Adelaide United winger, Craig Goodwin, says scoring two incredible goals in the FFA Cup 2018 Final is what dreams are made of.
The 26-year-old dispatched a curling free-kick into the top corner to open the scoring before slotting a thunderous half-volleyed strike past Andrew Redmayne in the second-half which ultimately proved decisive.
Goodwin said he was absolutely thrilled that his contribution helped secure the Reds a 2-1 win over Sydney FC and a second FFA Cup title.
He claimed the Mark Viduka Medal as a result of his mesmerising display.
“Obviously really excited and really happy for the team and for myself,” he said in the post-match press conference.
“Obviously to score two goals at home and in the cup final is I guess kind of things you dream about.
“So for me really excited, but for the team like the coach said it’s credit to our hard work because we’ve worked really hard in the pre-season.
“And it does show the depth we do have in the squad having a few injuries as well so I think massive credit to the team for fighting for the whole 90 minutes.
“And credit to Sydney as well they were excellent and pushed us all the way and I guess tonight was our night.
“I guess tonight was our night and really happy to share this moment with the fans.”
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Goodwin was asked which of his two goals he preferred and opted for the latter – his right-footed half-volley into the top corner for the lead.
“Me personally I like the one on the right foot, the second one,” Goodwin said.
“Obviously it gives us the 2-1 lead at an important time and for me it’s probably the best goal of my career so far being in a cup final and the timing.
“But on my right foot as well, so it’s not something you’ll see too often on my right foot.
“So just really ecstatic to have the impact that I’ve had but all the credit goes to the team.
“We worked hard together and we stuck together for the whole 90 minutes. We took the lead and they scored straight away.
“And that’s something that can really knock the wind out of the side but we regrouped and stayed strong and we fought together and tonight was our night.”
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Goodwin said the aim now was to maintain his form at a consistently high level to force his way into the Socceroos squad.
He revealed he harbours ambitions of again representing his country, before stating United must switch their focus back on the Hyundai A-League against Central Coast Mariners this Sunday.
“It’s obviously good to show what I can do in front of the national team coach,” he said.
“It’s always my aspirations to try and push back into that.
“But I know to get anywhere near that squad now I’m going to have to keep performing consistently and keep doing my best for the team.
“Now we have to look forward to the league, enjoy this moment, for the next day or so and then get back to the league.
“We have a game against Central Coast and we have to pick up as many points as we can.”
Adelaide United face Central Coast Mariners in Round 3 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Sunday, 4 November at Central Coast Stadium. Kick-off is at 4.30pm ACDT. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports and streamed on the My Football Live App.
