Adelaide United has continued their run in the Westfield FFA Cup after an impressive 2-0 win over reigning Hyundai A-League champions Brisbane Roar.
With both sides in strong form prior to kick off, it was the Reds who settled the fastest at Coopers Stadium on Tuesday night.
Adelaide United controlled the tempo of the match early on and utilised the width created by 19-year-old Awer Mabil, who was one of the liveliest during the opening stages.
Mabil’s terrorising runs from the right flank saw him help orchestrate a number of penetrating team-moves from the Reds.
After numerous chances and some great lead up play, the Reds’ hard work paid off through Bruce Djite in the 35th minute. Djite found the net from close range after a wonderful ball across the 18-yard-box from Mabil.
Two minutes after the break the Reds’ had their second of the evening through Spaniard Sergio Cirio whose glancing header off a Pablo Sánchez cross beat Roar goalkeeper Jamie Young.
For the remainder of the second half the ball was tightly contested with both teams putting increased pressure on their opposition.
Following the match Adelaide United’s Head Coach, Josep Gombau, said he was very pleased with the performance of his squad, but claimed that it is important to remember it was just one game.
“We showed a little bit of what we want to do with the 3-4-3 formation, but we will need to change a little bit before the next game,” Gombau said.
“I am satisfied with the work that the players have done, but they know there is a long way to go and a lot more difficult games to come.”
Gombau went on to say that although his team wasn’t able to convert the chances they created, the positive aspect is the vast number of them.
Scorer on the night, Bruce Djite, said whilst getting on the score sheet was great on a personal note, the ‘dominant performance’ from the Reds against the ‘benchmark’ of the A-league in Brisbane Roar was monumental.
“Before the game I said that this would be a great test for us and a good gauge to see where we’re at. But it’s important that we don’t get ahead of ourselves.
“The fans that came were fantastic and the stadium also looks great.”
Adelaide United’s next match in the Westfield FFA Cup will be against Sydney FC in the quarterfinals.
Specific details in regards to dates, venues and kick-off times for the quarterfinals will be confirmed in the coming days and all information will be available at adelaideunited.com.au
Match Details
Tuesday, 23 September 2014
Westfield FFA Cup Round of 16
Adelaide United FC 2 (Djite 35′, Cirio 47′)
Brisbane Roar 0
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Attendance: 4,053
