Craig Goodwin is confident Adelaide United can turn its winless start to the season around, but stated that will only come once it resolves its shortcomings in the attacking third.
The Reds face Wellington Phoenix on New Year’s Day as part of a double header which sees Adrian Stenta’s squad precede this clash with a match against Perth Glory.
“Hopefully with the women’s game there as well we get as many people out as possible,” Goodwin told the media at Coopers Stadium.
“I think it’s going to be a great chance to get out and see both teams hopefully get a win.”
Adelaide drew its opening three matches but has endured successive defeats as they begin 2022 against the Phoenix.
Goodwin felt the team has not played adequately but have lacked conviction and fluidity in advanced areas.
“For the most part I think we’ve played pretty well in all the games,”
“I think the thing that’s let us down would be taking control and taking our chances when we’ve had it.
“So I think a lot of the games we’ve had, we’ve been dominating the first-half even, not taking our chances and getting punished.
“Probably a little bit defensively with small mistakes that are letting us down, but for the most part it’s in that front third that we need to fine tune.
“And once that comes I think we’ll win a lot of games this year.”
An interrupted pre-season has been far from ideal for the 30-year-old, but he is optimistic his first goal of the season is not too far away as he is feeling stronger with each passing game.
The forward made three substitute appearances to begin the Isuzu UTE A-League season and has started the last two games.
“I do put the most pressure on myself, but I know that that’s what I’m capable of and that’s what I have to deliver for the team,” he said.
“So for me it’s about finding that form and getting the rhythm back. I did have quite a disrupted pre-season with only two weeks of full training in the pre-season which is about three months long anyway.
“It shows you how long I was out for, so it’s been building the first five games.
“I’m feeling good, I’m feeling fit and hopefully against Wellington in a couple of days I can find the back of the net.”
Match details:
Saturday, 1 January vs Wellington Phoenix
Isuzu UTE A-League 2021/22 – Matchweek 07
Kick-off 7.15pm ACDT
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Stream: Paramount+
