Kristian Opseth says he was relieved to finally open his goal-scoring account with Adelaide United in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Central Coast Mariners.
The Norwegian striker scored the Reds’ third of the afternoon after clinically dispatching Ben Halloran’s low cross into the roof of the net with a first-time finish.
“It was about time I felt,” Opseth explained in a press conference.
“It was a good feeling of course as a striker you want to score goals and contribute to the team and it was nice to finally get the first goal.”
Gertjan Verbeek’s side fell behind early before scoring three well-orchestrated goals.
However, the 29-year-old was disappointed he was unable to bury the Mariners after seeing a 60th minute penalty saved.
“I thought we started well,” he admitted after the Reds have now collected three league wins in a row.
“Then of course we conceded a goal, but we kept playing our game and kept playing well and we got three nice goals before half-time.
“And then the second-half as well we started well and after the penalty that I missed the game changed a little bit I feel.”
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6104812420001
Adelaide’s attention now turns to Melbourne Victory at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night.
Opseth revealed he is aware of the enormity of the fixture and was looking forward to the occasion.
Adding to the level of spice is the fact that James Troisi and Marco Kurz have moved in the opposite direction.
Troisi spent four years at Victory over two spells, while Kurz was the Reds boss for two seasons.
“I’ve heard that it’s the biggest game of the year,” he said.
“So I’m really looking forward to playing in it. Rivalries are always the most fun games to play so I hear there’s going to be a lot of people.”
Opseth anticipated a tight contest despite Victory’s inconsistent form and hoped the fact Kurz was the coach of Adelaide for the last two years could prove somewhat advantageous.
“I feel like every game in the A-League is a difficult game,” he continued.
“There’s not that big a difference between the teams. I’m guessing it’s going to be an even game but hopefully we know a bit more than they do.
“The coach there was the coach here last year so hopefully we have a bit more inside information as well.”
Adelaide United host Melbourne Victory in Round 7 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Saturday, 23 November at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT. Gates open at 5.30pm. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
