Adelaide United extended their undefeated streak to 10 matches after playing out an enthralling 2-2 draw with Sydney FC at Coopers Stadium on Friday night.
A brace from Sergio Cirio was not enough as the Reds were pegged back twice by goals from Matt Simon and Filip Holosko ensuring a share of the spoils.
Guillermo Amor made four changes to his starting XI with one eye on their do-or-die Asian Champions League clash with Chinese powerhouse Shandong Luneng on Tuesday.
However, it did not appear to have a negative effect as Cirio opened the scoring in fortuitous fashion with Sebastian Ryall’s failed clearance attempt rebounding off the Spaniard’s leg and past a hapless Vedran Janjetovic.
The home side almost doubled their advantage when a beautifully struck Isaias free kick cannoned off the crossbar.
Matt Simon equalised for the visitors on 37 minutes, courtesy of a superb diving header from Filip Holosko’s inviting cross.
The Reds did not have to wait long to retake the lead with Cirio notching his second of the evening, but parity was immediately restored when Holosko latched onto a chipped pass to lob the ball over Eugene Galekovic, bringing to an end a riveting first-half.
Chances were few and far between in the second stanza, although the intensity of the game remained palpable in front of 11, 785 spectators in attendance.
The result sees Adelaide remain in sixth place, one point behind Sydney in the league standings.
Promising performance from Adelaide’s young midfield
With Argentine sensation Marcelo Carrusca starting the match on the bench, rested in preparation for their ACL play-off encounter with Shandong, and the recent departure of Jimmy Jeggo to Austria it was a new look Reds midfield. Isaias was the only regular and controlled the midfield at the base of the inverted triangle with youngsters George Mells and Stefan Mauk in front. The latter pair had rather impressive outings demonstrating a great desire to apply pressure on their opponents. Mauk in particular, was energetic in the centre of the park working tirelessly to retrieve possession and also ignite Adelaide’s attacking play. If he can maintain this type of display most weeks, he will certainly endear himself to the Reds’ faithful. Mells, on the other hand, also seems to be improving with each passing game and will provide an excellent option as a depth player when United are at full strength.
Sydney’s attacking movement much enhanced
Sydney boss Arnold has been criticised for his defensive tactics employed all season, but tonight the harbour outfit appeared to have more freedom in attack. Consequently, the combination play and interchange of passes in the final third was admirable. The rhythm and tempo Sydney implemented on the wings would surely please the former Socceroo coach as the likes of Filip Holosko, Chris Naumoff and substitute David Carney ventured forward and delivered several crosses. Both of the Sky Blues’ goals were created from wide areas as United struggled to contain their opponents.
A return to form for Cirio?
The diminutive Spanish winger has been somewhat inconsistent in comparison to his two previous excellent years with Adelaide. Prior to this match Cirio had a mere two league goals, despite playing nearly every fixture. However, the 30-year-old appeared to show no indication he was battling with form, after netting a first-half brace and in the process score his third and fourth strikes. His first goal came extremely fortuitously when Ryall’s failed clearance unwittingly smashed into the legs of the Spaniard and past Janjetovic. His second came in more typical style as he nestled a lowly driven shot into the bottom corner thanks to Sydney’s gloveman. The Reds and Amor will be hopeful there will be more to come from Cirio towards the business end of the season.
Outside90 Player of the Year Votes
3 – Sergio Cirio
2 – Filip Holosko
1 – Milos Ninkovic
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