Adelaide United have suffered their first loss in six matches after falling 3-1 to Western Sydney Wanderers at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night.
Ryan Kitto cancelled out Oriol Riera’s header with his first goal of the season before the visitors added two goals in the second-half through Roly Bonevacia and Manyiel Riel Majok.
Marco Kurz made just the solitary change to his starting line-up with Ryan Kitto replacing Nikola Mileusnić on the wing. Ken Ilsø returned to bench after serving his one-match suspension.
Adelaide controlled possession in the opening exchanges but they found themselves trailing 12 minutes in.
Bonevacia delivered an exquisite free-kick into the area for Riera, who broke free of the Reds defence to guide his header into the net.
Craig Goodwin had a penalty saved after Vedran Janjetovic parried his spot-kick after VAR intervened when Jordy Thomassen was fouled.
Not disheartened by the early concession or the saved penalty, the Reds showed great endeavour to quickly search for an equaliser.
George Blackwood was extremely lively and illustrated immense poise on the ball in advanced areas, while Kitto and Scott Galloway found a lot of space on the left wing, and caused a number of problems with penetrating runs and through balls.
Blackwood almost drew Adelaide level, but at full stretch, was unable to adequately connect with Isaías’ inviting crossing free-kick.
However, in the 43rd minute the Reds restored parity when Kitto’s sweetly struck
The start of the second-half saw Adelaide continue to have the momentum and Kitto almost had his second and the lead for the hosts.
Galloway again got in behind WSW’s defence and his clever low cut-back found the onrushing 24-year-old only for it to be repelled by Janjetovic.
But it was Western Sydney who re-took the advantage. Bonevacia was given too much time and space as he ventured forward at goal, and the Dutchman’s drive ricocheted heavily off Strain.
The Wanderers then made it 3-1 following Majok’s clinically taken finish to quash any hopes of a comeback.
The result meant Adelaide failed to capitalise on closing the gap on third-place Melbourne Victory, while extending their buffer over Melbourne City after their loss the day earlier.
United will now look to bounce back when they take on Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium next Sunday.
Key moments:
12’ | GOAL: Bonevacia swings in the set-piece and it finds the diving head of Riera, leaving Izzo with no chance.
15’ | PENALTY! Following a VAR review a penalty is indeed awarded for that foul on Thomassen.
16’ | SAVED: The ensuing spot-kick from Goodwin is parried away by Janjetovic, who guesses correctly after diving to his right.
43’ | GOAL! Janjetovic’s punches Jakobsen’s cross straight to Kitto, and he rifles his shot home from just inside the 18-yard box.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6002898011001
54’ | GOAL: Bonevacia’s wayward shot takes a wicked deflection off Strain, wrong footing Izzo.
71’ | GOAL: Majok lobs the ball over the onrushing Izzo after being played in by Bonevacia.
Match details:
Saturday, 16 February 2019
Hyundai A-League 2018/19 – Round 19
Adelaide United 1 (Kitto 43’)
Western Sydney Wanderers 3 (Riera 12’ Bonevacia 54’ Majok 71’)
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Crowd: 8,880
