Adelaide United have now reached the last 16 in five of the six instalments of the FFA Cup following a 5-2 win over Melbourne Knights a fortnight ago.
So sit back and re-live our past four Round of 16 encounters ahead of our meeting with Olympic FC.
2014 – 2-0 win against Brisbane Roar
Adelaide recorded a solid 2-0 victory over the Roar in front of over 4,000 fans at Coopers Stadium back in the tournament’s inception. Bruce Djite put the home side in front after finishing Awer Mabil’s cross into the box from close range. Two minutes into the second-half and the lead was double through Sergio Cirio’s glancing header. Pablo Sánchez delivered a perfectly weighted cross to the back post from the right flank to his fellow Spaniard, whose effort went beyond goalkeeper Jamie Young.
2015 – 2-1 win AET against Sydney FC
The last 16 encounter against the Sky Blues in 2015 was an evenly contested game at Coopers Stadium as it finished all square at full-time. Rhyan Grant opened the scoring for the visitors. However, the advantage lasted only 25 minutes with Sergio Cirio dribbling to the byline and cutting the ball back for compatriot Pablo Sánchez to net from point-blank range just before half-time. Nothing could separate the two teams in the 90 minutes, forcing extra-time. But as the match was seemingly destined for a penalty shootout, Dylan McGowan answered the call. The centre-back was left unmarked at the back post to bag a 114th minute winner.
2017 – 3-0 win against Melbourne Victory
Marden Sports Complex was the venue for the second-ever Original Rivalry match in the FFA Cup. A goalless first-half was followed by a relentless second. Johan Absalonsen broke the deadlock with a thunderous left-footed strike from outside the box and on 66 minutes George Blackwood made it 2-0 after successfully converting his penalty. Nathan Konstandopoulos then added the final nail in Victory’s coffin when he arrowed a stunning strike into the top corner one minute from time.
2018 – 1-0 win against Lions FC
A win is a win which is ultimately all that matters in knockout football. That mantra could be applied to the Reds’ scrappy 1-0 triumph against Queensland National Premier League outfit Lions FC in 2018. It was far from pretty but Craig Goodwin’s 31st minute finish after pouncing on a half-clearance proved decisive.
Adelaide United face Olympic FC in the Round of 16 of the FFA Cup 2019 on Wednesday, 21 August at Perry Park. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACST. Live streamed on Foxsports.com.au, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
