Adelaide United has advanced to the semi-finals of the FFA Cup 2019 after a 1-0 win over 10-man Newcastle Jets at Coopers Stadium on Tuesday night.
Al Hassan Toure profited from a Glen Moss error, scoring his fourth goal in three matches, to give the Reds a deserved lead just before half-time and it proved the difference despite United’s dominance.
The result ensures Adelaide’s title defence remains on track as they advanced to a fourth semi-final.
Gertjan Verbeek made three changes to the side that defeated Olympic FC in the Round of 16. Ryan Strain, Nathan Konstandopoulos and Nikola Mileusnić all came in at the expense of Michael Marrone, Vince Lia and Michaël Maria.
Adelaide made a dominant start which was further aided by the dismissal of Jets goalkeeper Lewis Italiano after a reckless challenge on Mileusnić on the edge of the box.
The Reds took full advantage of their extra-man with Nathan Konstandopoulos, Mileusnić and Riley McGree all having great chances to open the scoring.
However, it was Toure who broke the deadlock in fortuitous circumstances after a goalkeeping mistake from substitute gloveman Moss.
Adelaide’s intensity was good for the first 15 minutes after the re-start before, Verbeek’s men lost their shape and structure.
However, in spite of their lack of fluency, the Jets rarely troubled Paul Izzo until the final moments of the game.
Key moments:
11’ | RED CARD! Italiano is sent off after misjudging a long ball and clipping Mileusnić in the process, who appeared to be through on goal.
13’ | CHANCE! The subsequent free-kick from Konstandopoulos forces Moss into diving save.
30’ | CHANCE! Toure beats his marker and sets up Ryan Strain with his blocked shot landing straight to Milesunić. The winger fired a stinging left-footed strike which rattled the upright.
42’ | GOAL! Toure follows up Kitto’s low shot which goes through the hands of Moss and the striker is quickest to react.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6086993598001
45+2’ | CHANCE! Mileusnić almost doubles the advantage with a dipping shot that forces Moss into a smart save.
84’ | CHANCE! Pacifique Niyongabire plays a one-two with Opseth and the 19-year-old skies his effort from close range.
Match details:
Tuesday, 17 September 2019
FFA Cup 2019 Quarter Final
Adelaide United 1 (Toure 42’)
Newcastle Jets 0
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Attendance: 4,807
