Experience all the key moments from the Round 18 encounter between Adelaide United and Melbourne City.
Archie Goodwin’s eighth goal of the season turned out to be the decisive factor as Adelaide United claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium.
While Melbourne City dominated the first half, the tides shifted after the break as Adelaide took the lead in the 52nd minute, courtesy of a spectacular header from striker Archie Goodwin.
In stark contrast to their first-half performance, Melbourne City failed to register a single shot on goal in the second half, while Adelaide squandered multiple opportunities to secure a more comfortable lead before the final whistle.
This victory marks the end of Adelaide United’s two-match winless streak and brings Carl Veart’s squad to within two points of league leaders Auckland FC.
On the other hand, Melbourne City, under the guidance of Aurelio Vidmar, is now enduring a tough run with three consecutive losses in the Isuzu UTE A-League, leaving them outside the top six.
Melbourne City burst out of the blocks and forced Adelaide’s goalkeeper Ethan Cox into action early on, making a crucial save in the 10th minute against a fierce shot from Ben Mazzeo just outside the box.
Looking to ignite a response from his team after a sluggish start, Adelaide midfielder Stefan Mauk received a yellow card for a late challenge on City keeper Patrick Beach, much to the frustration of the visitors’ defence.
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City’s promising youngster Lawrence Wong then went close, firing over from inside the box as the visitors maintained control in the opening stages of the contest at Coopers Stadium.
City’s defender Samuel Souprayen then met a cross with a header, only to miss the target from a close distance as the Reds’ experienced players trudged off at half-time, contemplating their lackluster performance so far.
In a bid to shake things up, Adelaide coach Carl Veart brought on Yaya Dukuly in place of Ben Folami at the interval, and it wasn’t long before they made their mark.
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Shedding his marker, striker Goodwin soared into the air to deftly redirect Zac Clough’s corner into the net, sending Coopers Stadium into a frenzy. They nearly added another soon after.
Connecting with a cross from Dukuly, Clough saw his initial effort saved by Beach before his rebound hit the crossbar, allowing City to survive a heart-stopping moment.
Now infused with energy, Adelaide wasted another golden opportunity to extend their lead during a goalmouth melee in the 59th minute.
Goodwin aimed for his second in the 72nd minute but disappointingly sent his left-footed drive straight at Beach as he bore down on goal.
20-year-old Ryan White attempted to finish off the match in style with a long-range effort, but his shot flew high into the stands as City aimed to mount a last-gasp comeback.
Rampaging full-back Dylan Pierias had a chance to seal the points for Adelaide but saw his powerful shot expertly tipped away by Beach.
This result sees Adelaide return to winning ways and reduce the gap to Auckland FC at the top, while Melbourne City continues to search for their first victory at Coopers Stadium since 2018.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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