Wonderful Worts Shines in Dramatic Comeback, Launching Adelaide into Finals Contention

Fiona Worts starred for Adelaide United, netting two goals that propelled the Reds to a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Sydney FC at Coopers Stadium on Friday night, setting the stage perfectly for the upcoming 2024-25 Finals Series.

Even before the final round commenced, Adelaide had secured third place on the league table. However, Adrian Stenta’s team was determined to conclude their regular season on a high note, achieving a comeback win against the defending Ninja A-League Champions in what marked midfielder Dylan Holmes’ 100th appearance for the club.

Teenage midfielder Maddie Caspers got Sydney FC on the scoreboard first, striking in the 20th minute. But Worts turned the tide for Adelaide, scoring twice either side of half-time, capping off a remarkable season where the Reds, who finished at the bottom last year, celebrated their 14th victory of the season.

Adelaide was bolstered by the return of star attacker Erin Healy, who came back from a quad injury just in time for the Finals Series. However, the team is now anxiously awaiting news regarding a potential hamstring injury to defender Zoe Tolland, who departed the field in the second half of Friday’s match.

As confirmed third-place finishers, Adelaide will host an Elimination Final against the team that finishes sixth, which could be either Western United, Central Coast Mariners, or Canberra United, scheduled for Sunday, April 27.

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Sydney FC initially took the lead in their final match of the 2024-25 season, with 18-year-old Caspers finding the net for her second goal of the season.

Caspers calmly slotted her goal past rushing goalkeeper Claudia Jenkins after a superb team move that saw the Sky Blues transition from deep defence to the attacking penalty area through a series of precise passes.

Just before the half-time whistle, Worts brought Adelaide back into contention with an equaliser in stoppage time. Taking advantage of a misstep by Sydney captain Natalie Tobin, Worts manoeuvred to the edge of the box and unleashed a low shot into the bottom-right corner.

Midway through the second half, young defender Zoe Tolland was seen leaving the pitch in tears after possibly suffering a hamstring injury. The Reds will be hoping for positive news regarding Tolland’s condition as they gear up for the Finals Series, with the Elimination Final approaching next weekend.

Tolland’s exit coincided with Young Matilda defender Kirsty Fenton’s long-awaited return for Sydney FC; Fenton made her first appearance of the season after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in March 2024.

Shortly thereafter, Erin Healy made her own return from a quad injury, entering the game with just under 20 minutes to go. However, it was Worts who took the spotlight, scoring Adelaide’s second goal of the night to put the team in front at Coopers Stadium.

With a well-timed setup from Lucia Leon on the right flank, Worts struck a first-time volley with her left foot, sending the ball past Sydney keeper Jasmine Black, completing a superb comeback and securing the win for the home side.