A world-class free-kick from American Danielle Colaprico inspired lowly Adelaide United to a shock 2-1 win over a disappointing Newcastle Jets on Friday.
On a pristine surface at McDonald Jones stadium, the home side rarely showed the form or desire that has seen them rise to second, four points shy of league leader Brisbane Roar going into this round.
This was a golden opportunity for the Jets, but they blew it with a performance that failed to match the intensity and desire of United.
It was the visitors who made a mockery of last week’s 6-1 thumping by Canberra United with an energetic display that laid the platform for a deserved win.
Colaprico’s opener after 21 minutes was the standout goal of the match – a sublime right-footed set piece.
Deadly striker Katie Stengel got the Jets back in it minutes later but it was Katie Naughton’s 43rd-minute header off Alex Chidiac’s corner which gave the Reds a half-time lead.
Chidiac caught the eye in midfield at times outshining Jets leader and Westfield Matildas star Emily Van Egmond in the middle of the park.
The Jets hit the bar twice and as the visitors dropped deep, desperation defence and class from Sarah Willacy in goal helped the Reds hang on for a deserved win.
