Stefan Mauk has said a top two finish for Adelaide United will be massive for the Reds’ chances in claiming a first-ever Hyundai A-League Championship.
The Reds will line up against Mauk’s former side, Melbourne City, this Friday with both clubs still in contention to grasp the Premiers’ Plate at the end of Round 27.
And following United’s dismantling of Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium last weekend, in conjunction with City’s failure to trump Perth Glory on Sunday, Mauk believes his side can travel to Victoria and clinch the most vital three points of their season.
“It was an important result (beating Sydney FC),” Mauk said. “We went there to do one thing and that was to get the three points.
“The conditions were tough and it was very humid in Sydney, so we knew it was going to be a tough game going into the match.
“Now we go into the game (against City) with a big opportunity.
“We know if we go out there and win, we’re guaranteed a top two finish, which is very important going into the Finals because you have the first week off and then a home semi-final.
“If we can stop City as a team and just focus on our game, then we should be fine with getting the result.”
Adelaide’s 2-0 win over the Sky Blues saw Guillermo Amor’s team become the first in the Hyundai A-League’s history to register four consecutive clean sheets away from home, a feat Mauk lauded.
However, the creative midfielder also praised the scoring exploits of his teammates, claiming it will be difficult to nullify the Reds’ attacking presence with a number of quality goal scorers in their ranks.
“As a team, you can build yourself on a good defence,” the 20-year-old continued.
“We don’t go out there to not concede (only), but it proves that we’re a team and we work for each other.
“We have Melbourne this week and we’ve always had a good spread of players (contributing with goal scoring).
“It’s good to have that because (opposition) teams can’t hone in on anyone specifically because we have players in every position that can score goals.”
This season, Adelaide have had 12 different goal scorers. Mauk, himself, has contributed to three of United’s 43 goals this campaign, whilst long-serving striker, Bruce Djite became the Reds’ record goal scorer after netting a classy double at the weekend.
Adelaide United will face Melbourne City in Round 27 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season on Friday, 8 April at AAMI Park. Kick-off is at 7.10pm ACST.
