Time is running out for Adelaide United to lock in a finals spot, but Friday’s 1-0 victory against Macarthur could be a season-defining game for Reds.
Coopers Stadium has not been the old fortress that it once was for the Reds this season, as coming into their game against Macarthur, Adelaide held a measly record of four wins, four losses and two draws at home.
With four of their last five games being at home, time is of the essence for the Reds to turn Coopers back into a fortress.
And that, they did.
The Reds were under the pump early as Macarthur dominated the first 25 minutes as Ulises Dávila and Jake Hollman were causing issues for United’s defence.
But Adelaide was able to weather the storm and land a huge blow right at the death of the first half, as Hiroshi Ibusuki headed in a 45th minute goal to deflate the Bulls.
“It’s just so frustrating,” said Macarthur head coach Ante Milicic.
“We have just continued to cop goals at the wrong time this year. I don’t know who’s caused more penalties or own goals than us.”
But Ibusuki’s goal was a reflection of weeks of challenging work, according to United’s head coach Carl Veart.
“Not rewarding ourselves when we are playing well has been the story of our season,” said Veart.
“But to go out there and get that goal right on half time, it was great.”
Adelaide has the season in their own hands believes Veart after a “season defining win” tonight against Macarthur.
“We haven’t had the best record at home this year, so that’s why it’s even more pleasing tonight to get the points because we’ve dropped quite a few points over the year,” he said.
“So, tonight, was something that we needed badly, just to show that spirit again tonight and take that into our last three games.”
Despite the fantastic win, finals are far from locked in for the Reds.
They currently sit two points clear of Macarthur in fourth place, but the backmarkers are coming home hard.
Just like Winx in the Cox Plate, the backmarkers in Macarthur, Wellington Phoenix and Central Coast Mariners are flying home as they all sit within five points of Adelaide with one to three games up their sleeve.
It is going to be a tight race to the end of the season but Veart clearly feels Adelaide’s fate now remains in their own hands.
Featured image credit: Jordan Trombetta
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