Adelaide United interim Head Coach, Carl Veart, was proud of the team’s desire and application following a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar at CBUS Super Stadium on Sunday night.
Kristian Opseth’s sixth minute header and a string of crucial saves by Paul Izzo put Adelaide back in finals contention in Veart’s first competitive game at the helm.
“The commitment that the boys showed in that second-half especially,” Veart said in the post-match press conference.
“We had our backs to the wall for large periods of that second-half, so the desperation and willingness to fight for each other was fantastic.”
Veart said it was immensely important to begin the restart with a victory in order to build momentum in their quest for a top-six berth.
The Reds’ remaining fixtures are all against sides situated in the top five.
“Tonight was a big game for us,” Veart acknowledged, after the Reds snapped a four-game losing streak.
“The first one getting confidence and also a little bit of fitness in us and having a bit of belief.
“When the season finished (in March) we were struggling a little bit, so the boys lost their belief I suppose and tonight this will make the team grow.”
Goalkeeper, Izzo, was instrumental in the win, producing eight saves to be named the Man of the Match.
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The former Reds striker heaped praise on the 25-year-old for his exploits.
“Paul is a fantastic ‘keeper, he’s one of the best ‘keepers in the league,” he said
“He showed that tonight, some of his saves were excellent, top drawer.
“That one in the first-half that he saved was excellent, he’s great in the changerooms with the boys as well.
“I was saying earlier he was paying $20 a save he was paying tonight so I think the boys will make sure he puts his hands in his pocket.”
In the lead up to the match, Izzo announced he would be pledging $20 to Childhood Cancer Association for every save he makes until the end of the season.
Veart also handed 18-year-old Taras Gomulka his senior debut and admitted he was impressed with the midfielder’s performance.
“I’ve known Taras since he was a 13-year-old kid,” he continued.
“He doesn’t get fazed by anything and he’s been training really well these last four weeks with the training we’ve had, he’s been excellent.
“He deserved his position and I thought he did really well tonight for his first game in tough conditions, so I’m very happy for him.”
The Reds will now travel to Sydney on Monday to join the hub ahead of next weekend’s clash with Wellington Phoenix.
Adelaide United face Wellington Phoenix in Round 26 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Saturday 25 July at Bankwest Stadium. Kick-off is at 4.30pm ACST. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, ABC, Kayo Sports and the MyFootball Live App.
