.gif "Sack Attack: An A-League Webcomic")
Adelaide United
Semester Summary
A slow start to the season had many questioning the Spanish revolution Adelaide had begun over the off-season as two wins from the opening 10 games had pressure building on new coach Josep Gombau. The Reds then went five games unbeaten to give the supporters a glimpse into what their side is capable of as the Spaniard moulds Barcelona’s tiki-taka style to best suit a competition such as the A-League. A 4-0 win over reigning champions Central Coast Mariners was the turning point for the side whilst their recent win over leaders Brisbane has the Reds faithful looking to the future through rose-tinted glasses.
Areas of Excellence
Adelaide has found its shooting boots this season, having only been kept scoreless in three matches so far in 2013/14. The club has scored 22 goals in 15 matches, equal with Melbourne Victory and trailing only league leaders Brisbane. The Reds have spread these goals between nine scorers to prove that not only have they got goals in them, they are by no means a one-man team. Gombau has also blooded a number of local players this season, showing faith in the next generation of players to step up to the plate. While there is no comparison to Barcelona’s La Masia academy, United have started to integrate players from the youth team into the main squad which should be commended. Awer Mabil and Jordan Elsey have proved the most notable successes so far and with fellow locals Kitto and Costa seeing game time, there are positive signs for the future.
Areas in need of improvement
If United are to get something out of season 2013/14 other than a platform to implement their Catalan re-branding, they must make teams fear their home ground. Four wins out of their eight home games to date has hardly stamped Coopers Stadium as a fortress. The Reds’ ability to close out games has also let them down in season 2013/14 at times. In recent weeks they have faced Sydney and Brisbane and held a man advantage in both matches, however, stuttered to a 2-2 draw against the Blues and needed a 90th-minute goal to win against the Roar. Their possession-based game plan can leave them vulnerable when they are complacent, sitting in second gear when they could be more ruthless and put teams to the sword.
Top Students
With a wide spread of goals and Gombau’s focus on team play, the Reds have had a number of players contribute positively in 2013/14. Midfield star Marcelo Carrusca has looked sharp so far and is one of the first names on the team sheet as his vision and touch elevates him above most midfield technicians.New signings Sergio Cirio and Isaias Sanchez have adapted well to life in the A-League while the electric pace and trickery of Awer Mabil has given fans plenty to cheer of late. Mabil’s form was rewarded with a contract extension until 2017. An honourable mention goes to Bruce Djite whose return from injury coincided with the side’s recent resurgence. Djite’s place in the starting lineup has provided the side with a physical presence up front to contrast with the pacy wingers favoured by Gombau.
Class Clowns
Centre-back Nigel Boogaard started the season in ominous form, earning two red cards within the first five rounds. The 27-year-old has equalled Kevin Muscat’s A-League red card record with five ejections and has plenty of time to eclipse it before the season is up.
Grade
C-. An up and down season with plenty of potential still left.
 |
After a slow start, the Reds have shown there are signs of life in Adelaide. Recent form has fans optimistic of a finals berth, a huge achievement if the side can deliver.