Adelaide United have claimed the inaugural FFA Cup with a 1-0 win over a depleted Perth Glory.
More than 16,000 fans packed Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Stadium to witness Sergio Cirio convert a 67th-minute strike to help United overcome a 10-man Glory outfit after defender Joshua was sent off following a second yellow card for a shirt tug.
Marcelo Carrusca set up Cirio with the winner from outside of the box with a gorgeous through ball before the 29-year-old slid past keeper Danny Vukovic to thread home the goal from a tough angle.
The Spaniard’s sixth goal of the competition propelled United to its first title since the club claimed the A-League Premier’s Plate in 2005-06.
“It’s amazing, I think it’s even more special being at Hindmarsh Stadium,” Reds Captain Eugene Galekovic said.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be a walk in the park today and credit to them, they fought with 10 men. In the end we probably had the better chances and I think we deserved it today.”
The Reds dominated the scoring opportunities, but a late Andy Keogh free kick almost left the visitors with an equaliser opportunity until it was punched out of traffic by keeper Galekovic.
“To win the inaugural FFA Cup is a fantastic achievement and I’m so happy for this family of players we have here,” striker Bruce Djite said.
“I’m so proud, what a fantastic team effort, everyone played their part and I can’t wait to touch the trophy.”
United are now near certainties to play English Premier League giant Liverpool at the Adelaide Oval next year.
A report from the Adelaide Advertiser claims Liverpool officials visited the venue during last week’s cricket Test match between Australia and India and are eyeing a local showdown aimed at filling the 53,500 capacity stadium.
Steven Gerrard led Liverpool to a 2-0 win over Melbourne Victory in front of 95,000 at the MCG last year in the same week Manchester United took on the A-League All Stars at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.
Real Madrid, Manchester City and Roma will visit Melbourne next July for the Australian leg of the International Champions Cup. One other major, but still unconfirmed, EPL side will also join the mix.
Photo: Morne de Klerk/Getty Images.
