Following Nikola Mileusnić signing a two-year contract extension with Adelaide United, we take a look at three of the winger’s amazing moments with the Reds.
Since joining the Club in 2016, Mileusnić has been synonymous with pace and trickery on the right wing and has bagged 12 goals in 71 matches across all competitions.
Here are three memorable moments:
FFA Cup hat-trick
In the quarter finals of the 2017 FFA Cup against Victorian NPL side Heidelberg United, Mileusnić became just the sixth player in Adelaide’s history to score three goals in a game. Having caused a shock upset by eliminating Perth Glory from the competition in the Round of 32, Heidelberg would provide a tricky test. However, thanks to the winger there was no need to panic. He opened the scoring three minutes in with a sliding finish before slotting an emphatic half-volley and completed his treble after the break, joining the likes of Travis Dodd and Sergio van Dijk to achieve such a feat.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5588579189001
Stunning strike in FFA Cup Final
Despite the Reds ultimately falling short in the 2017 iteration of the tournament against Sydney FC, Mileusnić produced a goal of the highest order. Trailing 1-0, the winger controlled a long, diagonal ball from Ersan Gülüm before cutting in from the right and curling his sumptuous effort into the top corner to draw Adelaide level. United would go on to lose in extra-time, however, Mileusnić and the Reds got their revenge a year later to lift the 2018 FFA Cup trophy against the Sky Blues.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5650528817001
Last-minute winner seals incredible comeback
No side in the Hyundai A-League had ever fought back from three goals down and win in 90 minutes. But on a warm Saturday night at Coopers Stadium against Brisbane Roar in February, history would be made. Deep in injury time and with the score locked at 3-3, youngster Carlo Armiento curled in a brilliant cross into the area which found Mileusnić at the back post. The 25-year-old placed his header across the ‘keeper precipitating scenes of jubilation and a moment forever etched in Reds folklore.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5997734404001
Adelaide United host Wellington Phoenix in Round 24 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Sunday, 7 April at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 4.30pm ACDT. Gates open 3.30pm.
