Adelaide United Head Coach, Carl Veart, labelled his side’s 4-1 loss to Macarthur FC as “totally unacceptable”.
The Reds took the lead through an incisive Craig Goodwin finish before Macarthur grabbed complete control of the game.
Apostolos Giannou equalised two minutes prior to half-time and then Craig Noone, Al Hassan Toure and Michael Ruhs got on the scoresheet in the second stanza.
Veart lamented his side’s disappointing performance, suggesting his team was second-best for the entire contest.
“We were just not good enough tonight from the first minute,” Veart told reporters in the post-match press conference.
“Even though we did take the lead we were far, far away from where we needed to be.
“I suppose we’ll have to pick ourselves up and have a good look at this performance, not just the players, the staff – everyone – because that’s totally unacceptable that performance out there tonight.”
The Adelaide boss felt they were unable to match the intensity of the Bulls and as a result were duly punished.
Veart was reluctant to use fatigue as an excuse after the Reds’ third away match in a week.
“I think from the first minute Macarthur came out with real intent and really lifted and chased and worked hard and our boys just didn’t match it,” he said.
“If you don’t stand up and provide the same effort you’re going to get results like that tonight.”
Following his sixth league goal this season and seventh overall, Goodwin did create some history as he moved outright second place in the Club’s all-time top scoring list with 40 goals in all competitions.
The 30-year-old was level with Travis Dodd and is now one goal behind Bruce Djite’s record of 41.
Veart praised the forward’s pedigree.
“He has that little bit of quality for us in the front third,” he concluded.
“And has a lot of assists and a lot of goals for us, and that’s what we get from players that have that quality.”
The Reds will look to bounce back in the Pride Game against Central Coast Mariners at Coopers Stadium this Saturday.
