A massive matchday looms in Adelaide with the opening of the impressive new Adelaide Shores Football Centre and the visit of the high-flying Sydney FC.
Adelaide United v Sydney FC
Friday 24 January 2014
Adelaide Shores Football Centre, Adelaide
Local kick-off: 8pm (8.30pm AEDT)
A massive matchday looms in Adelaide with the opening of the impressive new Adelaide Shores Football Centre and the visit of the high-flying Sydney FC.
The visit of the Sky Blues to the City of Churches could not be better timed for the much-anticipated unveiling of Football Federation South Australia-s impressive facility, with the reigning champions arguably in the best form of any team in the six-year history of the league.
The home side, rejuvenated this term under the guidance of local legend Ross Aloisi, have become renowned for their fighting spirit and the Sky Blues will know they have been in a contest come the end of the 90 minutes.
The Lady Reds defeated Sydney in season one but have since suffered seven straight losses against the competition powerhouse.
Adelaide may have suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Canberra United but they are unbeaten over their past three home matches.
Sydney FC of course enter the contest in rare form. The champions are unbeaten this season in their eight matches and last weekend inflicted a near unimaginable 4-0 defeat on the star-studded Brisbane Roar.
Interest as always will surround the starting spots in the Sky Blues- forward line, with Caitlin Foord perhaps the most notable. The teenage starlet has been in sparkling form since her return from injury but was switched to fullback mid match last week as coach Alen Stajcic attempted to juggle his many attacking options.
With 30 goals already this campaign, the Sky Blues seem assured of topping Perth Glory-s competition high tally of 34 achieved last season.
Adelaide United squad: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 5. Jesse WHAREPOURI, 6. Laura STOCKDALE, 7. Rachael QUIGLEY, 8. Emily CONDON, 9. Lisa-Marie WOODS, 10. Monique IANNELLA, 12. Daila TAIS-BORG, 15. Jenna McCORMICK, 17. Tiarn POWELL, 18. Jessica NAGEL, 20. Kelly BARLTROP (gk), 21. Snez VELJANOVSKA 23. Kristy MOORE (c), Louise MASON
Ins: Jessica Nagel (promoted), Louise Mason (new signing)
Outs: Alexandra Gummer, Tegan Riding (omitted)
Unavailable: 2. Bianca Gray (knee – season), Isabel Hodgson (injury – season)
Sydney FC squad: Casey Dumont (gk), Alesha Clifford, Danielle Brogan (c), Amy Harrison, Caitlin Foord, Teresa Polias, Nicola Bolger, Renee Rollason, Jodie Taylor, Emma Kete, Leena Khamis, Trudy Camilleri, Sam Kerr, Chloe Logarzo, Sham Khamis (gk)
Ins: Trudy Camilleri (promoted)
Outs: Liz Ralston (omitted)
Unavailable: Ellyse Perry (cricket commitments), Anna Green (Achilles – three weeks), Natalie Tobin (illness – three weeks)
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