Adelaide United and Sydney FC share spoils in feisty season opener
Adam Le Fondre’s late equaliser rescued a point for Sydney FC, who drew 1-1 with Adelaide United in the opening match of the Hyundai A-League Season 2018/19.
The Sky Blues’ marquee man steered home Milos Ninkovic's cross from close range in the 78th minute to cancel out Scott Galloway’s strike in first half stoppage time.
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RE-LIVE: Adelaide, Sydney share spoils in Hyundai A-League Season 2018/19 opener
Le Fondre’s effort came as a bolt from the blue for Steve Corica’s side, who had been held at arm’s length by a spirited and energetic Adelaide outfit.
Marco Kurz had clearly done his homework on the reigning Hyundai A-League Premiers, and an organised and combative performance denied Corica’s men any attacking impetus.
Instead, the Sky Blues had Andrew Redmayne called into action to deny Craig Goodwin midway through the opening half after Isaias’ defence-splitting pass.
But Redmayne would turn from hero to zero when Galloway spotted him advancing off his line before curling in a powerful strike from the edge of the box with the last kick of the first period.
Galloway’s effort ensured a gritty first half finished with a flourish, and it was the first time Adelaide had breached the Sydney defence in over 10 and a half hours of Hyundai A-League football.
It looked as though the Reds would grind their way to a hard-earned three points in the second stanza, but Le Fondre – who had been tightly marshalled throughout the contest – popped up with his first Hyundai A-League goal to ensure a share of the spoils at Coopers Stadium.
