A new hero in Sky Blue? Why Adam Le Fondre's rescue act will delight Sydney FC fans
Adam Le Fondre cut an isolated figure during his Hyundai A-League debut.
But he only needed one moment to prove why he’ll be one of the most crucial pieces in Steve Corica’s new-era rebuild – and in the defence of Sydney FC’s Premiership title.
RE-LIVE: Adelaide, Sydney share spoils in Hyundai A-League Season 2018/19 opener
REPORT: Le Fondre late show rescues point for reigning Premiers
WATCH FOR FREE: How to watch the Hyundai A-League LIVE and FREE
In truth, Corica’s side were almost completely held at arm’s length by a miserly Adelaide United in their Hyundai A-League season curtain-raiser.
That was until their new marquee man arrived in the 78th minute to steer home a timely equalising strike.
Le Fondre's late show salvaged a 1-1 draw with the Reds, and fiercely earned point at that, according to the 31-year-old.
“It was a battling performance tonight and I think we showed true character and resilience and that’s what we’re about,” Le Fondre told Fox Sports after the match.
“I’m delighted to score obviously, it’s my job at the end of the day – I’m glad we got a point here.
“It was a little bit more blood and guts. Obviously, they [Adelaide] were getting stuck in which is what you have to do to disrupt our flow, it’s a great point here, a battling performance and that’s what we needed.”
Sydney FC’s Premiership defence may be up and running but it was a far from convincing performance from Corica’s men.
But if this was an off-colour display from the Sky Blues, Le Fondre’s ability to dispatch a one-off opportunity comes as the biggest positive for defending Premiers.
New Sydney boss Corica was eager to praise his troops for battling their way to an opening stalemate in his maiden Hyundai A-League appearance at the helm.
“It was a tough game, we got stuck in, they got stuck in, and they tried to press us as well because they knew we were trying to play out and they press with a very high line,” he told Fox Sports.
“I think second half we looked a little better. We outran them in the second half, we looked stronger, we made more forward runs and towards the end we probably deserved that second goal.
“We’ll continue now – that’s 13 unbeaten games throughout pre-season so the boys are doing a fantastic job and looking stronger and stronger each game.”
