Adelaide United vs Brisbane Roar – Match Highlights | Ninja A-League 2024-25 | Round 20
Adelaide United have narrowed the gap to just four points behind league leaders Melbourne City following a remarkable 3-1 comeback victory over Brisbane Roar on Sunday afternoon.
Brisbane initially took the lead in the second half with a goal from Mariel Hecher, but Adelaide seized the momentum at Coopers Stadium. Star striker Fiona Worts made her return from a quadriceps injury sustained in early March, coming off the bench to net two goals that turned the match in her team’s favour. Chelsie Dawber then sealed the win with a late penalty.
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Worts scored her comeback goal just two minutes after entering the field, a tactical masterstroke from Reds’ coach Adrian Stenta. Her second goal of the match raised her tally for the season to nine, putting her just three behind current Golden Boot leader Emily Gielnik.
The defeat could prove detrimental for Brisbane, whose position in the top six is still precarious with three rounds remaining. Sitting in sixth place with 25 points, the Roar are only three points ahead of Canberra United, Wellington Phoenix, and Perth Glory, making the race for the final playoff spot an intense affair as the 2024-25 regular season approaches its climax.
Brisbane had the better of the first-half chances as they pressed for an opener, but were unable to convert.
Mariel Hecher came close with an early attempt that skimmed past the bottom-left corner, while Adelaide keeper Claudia Jenkins spectacularly denied Alicia Wodds with a remarkable volleyed save.
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From the subsequent corner, Momo Hayashi delivered a cross to Chelsea Blissett, who returned from injury to head the ball against the crossbar with her powerful effort.
Adelaide was fortunate to go into halftime at a stalemate, as Brisbane failed to make the most of their opportunities.
Shortly after halftime, Adelaide created their best chance of the match. Emily Hodgson linked up with Nanako Sasaki at the edge of the box, and her precise pass allowed Chelsie Dawber to approach the goal. Dawber aimed for the bottom-right corner, but Roar goalkeeper Keeley Richards was well-positioned to deny her with a brilliant save.
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Just two minutes later, a defensive mix-up allowed Brisbane to take the lead through their Brazilian forward Hecher.
After a botched attempt to play the ball out from the back by Reds keeper Jenkins and centre-back Ella Tonkin, Brisbane capitalised on the turnover, with Hecher finishing coolly to score.
With Adelaide trailing 1-0 at home and in desperate need of a response, head coach Adrian Stenta turned to his bench, summoning the attacking duo of Fiona Worts and Erin Healy.
Making her first appearance since her injury, Worts quickly made her presence felt, scoring just two minutes after coming on to equalise at Coopers Stadium.
As the clock wound down, it seemed the match would end in a 1-1 draw until a twist of fate shifted the momentum back to Adelaide’s side.
Worts put Adelaide ahead with her second goal after capitalising on a defensive lapse when a hopeful long ball from Dylan Holmes found its way through. Worts took advantage of the situation, pouncing on the ball after a single bounce to finish past Richards.
Dawber assured all three points for Adelaide in the closing moments, converting a penalty in the 90th minute with precision into the bottom right corner.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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