Adelaide United have progressed to the semi-finals of the A-League knockout stages with an entertaining 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar in the elimination final at Adelaide Oval on Friday.
The Reds secured its first win over Brisbane in more than five years and achieved just their third victory in the finals series to book a meeting with Sydney FC next Saturday.
Craig Goodwin netted a magnificent free kick, sending the Reds fans into scenes of jubilation after seven minutes. Thomas Broich’s persistence then paid off when he pressured Dylan McGowan into an error, allowing the German to ruthlessly pounce and restore parity twenty minutes later.
However, Josep Gombau’s decision to bring on Awer Mabil and Miguel Palanca proved inspired substitutions, as the pair combined for the match-winner in the 87th minute. The 19-year-old managed to get his strike on target and it was too hot to handle for goalkeeper Jamie Young, with the ball trickling over the line.
Adelaide United
Eugene Galekovic – 6.5: A more polished performance from the gloveman, who was comfortable in the air was quick off his line.
Dylan McGowan – 4.5: Did not appear as composed at right-back and was at fault for Broich’s goal with a tame back pass.
Osama Malik – 5.5: Caught out of position on one occasion, but was otherwise relatively solid.
Nigel Boogaard – 6: The outgoing defender should have done better with a free header, however snuffed out imminent danger with a couple of vital blocks.
Tarek Elrich – 6.5: Provided adequate cover for the two centre-halves. Also looked to venture forward when the chance arose. At times could not match the acceleration of his opponent, Brandon Borrello.
Isaias – 5.5: Misplaced a couple of passes in the early exchanges and was not his usual sharp self, given he came into the match with an injury cloud. He improved in the second half and began to dictate his passing game.
James Jeggo – 5.5: Composure eluded him with great frequency and could not make Brisbane pay with a weak effort.
Marcelo Carrusca – 7: Combined well with his teammates in the front third and unlocked the Roar defence with regularity, exposing an inexperienced back four.
Sergio Cirio – 7.5: The diminutive forward had a superb match, displaying marvellous trickery and poise on the ball and delivered a number of inviting balls into the box.
Pablo Sanchez – 6: Had a somewhat subdued outing, though he did pose a threat to the Brisbane centre-backs but missed a glaring one-on-one just before his withdrawal, where he should have scored.
Craig Goodwin – 7: Scored a fabulous free kick which curled and dipped into the top corner in the seventh minute to open the scoring for the hosts. However, he fluffed his lines minutes later when he should have doubled the Reds’ advantage. Saw a well-struck shot parried by Young in the final five minutes.
Substitutes
Awer Mabil – 7: Replaced Carrusca on 70 minutes and proved the ultimate impact substitute with the winner.
Miguel Palanca – 6: Substituted on for Pablo Sanchez after 74 minutes and assisted Mabil for the winner.
Cameron Watson – N/A: Came on for Goodwin to close out the game in stoppage time.
Brisbane Roar
Jamie Young – 7.5: Could only stand and admire Goodwin’s phenomenal effort, as there was little he could do, but a number of reflex saves kept his side in the game.
Jerome Polenz – 6: Got forward and provided a couple of crosses and launched the ball to McGowan, which subsequently landed into the path of Broich following his relentlessness.
James Donachie – 4.5: Committed countless mistakes when in possession of the ball, giving the ball away too cheaply.
Daniel Bowles – 5: Distribution was sufficient, and took no chances, clearing a lot of balls out to touch.
Corey Brown – 5.5: Struggled to nullify Cirio’s involvement and rarely added himself to Brisbane’s attack.
Luke Brattan – 6.5: Outnumbered in midfield and could not screen the naïve centre-backs, particularly when Carrusca and Jeggo threw themselves forward. Nevertheless, he was industrious after the interval.
Devante Clut – 6: The youngster played a few key passes into wide areas and the enormity of the occasion certainly did not get the better of him.
Matt McKay – 6.5: Acquitted himself expertly when defending, making crucial interceptions to dissolve United’s attacking play.
Brandon Borrello – 6.5: Illustrated excellent pace and agility on the ball proved a great outlet for the visitors, though his final ball evaded him.
Andrija Kaluderovic – 5: Almost non-existent in the encounter as his service was scarce, but nearly scored with 10 minutes remaining.
Thomas Broich – 7: Capitalised on a dreadful mistake by McGowan to draw level on 27 minutes and silence a rather boisterous Adelaide crowd.
Substitutes
Jean Carlos Solorzano – 5.5: Superseded Clut with Brisbane looking to win the match.
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