Adelaide United Captain Stefan Mauk led by example with a clinically taken brace against Melbourne Victory on Saturday night.
The Reds secured the 3-1 comeback win thanks to Mauk’s double either side of Kusini Yengi’s finish.
READ MORE:
- Veart pleased with Reds’ resilience and improved consistency
- Yengi delighted to score first Reds goal
The midfielder has now taken his tally to five goals for the season, while Adelaide has won four matches in a row and jump into second place in the league standings.
He has also scored four goals in his last six games.
Mauk said he has enjoyed making forward runs into the box more frequently and also etching his name on the scoresheet.
“It’s been really good and the way we’re playing is suiting me,” Mauk told Fox Sports after the game.
“It’s exciting and it’s fun to play and I’m really enjoying being with all these boys and Carl (Veart) and the coaching staff.”
The 25-year-old praised his side’s fortitude to respond after conceding and come away with the three points at Marvel Stadium for just the third time in the Club’s history.
“I think we started quite well and thought we were pressing really well and we probably should’ve made better chances of our interceptions,” he said.
“I think they were pretty poor playing out from the back and we were not able to capitalise and then a really good free-kick which you can’t do much about.
“So it was a great show of character and the belief is just getting stronger as we go.”
Victory threatened during the first-half particularly through Robbie Kruse and Mauk revealed boss, Carl Veart, altered his tactics at the break to curtail the hosts from causing as many problems in transition.
“I think they were quite good on the counter,” he said.
“Robbie Kruse is an unbelievable player. Obviously, you don’t play the level that he’s played at and the games for the Socceroos without being a class player and we gave him so much time.
“So it was only a matter of time before they hurt us and that’s what was said at half-time from Carl (Veart) that (Louis) D’Arrigo needed to stay a little bit closer to him.
“He was obviously cheating to get those balls and I think Louis did really well in the second-half.”
Mauk said the fact that the majority of the squad is made up of local South Australians, including himself and Yengi means they know how big these matches are and its importance to the supporters.
“I think being Adelaide boys we all grew up going to the games,” he said.
“And you know the passion from being a fan as a young kid and I remember walking the streets and being separated by the police and you had the Victory fans and the Adelaide fans and now to be playing for the Club.
“And the same with Kusini and a lot of the other boys, it means a lot to us and we’re so grateful to have this opportunity to play for the Club and I think everyone put in a great show for all the fans back at home.”
Next match details:
Sunday, 21 March vs Newcastle Jets
A-League 2020/21 – Matchweek 13
Kick-off 6.10pm ACDT
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium
Broadcast: Fox Sports
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
