Joe Gauci says his focus has turned to the Central Coast Mariners and trying to extend Adelaide United’s six-game winning streak on Thursday night.
The goalkeeper produced a stunning, reflex save to deny Patrick Wood’s header from point-blank range and preserve the three points against Sydney FC.
Gauci said he was delighted to have pulled off the miraculous stop which won the save of the week, but said he could not dwell on the moment for too long.
“It’s been a pretty surreal 24 hours,” Gauci told the media on Tuesday.
“I’m really happy with the result firstly. It’s been a while since we beat Sydney FC, so really stoked with the result and the clean sheet.
“But now it’s just time to refocus, we’ve another game Thursday night so another three points (up for grabs).”
The 20-year-old has taken his opportunity since making his A-League debut against Melbourne Victory a few weeks ago following an injury to James Delianov.
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Gauci admitted the competition amongst the group is extremely high, while working and learning off an idol in Goalkeeping Coach, Eugene Galekovic.
“We’ve got a great dynamic going,” he explained.
“We’re all very young and it creates good competition, we’re all good goalkeepers so everyone is pushing everyone.
“… James (Delianov) will be back in two to three weeks and he’ll be pushing me and that’s the competition you want. You can’t rest, you can’t take it easy because you always have someone pushing you.”
Adelaide will be looking to equal a club record of seven straight wins if it defeats the Mariners in Gosford.
The last time that feat was achieved occurred during the 2005/06 season.
The beginning of this current impressive run incidentally started against Central Coast, after a 3-2 victory in February snapped a three-match losing streak.
Adelaide has not looked back since.
“The belief has grown massively from week-to-week,” revealed Gauci.
“I think winning is a habit and from the start of the run against Central Coast here at Coopers Stadium, we’ve grown I think off the pitch and on the pitch.”
Next match details:
Thursday, 1 April vs Central Coast Mariners
A-League 2020/21 – Matchweek 15
Kick-off 7.10pm ACDT
Venue: Central Coast Stadium
Broadcast: Fox Sports
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
