For the second straight game Adelaide United has played out a goalless stalemate, this time drawing 0-0 against Wellington Phoenix at Coopers Stadium on Friday night.
The Reds controlled much of the game even with Ryan Strain’s dismissal 15 minutes from time.
However, they could not muster a breakthrough particularly after a flurry of opportunities in the second period.
The result provisionally leaves Adelaide equal second with 32 points.
Chances were at a premium for the majority of the first-half as Adelaide struggled to find a way through the Phoenix defence.
At times it was a little too predictable with a lot of sideways passing and a lack of forward penetration to apply consistent pressure.
Adelaide’s best opportunity arrived via a corner; Craig Goodwin’s delivery was met by a forceful Tomi Juric header thought Oliver Sail was equal to it with an impressive diving save.
Wellington probed without troubling Joe Gauci and it was the hosts that closed out the final bit of action. Juande attempted a side-footed finish which went awry of the upright which Sail appeared to have covered.
The contest opened up in the second stanza with Adelaide’s intensity increasing and as a result showed more promise in transition.
Ben Halloran was inches away from putting the ball in the back of the net before Strain miscued his effort following a marauding run.
The Reds were reduced to 10 men after Strain was brandished a second yellow card for a clumsy tackle.
But despite United’s numerical disadvantage they had the ascendancy and looked more likely to score.
Substitute Kusini Yengi and Halloran both had shots at goal but Sail repelled both with strong saves.
Team news
Carl Veart went with continuity, naming an unchanged line-up for the fourth straight game, however Johnny Yull returned to the bench due to Mohamed Toure’s suspension.
Key moments
11’ | CHANCE! Juric’s header off Goodwin’s corner is acrobatically saved by Sail.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6253051430001
45’ | CHANCE! Cavallo squares a pass to the top of the box for Juande and his shot falls wide of the target.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6253053906001
53’ | CHANCE! Halloran beats the defender from the short corner and his shot whistles past the post and just beyond Stefan Mauk and Jordan Elsey to tap home.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6253055395001
75’ | RED CARD: Strain is given is marching orders for a second bookable offence.
81’ | CHANCE! Goodwin clips a ball over the top for Yengi and he cuts inside but his strike is parried by Sail.
Match details:
Friday, 7 May 2021
A-League 2020/21 – Matchweek 20
Adelaide United 0
Wellington Phoenix 0
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Crowd: 7,172
