After a character-building win against FK Beograd, Adelaide United hosted the first leg of their RAA NPLSA Semi-Final at ServiceFM Stadium against MetroStars.
Tension tightens the game
You can’t discuss finals football without acknowledging the tension that comes along with the magnitude of the games. After surviving a severe numerical disadvantage and eliminating FK Beograd, the stakes only got bigger for Adelaide United as they earned the right to face the Premiers, MetroStars in the next round of the finals series.
A Grand Final spot is on the line for the winner of this clash over two legs, and the way the first half played out told the whole story. Two sides that have entertained crowds with their attacking prowess and free-flowing football played out a cagy affair, with the highlights not being goals, but the desperation showcased by both sides to avoid a fatal blow early in the encounter.
Early goals can hit a reset button on the mentality of sides in these games, but that was not the case, with both Max Vartuli and Cody Oestreich pulling off notable saves to ensure their sides were not the first to bend. Despite the talent both sides possess on their team sheets, games like this prove that it’s the side that makes the best of its moments that earns the right to fight for the championship.
Caption: Max Vartuli palming away at long-range Hamish Gow effort (Image: Pagonis Photography)
Cameron Woodfin continues haunting the Young Reds
While the two sides entered their finals clash level after two draws in the regular season, it did not seem like that was going to be the case at half time of their first encounter. Adelaide United entered the break of that game, also hosted at ServiceFM Stadium, two goals up and in complete control.
That all changed when Cameron Woodfin’s brace after the interval brought the scores level, before the American import sealed his hat-trick to cancel out a late Fabian Talladira goal to round off an entertaining 3-3 draw. With the game once again on the line and MetroStars needing someone to step up, it was Woodfin who returned to the scene of his best goalscoring night in his time in Australia to do the damage again.
With just over 10 minutes to go, MetroStars striker Owen Windsor found himself out wide with the ball. While not having the league’s top goal scorer in the box may be a relief for any defender, the marksman turned provider and crossed the ball early, allowing Woodfin to capitalise on a moment of loose marking to tap home the game’s only goal, giving the Premiers a crucial advantage heading into the home game, while the American continues staking his claim as one of the best goalscoring midfielders in the competition.
Caption: Cameron Woodfin celebrates his late goal, his fourth against the Young Reds in 2025 (Image: Pagonis Photography)
All to play for in the second leg
Losing a big final by such a fine margin may be disheartening for a young team like Adelaide United, but Elvis Markov’s side has no time to feel sorry for itself. The tie is only halfway done, and the Young Reds have a goal deficit to overcome on Saturday night at TK Shutter Reserve.
While Adelaide United showed they can threaten their opponents in the first leg, another momentary loss of concentration can be fatal against such a well-drilled side away from home. On the other hand, scoring first can see the pressure pile on the Premiers, who are seeking their first championship in 13 years.
The Young Reds only need to look back to 2023, the last time they claimed the league title, to see that their tall task is achievable. While Adelaide United made the Grand Final by defeating Campbelltown City, MetroStars beat Modbury courtesy of a late Jackson Fortunatow double away from home in the first leg of their 2023 Semi-Final. Despite bringing that confidence and momentum home with them, Danny Graystone’s side was bested by the Jets to the tune of three goals at home in the second leg, a blueprint that Adelaide United’s young charges will be desperate to replicate.
Caption: Adelaide United have a chance to overturn their slim deficit after falling to a late defeat against MetroStars (Image: Pagonis Photography)
Full Time
Adelaide United 0
MetroStars 1 (Woodfin)
