Jacob Tratt said he was delighted to make an important contribution in Adelaide United’s 1-0 FFA Cup 2021 Round of 16 derby win against Adelaide Olympic on Sunday.
The 27-year-old scored in his second appearance for the Club with his goal ultimately proving the deciding factor in the hard-fought contest.
Tratt said he was happy to get on the scoresheet but admitted the clean sheet was equally encouraging as a defender.
“I think obviously being new to the Club, to get a win and obviously the winning goal and a clean sheet is for me very important,” he told reporters at a press conference outside Coopers Stadium.
“It was a good delivery from Bernardo. There was a bit of a challenge between Kusini (Yengi) and the goalkeeper, and luckily it just came through and I was just in the right position at the right time to tap it in.
“And hopefully we can continue the run that we’re going on with in the FFA Cup.”
Tratt arrived to the Club after a stint in India and has previously been on the books of Wellington Phoenix, Sydney FC and Perth Glory.
He revealed he has been extremely impressed with the team culture and togetherness in the dressing room, something that can only serve as a positive going forward.
Tratt was resolute at centre-back, winning countless aerial duels, made seven clearances and three interceptions while completing 81% of his passes as the Reds notched a record 12th straight victory in the tournament.
He attributed his solid outing to his teammates, allowing him to settle into life in Adelaide with effortlessness.
“The boys and the whole Club have made me feel welcome and I think that’s why I was able to perform the way I did on the weekend,” he said.
“It’s been a very easy transition and I’m really enjoying my time here in Adelaide.
“… I think the culture at the Club is incredible.
“The facilities I really enjoy and like I said everyone has made me feel so welcome and I think that will go a long way for results this year on the pitch.
“Because if you’ve got a good culture it can help you in the tough times throughout a game and a season, so really looking forward to the season ahead.”
