Emily Hodgson capped off her maiden season with Adelaide United Women with a goal in a memorable win over Sydney FC at Coopers Stadium.
In the latter half of the W-League 2016/17 campaign, the Reds had found form and were coming into the clash unbeaten in five matches.
“It was the last game of my debut season we were playing here at Coopers Stadium on a stinking hot day,” Hodgson recalled.
“We were on a winning streak and I think there was a lot of confidence in the team that we could go out there and get the result, especially because we were playing at home in front of a crowd.”
That rampant form continued on a scorching hot day in January 2017 against the Sky Blues.
After a goalless first-half, Adelaide scored twice in three minutes to begin the second stanza before Sydney responded with two goals in three minutes of their own.
But enter an unlikely goal scorer to restore United’s lead.
Hodgson was left unmarked as she made a late run to the back post and slotted her finish beyond the ‘keeper after connecting with Sofia Huerta’s low cross.
Hodgson admitted she was stunned when the goal went in.
It remains her only W-League strike to date in 51 matches for the Club.
“I was playing in midfield which was really strange for me,” she explained.
“And I was just standing at the top of the box and the ball got cut across and I just ran in and finished first time.
“I didn’t really know what happened so I just stood there and then all my teammates came and celebrated with me.
“It was pretty amazing, especially to score my first goal at Coopers Stadium.”
