Adelaide United Youth Reserves secured a 2-1 extra-time win in an Elimination Final against MetroStars Reserves on Saturday.
The Young Reds had opened the scoring via an own goal and appeared on track to reach the second week of the finals before conceding a penalty in stoppage time.
However, not disheartened, United regrouped in extra-time and regained the advantage through Jason Konstandopoulos.
Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said he was content with the result and delighted their finals campaign extends for another week.
“The result was obviously very pleasing,” Stenta said.
“Probably didn’t perform as well as we had in the last couple of weeks but I guess when it comes to playing finals games the result is what counts.
“So glad that we got through and looking forward to being able to play another game again next week.”
https://twitter.com/aufc_YouthTeam/status/1165139209100746753?s=20
Stenta admitted his team’s display was far from fluid but stated there were mitigating circumstances.
“It was a bit of disjointed performance because we made quite a few changes from the week before,” he explained.
“And the conditions were difficult as well. The pitch was a bit average and there was a strong wind which made it difficult to play.”
However, he said the team’s resilience after conceding late was admirable.
“But we thought we probably did enough to kill off the game in normal time, but just couldn’t take our chances.
“And then conceded a penalty very late in extra time (of normal time) and had to regroup and the boys did well to not let that setback affect them.
“And they showed some good mental toughness to be able to get the win in extra time.”
