There were encouraging signs from Adelaide United despite surrendering a 1-0 lead with 12 minutes remaining against Sydney FC in our Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season opener on Friday night.
Michael Jakobsen shows his quality
The experienced Dane, proved why the Reds secured his services over the offseason after delivering another assured performance at the back. Jakobsen was excellent with the ball and without it. He expertly tracked the runs of Sydney’s attacking players and his positioning allowed him to make seven clearances and win six of nine duels.
In possession, his distribution was phenomenal, particularly when he played forward, penetrating passes into United’s attackers and bypassing the midfield. The 32-year-old will be an important cog in an already well-disciplined defensive unit.
Scott Galloway produces moment of magic
It is fair to say very few people would have expected Adelaide’s first league goal of the season to arrive from ambidextrous left-back Scott Galloway, and in that sort of fashion. But that is exactly what happened.
The 23-year-old who signed with the Club after a successful trial has swiftly made the left full-back spot his own. On the stroke of half-time, he calmly controlled Craig Goodwin’s lay-off before having the awareness to pick Andrew Redmayne off his line with a curling right-footed shot over the outstretched gloveman.
Slender lead not enough against Sydney
Adelaide were largely resolute in defence against the Sky Blues and restricted their quality players for the majority of proceedings. However, it is difficult to keep class players down for an entire match and in the blink of an eye parity was restored. The Reds came undone by an incisive attacking move finished off clinically by Adam Le Fondre, highlighting that a narrow lead is never entirely safe – especially against strong opposition.
Head Coach, Marco Kurz, in his post-match press conference also felt his side needed a second goal to diminish the chance of Sydney finding a way back into the game. All in all, however, it was a positive display and something for the Reds to build on moving forward.
Adelaide United host Newcastle Jets in Round 2 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Friday, 26 October at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports and the My Football Live App.
