Adelaide United started their Hyundai A-League 2014/15 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Champions Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday night.
The home side hit the lead first through a Thomas Broich free kick before a powerful Djite half volley and a James Donachie own goal ensured the Reds left Suncorp with all three points.
They were made to work hard for their win, with the home side always a threat through midfielders Broich and Brattan and their fluent attacking play.
They broke the deadlock after 20 minutes when Broich’s curled free kick evaded everyone in the box and misled Galekovic.
Gombau’s latest Spanish import Pablo Sanchez looked at home with the physicality of the Hyundai A-League, despite arriving from the more technical game played in Spain’s Segunda Division.
The pocket midfielder added himself seamlessly to the attacking presence of the Reds, even unleashing a stunning free kick that was plucked out of the top corner by Hyundai A-League debutant keeper Jamie Young.
Soon after the Reds were off the mark through a stunning solo effort from Bruce Djite – the forward drove a strong half volley through the outstretched palms of Young.
Jimmy Jeggo was able to link up well with wingers Sergio Cirio and Craig Goodwin and the quality of their crosses were always a threat for the Roar defence.
Galekovic was constantly tested by the quick counter attack of the Roar, as Dimitri Petratos and Liam Miller latched onto a number of chances.
Bruce Djite’s misdirected header in front of goal should have sealed the three points for the Reds by the 75th minute, but his miss ensured a nervy finish.
A last ditch Tarek Elrich challenge on Henrique kept the home side out in the last few minutes of extra time ensuring maximum points for the Reds’ first game of the season.
Adelaide United Head Coach Josep Gombau was happy with how the team performed away from home.
“I’m happy not just for our fans but for all football fans,” said Gombau
“Brisbane is a very good team and we play well against them because they also want to play good football.
The Reds will be looking to extend their form with a derby match against rivals Melbourne Victory at Adelaide Oval on Friday night. To purchase tickets, click here.
Match Details
Sunday, 12 October 2014
Hyundai A-League 2014/15 Season – Round 1
Brisbane Roar 1 (Broich 20’)
Adelaide United FC 2 (Djite 33′, Donachie o.g. 56′)
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Attendance: 16,195
Brisbane Roar: Young (gk), Smith (c), Stefanutto, Kurtishi (Henrique 76’), Miller, North, Donachie (Solorzano 90’), McKay, Brattan, Broich, Petratos.
Adelaide United: Galekovic (gk/c), Boogard, McGowan, Pablo Sanchez, Isaias, Cirio, Carrusca (Marrone 89’), Goodwin, Jeggo, Elrich, Djite (Kamau 84’)
Red cards: McKay (72’)
Yellow cards: Jeggo (17’), Isaias (19’), Kurtishi (27’), Boogaard (57’), McKay (72’)
