Adelaide United have secured their progression into the FFA Cup Quarter Finals following a nail-biting 3-2 win over Olympic FC at Perry Park on Wednesday night.
After scoring on debut last round, Al Hassan Toure bagged a goal either side of Costa Psaros’ equaliser in the first-half to make it three goals in two games.
Chris Lucas converted a penalty for the hosts past the hour mark before United responded six minutes from time with a spot-kick of their own which George Blackwood confidently dispatched.
Gertjan Verbeek made one change to his starting XI that beat Melbourne Knights 5-2 in the Round of 32, indicating the Dutchman was wary of Olympic’s quality going forward.
Vince Lia was preferred over the more attack-minded Nathan Konstandopoulos in midfield, forming a two-man pivot alongside Mirko Boland in front of the defence.
Meanwhile, fresh from signing a scholarship contract, Toure was again entrusted to lead the line.
However, while Adelaide showed glimpses of their poise in advanced areas, the Reds appeared shaky at the back on more than one occasion with Olympic creating a number of problems. Paul Izzo was also called into action several times and produced a fine save to deny Lucas late on.
Key moments:
9’ | GOAL! Ben Halloran slips through Toure which he runs on to and clinically finish his one-on-one effort past the goalkeeper.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6075101607001
12’ | GOAL: Psaros controls a long ball over the top from Mundy and rifles his shot into the top corner.
27’ | GOAL! Toure scores his second of the game as the former Croydon Kings forward taps in Michael Marrone’s ball across goal following a deft pass from Halloran.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6075120713001
64’ | GOAL: Lucas converts the spot-kick after a shot strikes Lia’s hand from close proximity.
84’ | GOAL! Blackwood sends the goalkeeper the wrong way with a well-taken penalty on his 50th Adelaide appearance following a clear foul on Riley McGree.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6075133802001
Match details:
Wednesday, 21 August 2019
FFA Cup 2019 Round of 16
Olympic FC 2 (Psaros 12’, Lucas 64’ (P))
Adelaide United 3 (Toure 9’ 27’ Blackwood 84’ (P))
Venue: Perry Park
Attendance: 1,030
