An inspired second-half performance from Adelaide United has secured a 2-1 comeback win against Newcastle Jets in what was a game of two halves at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Riley McGree’s brace overturned the first-half deficit to seal Adelaide’s first victory of the Hyundai A-League season and cap off an extraordinary week after clinching a third FFA Cup title on Wednesday.
The midfielder has now scored five goals in as many matches across all competitions, and has a total of six since returning to the Club in July.
Gertjan Verbeek made two changes from the Reds’ Cup triumph. James Troisi made is highly anticipated debut after joining the Club earlier this month, while Al Hassan Toure moved to the wing with Kristian Opseth returning to lead the line.
Fresh from their FFA Cup success, it was a rather sluggish start from the visitors and they almost conceded inside the opening minute when John Koutroumbis’ cross evaded both Arroyo and Jason Hoffman.
Toure appeared lively in possession and caused Nigel Boogaard a few problems as he combined strength with pace to leave him in his wake.
However, for the most part the Reds were second best and struggled to get out of their own half.
Newcastle would take the lead through Abdiel Arroyo’s impressive strike from a long throw in the 37th minute.
Verbeek made a double substitution at the break seeking to generate a response and it paid off almost instantly.
Nikola Mileusnić and Michaël Maria were introduced and their dynamism appeared to spark renewed energy into Adelaide’s play.
However, it was Troisi, who started the match and on debut, that played an instrumental role in the equaliser.
His cut-back found McGree, who showed composure in sliding his finish past Glen Moss in goal.
Adelaide pushed for a winner with Mileusnić coming close on a counter-attack involving Troisi, but the winger’s shot deflected out for a corner.
United did not have to wait long as McGree completed the comeback after scoring from a corner.
His initial corner seconds earlier almost caught Moss stranded and that would foreshadow what was to come.
McGree’s third corner in quick succession flew past the veteran gloveman and into the top far corner on 61 minutes.
Newcastle were relentless in finding a leveller, but Adelaide were resolute defensively to keep the Jets at bay and get their league season back on track.
Key moments:
37’ | GOAL: Arroyo controls Millar’s long throw in on the chest, and fires an unstoppable volley on the turn past Izzo.
49’ | GOAL! Halloran plays in Troisi and his cut-back at the byline is calmly finished by McGree.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6097984470001
61’ | GOAL! McGree’s corner curls past Moss into the far post after almost scoring from the same scenario seconds earlier.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6097984482001
Match details:
Saturday, 26 October 2019
Hyundai A-League 2019/20 Season – Round 3
Newcastle Jets 1 (Arroyo 37’)
Adelaide United 2 (McGree 49’ 61’)
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium
