Cup success driving Taggart to end 2019 on a high with Caltex Socceroos

Adam Taggart can’t recall a better calendar year in his professional career than he has experienced in 2019, but there’s one more thing to tick off before he’s satisfied.

The Caltex Socceroos striker’s move from Brisbane Roar in the Hyundai A-League to the K-League with Suwon Bluewings has been a raging success.

Not only has the 26-year-old been in prolific form in front of goal – scoring 18 goals in 25 starts – but he also got his hands on his first piece of silverware as a professional.

Taggart arrived in Caltex Socceroos camp in Jordan after helping Suwon win the Korean FA Cup with a 4-0 win over Daejeon Korail in the second leg on Sunday.

It was a great experience, winning my first senior trophy so it was amazing to be a part of,” Taggart told Socceroos.com.au.

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“Especially being my first year there, it was a special feeling to be a part of a trophy winning side this year, especially with the club not having won for a few years now.

“It was a great occasion and a really positive feeling to wrap up the season.”

Making the Cup success even more special for Taggart was the presence of another Aussie in the Suwon side in former Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory midfielder Terry Antonis.

After the first leg against third-tier Daejeon finished 0-0 away from home, the duo both started the second leg at the Suwon World Cup Stadium.

We were all confident once we got to our home we would be able to do the job, especially with our fans in our stadium,” Taggart said.

“It just gave us that extra buzz and in the end we were able to comfortably win to make sure we’re going to the Champions League next year.

“To lift the trophy at home was a great night.”

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Caltex Socceroos in training in Amman
Caltex Socceroos in training in Amman

But Taggart’s dream 2019 still has one more hurdle to jump in the form of Jordan in Friday morning’s (AEDT) World Cup qualifier in Amman.

The Perth-born striker scored twice in Australia’s most recent qualifier against Chinese Taipei, ensuring confidence is high heading into the clash with the Jordanians.

With the match at the King Abdullah II Stadium the Caltex Socceroos last of the year, Taggart says the team is determined to finish with a bang.

“It’s been a fantastic year. I think we have been building every camp and as long as we can keep doing that, which I’m sure we will, we’ve got quality players who are all coming off some good form,” he said.

“It’s a must-do for us to finish the calendar year on a high and make sure we get the win.

“I’m buzzing at the moment. To be back in here again alongside a lot of mates, it’s a really nice feeling.

“I’m feeling really positive after the last few of months and especially after Sunday [FA Cup win]. I’m sure I can contribute to the team if called upon for [the Jordan] game.”

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All For The Socceroos

Next Match – Caltex Socceroos – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and AFC Asian Cup China 2023™ – Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2

Jordan v Australia
Date: Thursday, 14 November 2019
Venue: King Abdullah II Stadium, Amman, Jordan
Kick-off: 6.00pm (local); 3.00am AEDT – Friday, 15 November 2019
Broadcast: Live in Australia on FOX SPORTS, ABC TV, Kayo Sports, and via the My Football Live App, Live, Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers

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This article was originally published on the Socceroos website.
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