Following Adelaide United’s 2-1 victory over Central Coast Mariners on Thursday, defender, Tarek Elrich, praised his teammates for their determination, which ensured the Reds secured a crucial win.
Having fallen behind in the 23rd minute after Anthony Caceres caught United napping at the back and finished convincingly past Eugene Galekovic, United sprung to life and responded immediately. Marcelo Carrusca beat Central Coast’s goalkeeper, Liam Reddy, with a wonderfully taken strike just one minute after the Reds fell behind.
This response is something Elrich believes should be highlighted, as United’s willingness to grind-out the result demonstrates the players’ desire to do well.
“The way we turned things around midway through the second half, or maybe just after conceding the goal, just shows the character of this team,” Elrich said.
“We had a few bad results away from home, so it’s good to come home and get the result.
“It’s credit to our boys because after conceding that goal and how they (the Mariners) started off a lot better in the first 20-25 minutes (we were still able to turn it around).”
Elrich continued by saying how well he thought the team worked as a unit, giving special mention to his teammates in midfield, but even greater mention to forward, Bruce Djite, for his tireless efforts throughout what was an important fixture for both teams.
“All the boys, especially the boys in midfield, I think won a lot of the ball and that helped us attack more than we usually do,” he explained.
“Individually, though, I think everyone (won their battles).
“Bruce, for me, was probably the stand out. He was playing against two bigger boys and he held them off by himself (continuously).
“Central Coast are a dangerous team and they’re obviously fighting to make the top-six, and for us – we’re fighting to stay up towards the top of the table. Both teams were desperate for the win, but we earned it.
Adelaide United next host arch rivals Melbourne Victory in Round 22 of the Hyundai 2014/15 A-League season on Saturday, 21 March at Coopers Stadium. Kick off at 7.00pm ACDT. To purchase tickets, click here.
