For the third year in a row, Adelaide United are preparing to play in the FFA Cup Final.
The Reds are the most successful team in the competition’s history and are looking to add a third FFA Cup trophy to the cabinet when they take on Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium on Wednesday night.
Gertjan Verbeek’s men have beaten both National Premier Leagues and Hyundai A-League opposition on the way to the decider, unearthing some exciting new stars, scoring some sensational goals and underlining why they simply love the FFA Cup.
They’ve been to Melbourne, Sydney and Central Coast along they way, scoring 11 goals and playing some eye-catching football.
How’s how the Reds got to Wednesday night’s final against City.
CONFIRMED: Both squads for FFA Cup Final 2019
Reds prevail in Round of 32 goal-fest
The Cup holders were given a couple of minor scares but eventually proved far too good for NPL Victoria outfit Melbourne Knights in the Round of 32.
Young gun Al Hassan Toure, in his first senior start for the club, scored the opener while Ben Halloran finished with a double in the 5-2 win at Knights Stadium.
In his 50th appearance for the Reds, Nathan Konstandopoulos rifled in a third while Riley McGree got the last touch on Mirko Boland’s sweeping effort to complete an emphatic display.
How to watch and follow the FFA Cup Final 2019
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514574001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6069030911001
Adelaide survive a scare in the Round of 16
Free-scoring NPL Queensland side Olympic FC were Adelaide’s next opponents and they certainly put up a strong challenge at Perry Park.
Toure was Adelaide’s hero, scoring twice in the first half either side of Costa Psaros’ strike for the home side as the Reds led 2-1 at the break.
Olympic drew level again from the penalty spot midway through the second half before Adelaide got a penalty of their own, which George Blackwood converted on 84 minutes to ensure the Reds avoided a Cup boilover.
PREVIEW: FFA Cup 2019 Final – Adelaide United v Melbourne City
TICKETS: Be there as Adelaide and Melbourne City battle for the FFA Cup trophy
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514574001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6075536674001
Toure makes his mark again in Quarters
Playing their first home game of the Cup run at Coopers Stadium, Adelaide edged past fellow Hyundai A-League side Newcastle Jets 1-0.
Their cause was made easier early on when Jets keeper Lewis Italiano was sent off for tripping Nikola Mileusnic just outside the box.
Glen Moss came on for the visitors and after making a few early saves, he was at fault for Adelaide’s goal when he let Ryan Kitto’s drive slip through his grasp, allowing Toure to pounce for his fourth goal of the tournament.
Despite creating a host of opportunities, Adelaide were unable to add to their tally but it was enough to book another appearance in the Semi Finals.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514574001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6087232128001
McGree’s late heroics win tense Semi Final
The Reds had to show all their fighting qualities to come from behind to beat a 10-man Central Coast Mariners 2-1 in Gosford earlier this month.
Alen Stajcic’s Mariners had one foot in their first ever Final after Jack Clisby’s free-kick sailed over Adelaide’s debutant ‘keeper Isaac Richards on the hour mark.
But the hosts were reduced to 10 men following skipper Matt Simon’s second bookable offence, paying the price just two minutes later when George Blackwood’s cool finish levelled things up.
Just as extra-time loomed, McGree stuck a dagger in Mariners hearts with an 89th-minute winner.
McGree ran on to Kristian Opseth’s sumptuous flick, driving into the box and burying the winner past Mariners goalkeeper Mark Birighitti at the near post.
GOAL OF THE FFA CUP 2019: City’s Galloway voted best of the Semi Finals
HOW TO WATCH: The FFA Cup Final 2019 – Reds v City
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514574001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6091267950001
