An inspired performance from Craig Goodwin has helped lead Adelaide United to a 2-0 win over APIA Leichhardt and a spot in the semi-finals of the FFA Cup 2018.
Goodwin broke the deadlock with an absolute screamer and was the Reds’ most influential player on the park from an attacking perspective, before Mirko Boland ensured the victory with a close-range header.
Marco Kurz made four changes to the line-up from the Round of 16 triumph against Lions FC. Baba Diawara made his first appearance of the season while the German tactician handed Ken Ilsø and Ben Halloran their maiden starts in Red. Ryan Strain returned to the XI at right-back.
Adelaide managed to negotiate APIA’s high-pressing game as they dominated possession and created several chances.
Craig Goodwin proved the architect for the Reds during the first-half with much of the attacking play occurring through the 26-year-old.
But they failed to convert any of their chances, despite United’s encouraging build-up play. Ilsø looked lively and saw two decent efforts repelled by Ivan Necevski in goal for the hosts.
Diawara also had two headers which almost broke the deadlock. His first attempt flew agonisingly astray before directing a header from Goodwin’s cross on target.
Reds Captain, Isaías, was also heavily involved during the encounter in what was his 150th appearance for the Club.
The second-half saw Adelaide continue to push for an opener and they got their reward thanks to a moment of magic from Craig Goodwin on 71 minutes.
The winger collected the ball from Jordan Elsey after a dummy from Boland and unleashed a venomous strike which arrowed past the helpless goalkeeper.
Though APIA almost drew level courtesy of Tasuku Sekiya; his angled strike ricocheted off the arm of gloveman, Paul Izzo, and over the bar.
But the win was secured in the 80th minute after Boland met Isaías’ free-kick to seal the Reds’ progression to the semi-finals of the FFA Cup for a third time, and a meeting with Victorian National Premier League side Bentleigh Greens.
Key moments:
13’ | Ilsø makes space for himself and his low shot takes a deflection which forces Necevski to scramble back and tip the ball out for a corner.
17’ | APIA have their best chance of the game when David D’Apuzzo skies his free header over the bar.
20’ | Jakobsen’s flicked header strikes the bar from Goodwin’s in-swinging corner.
29’ | Ilsø controls the ball and his snapshot from the apex of the 18-yard box is parried by the goalkeeper.
29’ | Diawara rises highest from Isaías’ corner and his header lands inches wide of the target.
71’ | GOAL! Goodwin receives the ball from distance before firing a stunning drive into the top left corner to open the scoring.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5840318564001
75’ | What a save! Izzo stands tall and denies Sekiya on the angle with a reflex save.
80’ | GOAL! Boland makes it 2-0 thanks to his header from Isaías’ inviting set-piece.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5840322492001
Match details:
Wednesday, 26 September 2018
FFA Cup 2018 Quarter Finals
APIA Leichhardt 0
Adelaide United 2 (Goodwin 71’ Boland 80’)
Venue: Leichhardt Oval
