Ahead of Adelaide United’s meeting with Brisbane Roar at Coopers Stadium relive four sensational home wins.
3-0 win – 27/02/16 @ Coopers Stadium
The Reds were oozing confidence when they returned to Coopers Stadium off the back of beating Melbourne Victory 1-0 the week before. And that certainly was palpable with Bruce Kamau scoring the opener, completing a fluid attacking move. Stefan Mauk slipped through Sergio Cirio, who squared the ball to Kamau – side footing his finish into the bottom left corner and netting for the second time in as many games.
Bruce Djité made it 2-0 after the re-start, pouncing on the loose ball, following an attempt from Kamau which was parried straight to the talisman by Michael Theo. Pablo Sánchez then grabbed an inevitable goal off the bench, profiting from some comical defending to secure Adelaide’s first home win in the regular season over the Roar since February 2010.
2-1 win – 01/05/15 @ Adelaide Oval
Adelaide were slight favourites ahead of their elimination final in the 2014/15 campaign. The Reds made the perfect start through Craig Goodwin after he struck a powerful, curling free-kick past goalkeeper Jamie Young 30 yards out. But a defensive error invited Brisbane back into the affair prior to the interval as Thomas Broich levelled proceedings.
The second-half understandably became a frenetic, end-to-end encounter, as both teams went searching for a winner and fortunately it was the home side which had the final say. Talented youngster, Awer Mabil scored with three minutes left on the clock dismissing the need for extra-time and a potential shoot-out.
1-0 win – 21/02/09 @ Hindmarsh Stadium
After being comprehensively defeated by arch rivals Melbourne Victory over the two legs of the semi-final, Adelaide were desperate to avenge the one-sided aggregate result in the preliminary final. Cristiano headed down Eugene Galekovic’s long ball to Fabian Barbiero, who brought the ball under his spell, and unleashed an amazing half-volley from the edge of the 18-yard box which smashed in off the apex of the top left corner. It was a strike worthy of deciding any football match and it sent the Reds into the 2009 Hyundai A-League Grand Final.
4-2 win – 01/01/06 @ Hindmarsh Stadium
What better way to start the New Year than with Adelaide prevailing in a goal fest. However, the script initially did not go according to plan when Alex Brosque broke the deadlock. But in the space of a minute the deficit was eradicated. Carl Veart equalised, before Shengqing Qu had the audacity to chip the ‘keeper at the top of the box. Brazilian Fernando Rech then scored a goal either side of half-time to settle the contest and extend United’s winning streak to five games as they marched closer towards the Premiers’ Plate.
Adelaide United host Brisbane Roar in Round 13 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Saturday, 30 December at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 5.05pm ACDT.
