively regain top spot

Despite being behind right from the first minutes at Go Dau Stadium, guests Hai Phong’s great determination helped the V-League first-leg champion come from behind to impressively beat hosts Becamex Binh Duong 3-1. In addition to a goal from Van Thang, the most impressive player in the port city team’s squad was Dinh Bao with a double. Earning three points in the game at Go Dau, Hai Phong officially regained the No. 1 position with 37 points, followed by Hanoi T&T 36 points and SHB Da Nang with 34 points.

Long An likely to be in play-off match to escape relegation

Losing 1-2 to direct competitors for a stay in the V-League Song Lam Nghe An, Long An are facing a range of difficulties this season. Finishing up empty-handed at home to Nghe An while Gia Lai surprisingly defeated Thanh Hoa 3-1, Long An are more likely be in the play-off as the season will close after only seven rounds.

Cong Vinh scores again, Becamex Binh Duong lose at home

For a long time football fans did not cheer on Cong Vinh’s efforts in the V-League 2016. Although Vinh brought a great advantage for Becamex Binh Duong against Hai Phong with an opener, the joy of their home fans did not last long, as Hai Phong trounced the hosts 3-1 after 90 minutes.

Source NDN