Adelaide United goalkeeper, Joe Gauci, says the Reds’ spot in the Semi Final, following their 2-0 win over Wellington Phoenix, is where they deserved to be at the end of the regular season.
Gauci admitted he is of the belief United “butchered” their chances of securing second spot on the table with a series of mixed results towards the end of the campaign. However advancing past the Nix in an Elimination Final on Friday night and setting-up a clash with Central Coast Mariners in a two-legged Semi Final is deserved for Carl Veart’s side.
Speaking post-game to Paramount+’s Max Burford, Gauci gave his honest assessment.
Gauci said:
“We’re excited.
“I think that was the performance we have been looking for over the last couple of weeks.
“It was nice not to concede some goals and the boys up top, we could have had three or four tonight.
“It’s exciting going into the Semi Final where we probably should have been from the start.
“The last couple of weeks have been a little rough and in the end we sort of butchered that second spot, so we’re back where we belong.
“It’s been a tough year in terms of clean sheets for us, but the boys at the back were superb.
“I thought Nick Ansell, who hasn’t played for a while, was superb tonight, so hopefully it’s something we can continue with through the next weeks.”
Match details:
Isuzu UTE A-League 2022/23 Season – Semi Final (First Leg)
Adelaide United vs Central Coast Mariners
Saturday, 13 May 2023, Kick-off: 7:15pm (ACST)
Coopers Stadium
Isuzu UTE A-League 2022/23 Season – Semi Final (Second Leg)
Central Coast Mariners vs Adelaide United
Saturday, 20 May 2023, Kick-off: 7:15pm (ACST)
Central Coast Stadium
