Adelaide United are through to their first Hyundai A-League grand final in seven years after holding off Melbourne City 4-1 in a pulsating semi-final on Friday night.
In front of more than 15,000 fans at a heaving Coopers Stadium, Bruce Djite struck twice in the first 15 minutes of the second half to have the Reds cruising towards the decider.
But Nick Fitzgerald set up a nervy finish when he pulled one back with 18 minutes left before Dylan McGowan volleyed home the match-sealer and sub Pablo Sanchez added another late on to end a fantastic night for the club.
The Reds will now host the May 1 Grand Final at Adelaide Oval against the winner of Sunday’s second semi between Western Sydney Wanderers and Brisbane Roar.
GOALS
1-0 Djite (48’) – After a battle for possession, the ball fell perfectly into the path of Djite about 25 yards from goal. Without hesitation he hit a sweet shot which bent perfectly into the top right corner. A semi-final screamer!!
2-1 Fitzgerald (72’) – A clever short corner routine ended with Connor Chapman cutting the ball back to Fitzgerald who guided his low shot in off the far post.
3-1 McGowan (88’) – The defender timed his run perfectly to meet Marcelo Carrusca’s corner with a sweet volley which Sorensen couldn’t keep out of the net.
4-1 Sanchez (90+4’) – Djite’s pinpoint cross to the far post was perfectly weighted, with Sanchez arriving to smash it past Sorensen from a tight angle.
TEAMS:
Adelaide United: Galekovic (gk) (c), Marrone, McGowan, La Rocca, Goodwin (Elrich 80’), Isaias, Mauk (Elsey 90’), Carrusca, Kamau (Sanchez 84’), Djite, Cirio
Melbourne City: Sorensen (gk), Retre (Chapman 62’), Wilkinson, Kisnorbo (c) (Melling 80’), Clisby, Malik, Caceres, Mooy, Fitzgerald, Garuccio (Marino 62’), Fornaroli
0 comments:
Post a Comment