Apostolos Stamatelopoulos says he was delighted to score the equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw for Adelaide United against the Western Sydney Wanderers on Wednesday night.
The 18-year-old levelled proceedings in the 86th minute at ANZ Stadium in what was his maiden goal in the Hyundai A-League.
Isaías’s corner was kept alive by Ryan Strain who flicked the ball across to the striker and he emphatically thumped his effort past Vedran Janjetovic.
“It was a very big moment, I’ve been playing football all my life,” Stamatelopoulos told Fox Sports after the match.
“So to score my first goal for my hometown team is great, I love it.”
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The Young Reds product also discussed his relationship with Head Coach, Marco Kurz, and praised the German for believing in him.
“He’s a great coach, one of the best coaches I’ve had growing up through my youth career,” he said.
“And for him to pick me and on a scholarship and train with the first-team boys everyday it’s an honour and I’m making the most of it.”
The Reds were missing as many as seven regulars for the clash either injured or on international duty with the Olyroos.
Therefore, a number of younger players were again handed an opportunity, not least Stamatelopoulos.
The likes of Ben Warland, Daniel Margush, Ryan Strain and Jordan O’Doherty all showcased their quality throughout the game despite their lack of experience.
He admitted grabbing a draw was an excellent result given the circumstances, which was compounded when Baba Diawara was forced off injured.
“It’s a very big result to take a point home from this game,” he continued.
“It was just a fight the whole game and away from home it’s good.”
Adelaide United host Sydney FC in Round 16 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Sunday, 14 January at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 6.30pm ACDT.
