After Adelaide United’s FFA Cup 2019 Round of 32 opponents were confirmed last night, we take a trip down memory lane to relive all of our opening matches to begin each tournament.
The Reds have been the most successful side in the competition, lifting the trophy on two separate occasions in 2014 and 2018.
And as Adelaide begin their title defence against TEAM , here are all five of our previous last 32 ties.
FFA Cup 2014 – 1-0 win vs Wellington Phoenix
Without then Head Coach, Josep Gombau, and three first-team regulars due to Foxtel All-Stars commitments, Adelaide went into their maiden FFA Cup match somewhat understrength. But it did not matter as Sergio Cirio reacted quickest to follow in Awer Mabil’s deflected cross on 32 minutes at Marden Sports Complex.
FFA Cup 2015 – 6-1 win @ Darwin Olympic
Adelaide began the 2015 instalment of the FFA Cup as inaugural winners of the tournament as they prepared to face Darwin Olympic. It was the Club’s first ever competitive game in the Northern Territory and newly appointed Head Coach, Guillermo Amor’s first at the helm.
Marcelo Carrusca converted a penalty to make it 1-0, however, the hosts immediately replied from kick-off. Adelaide’s quality eventually shined through as Jimmy Jeggo scored a brace in two minutes before the Reds then netted three times in as many minutes late in the second-half as Sergio Cirio, Eli Babalj and Pablo Sánchez were all on target. The result remains Adelaide’s largest victory in the competition.
FFA Cup 2016 – 2-1 (AET) loss @ Redlands United
Adelaide’s lowest point in the FFA Cup occurred in 2016 against local Queensland outfit Redlands United. Ryan Kitto scored just beyond the hour mark to open the scoring but the hosts struck in the 93rd minute, forcing extra-time. They would go on to win after bagging a goal in the 98th minute as United made a shock first round exit.
FFA Cup 2017 – 1-0 win vs Newcastle Jets
It was a tightly contested match between Adelaide and Newcastle at Marden in the fourth iteration of Australia’s largest cup competition. The match would become untied when Michael Marrone expertly headed in Johan Absalonsen’s corner. It ultimately separated the two teams as United advanced to the last 16.
FFA Cup 2018 – 3-0 win vs Central Coast Mariners
Adelaide cruised to a comprehensive victory to open their campaign at Marden last season. Jordan Elsey met Isaías’ inch-perfect set-piece to open the scoring, while new German signing, Mirko Boland, introduced himself to the Reds faithful with an excellent overhead kick. Craig Goodwin then capped off the win in his first game back with the Club following a two-year spell in the Netherlands after dispatching a second-half free-kick.
