Adelaide United will begin the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season by welcoming Sydney FC at Coopers Stadium in a Friday night clash.
The release of the fixtures on Thursday will see the Reds host 14 home matches this campaign.
And with our clash against the Sky Blues to kick proceedings off for 2018/19, here are three of our most captivating moments against the Harbour outfit.
Marcelo Carrusca’s last-gasp penalty
With just one win from the opening nine matches, Adelaide knew the importance of building momentum in order to revive its stuttering campaign. Alex Gersbach was sent off for a reckless tackle on Jimmy Jeggo during first 45.
The Reds would capitalise on their numerical advantage after the break when Jeggo scored at the second time of asking. His initial shot was denied by the crossbar, but the ball landed to Dylan McGowan, who cushioned his header for the midfielder and he unleashed a stinging half-volley to make it 1-0. Filip Holosko equalised in the 70th minute, though there would be one final twist as McGowan was brought down inside the penalty area in stoppage time. Marcelo Carrusca then emphatically struck the ensuing spot-kick into the top corner, sparking jubilant scenes.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5808779348001
A comprehensive New Year’s Eve win
The celebrations on New Year’s Eve in 2012 kicked-off earlier than normal thanks to a convincing 3-0 win over the Sky Blues. Dario Vidošić netted a first-half double to get the party-like atmosphere off and running. The forward leaped highest to meet Cássio’s cross and his header nestled into the corner on 18 minutes. He then converted a penalty some nine minutes later to give United what proved to be an unassailable lead. Bruce Djite’s finish was only parried into the path of Iain Ramsay and he converted into an empty net in the 61st minute, sealing a strong victory.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5810067484001
Fernando Rech’s late winner
Adelaide’s Round 14 clash with the Sky Blues proved to be an instant classic. Fernando Rech sent the near capacity crowd into a frenzy inside four minutes. A long throw from Richie Alagich picked out the Brazilian inside the box, whose thundering strike initially smacked the crossbar, before he headed in the rebound at the second attempt. One-nil soon became 2-0 when Carl Veart tapped home from three-yards after Sydney were unable to clear the ball.
However, Adelaide’s two-goal cushion would be eradicated courtesy of two clinical finishes by ageless Japanese striker Kazuyoshi Miura. However, with six minutes remaining on the clock, Rech fired a shot beyond goalkeeper Clint Bolton to net the match-winner.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5808790439001
Adelaide United host Central Coast Mariners in the Round of 32 of the FFA Cup 2018 on Wednesday, 1 August at Marden Sports Complex. Kick-off is at 7.00 PM ACST.
