Melbourne City failed to seal a Finals berth ahead of the potential suspension of the A-League season as they lost 2-1 at Newcastle Jets on Monday.
Football Federation Australia has called a news conference for Tuesday as a pause in the 2019-20 campaign seems inevitable amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The postponement of Perth Glory s meeting with Western United made this McDonald Jones Stadium clash the last before the anticipated announcement, and second-placed City could not claim the victory required to clinch a post-season place.
Early openings were few and far between, but the Jets built up a head of steam heading into half-time, and Nick Fitzgerald wasteful with a tame prior effort broke the deadlock in style.
The former City winger controlled on the right corner of the penalty area, cut inside two backtracking defenders and placed a finish inside the left-hand upright.
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Ugarkovic’s second-half stunner helps the hosts pick up a big win against second-placed Melbourne City
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague)
The visitors controlled the second half, though, and substitute Florin Berenguer guided a header into the net a belated first effort on target for the leveller 19 minutes from time.
Yet back came Newcastle through Steven Ugarkovic, whose 25-yard strike beat Tom Glover s weak left hand to find the top-left corner and restore a decisive lead.
