Adelaide United Ninja A-League head coach, Adrian Stenta, shared his thoughts after his side secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Central Coast Mariners on Saturday.
Stenta on the performance…
“A real positive for us to get a second win in a row with another strong performance. Before the game, we talked about trying to build some consistency, momentum, and getting on a bit of a run in this part of the season. So, to start with a win and a strong performance in the first game of this two-game away trip was really positive. I’m pleased the players were able to get some reward for their effort.”
Stenta on beating Central Coast Mariners for the first time…
“I wasn’t actually aware that the club had never beaten them before on the women’s side. So, it’s definitely a positive to finally tick that box. This side has been quite good at creating historical moments for the club during my time here, so that’s been pleasing. It’s a tough place to come and get a result, so that’s a real positive for us. It will build a lot of confidence within the group.
“Our away form this year has been really strong—this was our third away win in four matches. We feel confident going into any game, regardless of where it’s played, that we can get a result because we’ve consistently shown that through the first couple of months of the season.”
Stenta on Emily Hodgson’s first goal in 8 years…
“I’m super happy and excited for Em Hodgson to have scored a goal. We’ve been telling her for a few weeks now—it’s been a bit of an ongoing conversation amongst the group—that Hodgy is going to get on the scoreboard. We’re asking her to play in a bit more of an advanced role than perhaps she’s played for us in the past few seasons, and perhaps a role that she’s not as accustomed to.
“I’m very pleased for her. She’s been working super hard in training and has been able to recreate those sorts of moments consistently. I’m glad that the practice has paid off. She probably could have popped up with a second goal, too, because she was quite high at times and found herself in the box. That’s where we want her to be with the way we’re playing this year. So, very happy for Hodgy—not a more deserving player in the team to score.”
Stenta on yet another clean sheet…
“Another real positive to come out of the game was another clean sheet—our fifth of the season, and maybe two in a row now. It’s something we identified in the postseason review that we really needed to work on because we conceded far too many goals last year. We weren’t happy with our defensive actions as a team.
“In yesterday’s game, we were able to absorb some real pressure, come out of it, and do a great job of protecting our goal. It starts with our goalkeeper, Claudia, who had another strong game and put in a superb performance. I’m really happy with her form and what she’s brought to the team in the starting role this season. She’s doing a fantastic job.
“It’s also about the defense in front of her, not just the defenders, who are playing out of their skins, but the way we defend as a team. Our desire to get numbers behind the ball, protect our goal, and make it difficult for opponents to create quality chances has been impressive. We were tested yesterday, and we stood up strong.”
Stenta on the plan for the week ahead…
“We’ll spend some time in Terrigal now, recover today, and get in a couple of training sessions before we head to Newcastle later in the week. The players are in good spirits. It’s not a bad place to spend a couple of days—the sun’s shining, the beach is here—so we’ll recharge, refresh, and prepare for our next match against the Jets.”
