Kristian Opseth’s decisive header against Brisbane Roar on Sunday night was his third goal of the campaign and while he was pleased to add to his tally, he is hoping Adelaide United improve after touching down in Sydney.
Adelaide landed in the Harbour City on Monday morning as they prepare for life in the hub for at least the next three weeks to complete the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season.
Opseth reflected on the match and conceded they needlessly dropped back too deep at times and absorbed a lot of pressure.
However, he credited the team’s ability to remain resolute and keep the Roar scoreless.
“I think we started off okay and were good on the ball and of course we get the early goal,” Opseth said.
“For periods I felt like we got very low (deep) and especially in the second-half and they pushed us back.
“I feel like our pressure isn’t sitting one hundred per cent the way we wanted to, and then we got a bit low.
“But we still showed that we can create stuff on the counter. It was a good win and was well done by the defence of holding out for so long and (Paul) Izzo as well had a really good game.”
Touchdown in Sydney! ✈️🥳 #HubLyf pic.twitter.com/fkLOIwTmkX
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) July 20, 2020
After conceding 15 goals in their preceding four matches before the enforced COVID-19 break, the 30-year-old insisted that finally recording a clean sheet was absolutely vital.
“We’ve conceded a lot of goals, I think the second most in the league,” he explained.
“So for us to get a clean sheet and for the defence to keep a clean sheet is massively important and hopefully we can continue in that way.”
Opseth was thrilled to etch his name on the scoresheet though confessed he was not entirely content with his overall display.
“Of course, for a striker you want to score goals in every game,” he said.
“I’m not one hundred per cent happy with my performance except from the goal, but it leads to a win and we get the three points and that’s the most important.”
The Reds will take on Wellington Phoenix on Saturday with the Norwegian confident Adelaide will continue to improve.
United will have virtually no distractions while in the hub environment and plenty of time to solely focus on football, something the striker thinks will serve as a positive.
“I think we’ll only get better,” he said as Carl Veart’s side have four regular season games left.
“The more games we get together and the more we get to play, I think this team will just keep improving so it’s exciting to see.”
Adelaide United face Wellington Phoenix in Round 26 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Saturday 25 July at Bankwest Stadium. Kick-off is at 4.30pm ACST. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, ABC, Kayo Sports and the MyFootball Live App.
