Adelaide United was kept to a 1-1 draw against Western Sydney Wanderers in an entertaining encounter at Coopers Stadium.
The match began brightly, with Goodwin registering the first shot on target after a strong effort inside the area.
This indicated the game would be played at a frantic pace, with the Reds looking the better of the two sides early.
When Tarek Elrich, who returned to the starting line-up after Socceroos duty, dashed clear toward the touchline there would only be one outcome.
He crossed the ball into the path of Wanderers defender Andreu Guerao who had no time to move – before heading into his own net, and sending the Reds a goal ahead by the 21st minute.
Wanderers were the most threatening through Romeo Castelen, but a defensive master class made sure he couldn’t convert.
Plagued with injury last year, the Dutch forward looked to re-establish his presence on the big stage, registering the Wanderers’ first attempt on target early on in the first half.
But the Reds’ defence was up to the task, with Dylan McGowan timing five last-ditch tackles to perfection, while the rest of the defence operated fluently throughout the match.
John Hall was an immense force between the posts, and looked confident after his starting debut against Melbourne Victory last week, as he commanded his players and was quick off his line.
It was only a momentary lapse in concentration that cost the Reds, when Guerao pounced on a failed clearance and made amends for his own goal, latching onto the loose ball and ensuring the visitors left Coopers with a point.
A questionable off-side call against Goodwin whilst he was through on goal potentially denied the Reds the opportunity to find their first win of the season late on, but it was a strong showing against a tricky opponent.
Following the match, Head Coach, Guillermo Amor, said he was pleased with the way his side played, but stated his side needs to start being more clinical, securing the three points, instead of just one.
“It’s very easy to lose points because of how strong all the teams are,” Amor said.
“The nature of the A-League is that it is a very tough competition to play in and each week you need to be at your best.
“There are thousands of factors that can impact what happens in a football match, and we must try to analyse what we can and make sure we get the six points in Perth next week.”
Match details:
Friday, 16 October 2015
Hyundai A-League Round 2
Adelaide United: 1
Western Sydney Wanderers: 1
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Attendance: 9,442
