Relive some of Craig Goodwin’s best moments as a Red following the return of the 26-year-old to Adelaide United on a three-year deal.
The dynamic left winger spent two seasons in Adelaide where he enjoyed great success and scored 10 goals in 55 Hyundai A-League games.
That jaw-dropping free-kick against Brisbane
Adelaide knew what was at stake in there do-or-die elimination final in 2015 if they were to remain in the finals series. Craig Goodwin got the Reds off to the ideal start when he struck a wonderful, curling free-kick from 30-yards out and beyond a helpless Jamie Young to open the scoring.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5789524577001
Scintillating run culminates in match-winner against fierce rivals
Rarely does something other than a goal, save, assist or exquisite piece of skill become such an iconic moment in football. However, there are some exceptions – none other than Craig Goodwin’s lung-busting drive against arch nemesis Melbourne Victory in February 2016. It was the catalyst that handed Adelaide a vital three points and United’s first win in Melbourne in five years.
Goodwin received the ball from inside Victory’s half, bursting forward but was fouled in the process after copping a knee to the head, leaving the forward worse for wear. Though with the referee playing advantage the ball fell to Stefan Mauk, who found Bruce Kamau and his finish sealed a 1-0 win.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5789513988001
Brilliant technique in finish vs Central Coast
With the score goalless at half-time in Round 15 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season, Goodwin broke the deadlock in textbook fashion. On the hour mark, he expertly controlled Pablo Sánchez’s cross with his left foot before dispatching an unstoppable shot on his right.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5789519444001
Lifting the Championship
Playing a vital role in Adelaide’s dramatic turnaround in fortunes, Goodwin along with the rest of the squad realised their ultimate goal in 2016. After clinching the Premier’s Plate nearly three weeks’ earlier, the Reds welcomed Western Sydney Wanderers to Adelaide Oval. Goodwin played the entire 90 minutes in the 3-1 triumph in front of more than 50,000 fans.
Achieving individual success
Following the immense team success, Goodwin was subsequently recognised for his individual feats. At the Club’s Annual Awards Night, the then 24-year-old claimed the most prestigious accolade, the Aurelio Vidmar Club Champion Award. He also bagged the Members’ Player of the Year after amassing four goals and four assists in a truly magnificent campaign.
