A Craig Goodwin masterclass has helped Adelaide United lift the FFA Cup 2018 Final courtesy of a 2-1 win over Sydney FC at Coopers Stadium on Tuesday night.
Goodwin scored two incredible strikes, either side of Adam Le Fondre’s penalty to ensure Adelaide became the first side to have won the coveted trophy twice.
His first goal was a magnificent free-kick before thumping in a well worked move in the second-half to break the deadlock and see the Reds hold on for the win.
There was just the one alteration made to the starting line-up by Marco Kurz. Mirko Boland returned from injury replacing Ken Ilsø, while there was a place for Nikola Mileusnic on the bench in what was the speedster’s first appearance as a substitute this season. Ben Halloran was entrusted to lead the line with Goodwin and Ryan Strain featuring on either flank.
Adelaide settled quicker of the two teams and began to employ their passing game as they got on the front foot early.
They made incursions into the box through Ben Halloran and Goodwin providing width, but no Reds players managed to get on the end of their crosses.
We'll just leave this here. Good night everybody. 😁 #AUFC #FFACupFinal pic.twitter.com/L1oS7ReWjt
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) October 30, 2018
Sydney soon found their groove 20 minutes in and controlled possession as United were pegged back.
But that soon changed when Goodwin was fouled 25 yards out from goal.
What happened next was a sight to behold, as the 26-year-old beautifully curled in his free-kick to bag his fourth cup goal in as many matches, and sending the crowd into scenes of jubilation on 25 minutes.
Though the advantage was almost momentary as Jordan Elsey’s tame back pass allowed Alex Brosque to the ball down chase down.
As he tried to round Paul Izzo, the gloveman fouled him in the process, with the referee having no hesitation in brandishing a yellow card and pointing to the spot.
Le Fondre confidently smashed in the ensuing penalty to restore parity three minutes later.
Goodwin flashed a shot wide of the target in the 32nd minute much to the relief of Redmayne.
The second-half saw Adelaide have the ascendancy and it was almost a case of déjà vu courtesy of another Goodwin free-kick on 53 minutes.
The further distance failed to deter the winger, who aimed for the far corner from the right-hand side of the 18-yard box with shot landing agonisingly wide.
Enjoy it, @AdelaideUnited fans! 🏆 #FFACupFinal pic.twitter.com/WEDzJGbepb
— Australia Cup (@AustraliaCup) October 30, 2018
Sydney threatened just past the hour as Milos Ninkovic fired a low shot to Izzo’s right which he was equal to with a smart save.
Substitute Ilsø was then summoned and made an immediate impact as his close-range shot from the back-post off Goodwin’s cross was repelled just by Redmayne.
Goodwin then made it 2-1 on 74 minutes with an absolutely scintillating finish. Scott Galloway picked out Ben Halloran and his deft touch enabled the winger to rifle his right-footed half-volley into the top corner.
Adelaide gallantly survived a wave of Sydney pressure late on but the Kurz’s men ran down the clock expertly and defended resolutely to seal the win in front of 14,448 supporters.
Key moments:
25’ | GOAL! 1-0: Goodwin dispatches a stunning free-kick into the top left corner and leaving Redmayne no chance.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5855223660001
27’ | PENALTY: A weak back pass from Elsey plays in Brosque and was brought down trying to round Izzo.
28’ GOAL: 1-1: Le Fondre buries the subsequent penalty as it is hit with too much power for the gloveman to react in time.
74’ | GOAL! 2-1: Goodwin completes his brace again in mesmerising fashion, arrowing his half-volleyed strike into the top corner.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5855251185001
Match details:
Friday, 26 October 2018
FFA Cup 2018 Final
Adelaide United 1 (Goodwin 25’ 74’)
Sydney FC 1 (Le Fondre 28’)
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Attendance: 14,448
