Five moments from Adelaide United v Wellington Phoenix in Round 6 of the Hyundai A-League 2014/15 Season
Counter attacks, stunning set pieces, ‘oh so close’ misses and a last minute winner. Five moments from a red hot contest even the rain couldn’t put out.
1. Sanchez Chanced Stopped, Wellington Counter
Pablo Sanchez looked a certainty to slot an early breakthrough after receiving a perfect pass from Sergio Cirio early in the contest. However the shot was denied by Wellington keeper Glen Moss, as the Phoenix stunned United with a stellar counter attack. The visitor’s sudden burst forwards finished with a Roly Bonevacia rocket which put Wellington in front in 15th minute.
2. Cirio winner
After being unable to convert a deflected ball from just metres out in the 89th minute, Cirio made amends in the most epic way possible with a winner in the fourth and final minute of stoppage time. The goal came after a Goodwin free kick and the ensuing scramble in the box, as Cirio extended his right boot to send to ball into the net and Josep Gombau on a delirious, celebratory sprint the length of the touchline. The spectacular game clinching goal extends Cirio’s run of red hot form. The Spaniard now has five goals in seven appearances this season, including FFA Cup play.
3. Craig Goodwin
Craig Goodwin was an absolute menace from set pieces on Saturday. Goodwin had Wellington keeper Glen Moss at full stretch with an impressive shot from a free kick in the first half. He then set up United’s first goal of the afternoon by whipping in a beautiful corner which found the forehead of Nigel Boogard for the equaliser. Goodwin was again the catalyst in Cirio’s game winning goal, sending a threatening free kick into the box which instantly spelled danger for the Phoenix, before finding its way to Cirio who made no mistake in the box.
4. Wet Conditions
With ominous grey skies above and ponchos becoming the fashion of the day in the stands, soggy conditions made playing football a slightly tougher task for these men who always make it look so easy. The dampness made maintaining control of both the ball and one’s footing tougher tasks. Multiple sequences saw players from both sides hit the deck, while several lofted passes sailed out of bounds as both sides adjusted to the dampness.
5. Battle Worn, But Undefeated
The Reds have emerged from a frantic three day, eight game stretch slightly battered and fatigued, yet victorious and undefeated. Carrusca left Saturday’s game in 72nd minute and remerged from the shadows with ice on his left ankle, as United assess his fitness for next week. Adelaide now have a well earned eight day break before travelling to Gosford to take on Central Coast, a sudden rematch with the squad Adelaide defeated in the FFA Cup Semi Final last Tuesday.
