Nathan Konstandopoulos admitted he was delighted to score his first goal at Coopers Stadium and stated the team’s focus was now to push for a home final.
The Reds secured a finals appearance following their 3-1 win over Wellington Phoenix on Friday night as well as results falling our way in Round 25.
Konstandopoulos said the Reds were fully aware of the enormity of the clash against the Phoenix and stated it was pleasing to cap off a supreme display with his second Hyundai A-League goal of the season.
“The boys put in a really good performance, we fought hard, we recognised that it was a big game for us,” Konstandopoulos said.
“And awesome to get on the scoresheet as well which was good.
“It came quickly, it ricocheted and I didn’t have much time to think about it, and it just kind of came naturally to me.”
Konstandopoulos revealed he was thrilled to bury the crucial third goal to effectively seal the three points.
“I think we had control of the game,” he said.
“And I think we were maintaining the possession and were moving the ball well.
“It capped off some good play and it was good to ease a little bit of the pressure.”
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Adelaide have now scored eight goals in their previous two matches, something which the 21-year-old suggests the Reds can only build on moving forward.
“Throughout the whole season we’ve been creating a lot of chances,” he admitted.
“And I think that it’s good now that we’re being a bit more clinical and we’re really putting them away.
“And towards the end of the game we can settle a little bit and maybe move the ball around and tire the other team out and hopefully get more goals.”
Konstandopoulos stated the focus for the rest of the regular season was to consolidate their strong form and finish as high as possible on the table.
“I think it’s to maintain the form that we’re in heading into finals,” he said.
“We recognise how big the next two games are to push further up the table and now it’s about focusing week-to-week and just making sure we achieve our goals.”
And that starts with an away match against recently crowned premiers Sydney FC this Sunday.
Konstandopoulos was confident Adelaide could get a positive result and take advantage of a potentially weary Sky Blues side following their midweek exploits in South Korea for the AFC Champions League.
“Sydney are a great team everyone knows that,” he said.
“It’s always difficult travelling from Asia back and forth during the week but they’re professional and they’ve shown all season they’re a top quality side.
“We’re not going to take them lightly obviously, but I think with the travel in their legs maybe we can really put a good fight out and we can definitely get a good result.”
Adelaide United face Sydney FC in Round 26 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Sunday, 8 April at Allianz Stadium. Kick-off is at 6.30pm ACDT.
