Adelaide United has fallen to Redlands United in the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32, losing 2-1 after extra time.
Adelaide, fielding an understrengthed side, gave competitive debuts to pre-season signing, Ben Garuccio, and Adelaide Unite Youth Team midfielder, Riley McGree, who was replaced by another debutant, Jordan O’Doherty.
Despite Ryan Kitto’s second-half goal, though, Guillermo Amor’s men were left stunned by Redlands United after the match was forced into extra time.
On a cold and windy night at Perry Park, it was the battle of the Reds as the current Hyundai A-League champions took on Queensland National Premier League side, Redlands United, in Brisbane.
United had the majority of possession for the entire match and looked comfortable going forward from the outset, but were forced to reshuffle its defence in just the eighth minute when Iacopo La Rocca was withdrawn through injury.
The Italian centre-half leaped to meet a cross from Marcelo Carrusca, and whilst La Rocca managed to direct the ball towards goal, the head of Grant Brix smacked the No. 3 in the cheek.
Mark Ochieng was brought into the fray to replace La Rocca, with Jordan Elsey moving into the centre of the park to partner Dylan McGowan at centre-half.
Adelaide had a number of half-chances in the opening 45, but were unable to find the back of the net.
Ryan Kitto was lively throughout the match and looked likeliest to find of the back of the net, which he did in the 62nd minute. His initial strike on goal was blocked, but his follow-up effort was blasted low and hard past Brendan White in goal for Redlands.
But Redlands found a late equaliser when Galekovic was caught off-guard, Michael Lee finishing off a fortunate chance.
Into extra time, O’Brien managed to find the winner, sending the Reds out of the Westfield FFA Cup in the Round of 32.
Match details:
Wednesday, 3 August 2016
Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32
Redlands United 2 (Lee 90+4’ O’Brien 97’)
Adelaide United 1 (Kitto 62’)
Venue: Perry Park
