Always the bridesmaid but never the bride. It’s an accusation thrown at Adelaide United.
It's patently not true overall, but it's been a year of "Almost, but not quite". After Saturday's defeat to Melbourne it's looking a lot like that might be a recurring theme.
Now, I haven't given up hope but unless Viddie decides to take a big risk in Melbourne then we're going to have to beat Queensland to get another go at the Victory. We can do that, but then we'd have our nemesis again. The return leg this week gives Adelaide the chance to try something new. If we lose then we've lost nothing. If it works...
Something(s) Old.
The trusted tactics of defend, defend, defend - and hit them on the break have failed us against Victory. It's expected and they're too good at both ends to let it worry them. If we do that again they'll lap it up. Old hat. Predictable. Maybe, if we, like them, had our first choice team out it would suffice. But we don't. And it didn't.
Michael Valkanis was left in the wake of Hernandez. Now, that's humiliating. A great servant of the club for whom this game was one too many.
Paul Agostino. Reminded me of Clark Kent without the super powers. Mild-mannered, affable, charming even - but impotent. A cardboard cut-out of Ago would have done nearly as well. His game consisted of a few attempted headers, one nice touch and...nothing else.
Something New
Michael Marrone showed once more that he's the goods. If not for him we would have shipped another two to three goals. Not perfect but fast, tough and smart. His first ten minutes was rough and after that he was imperious. With Mullen and he in the back line we at least looked like we could handle the pace. If only they'd had some midfield cover. And come back Robbie Cornthwaite!
Something Borrowed
Why sign Royston Griffiths if we're not going to play him? Possibly the injury to Sarkies stuffed up Viddie's plans but why not put him on for Sarkies (I first noticed Sarkies was on the field after 25 mins) when he got injured. Then Alamao could have gone up front where we needed a player who could run and shoot. He had great moments on the field but he was wasted. As for why Cristiano wasn't already on by then I will never know.
Something Blue
I don't want to give Melbourne anything but they were smart. They played our boys well and they played the ref well. They didn't lose their composure. We did. Across the park they're not a better team but they are playing better football.
I'd also like to say that I wish Danny Allsopp played for us. (Yes, I hear you now, Deadly!) How some MV supporters manage not to rate this guy amazes me. He works so hard, plays people in and - he scores. He's a big, talented, tough and dangerous player, the like of which Adelaide desperately need.
So, is the final still within reach?
Simply put - yes. But with huge qualifications. We have to want it. We have to remember how to play attacking and defensive football at the same time. And we have to take risks.
Everyone can have a go at this but for next week I'd like to see:
Eugene
Barbiero Marrone Cornthwaite Jamo
Salley Reid
Dodd Griffiths Cassio
Cristiano Alamao
Bench: Costanzo, Pantelis, Ago
I'm overseas with work for the next 17 days. Have fun. I'll be blogging while away (I hope) but might not be online all that often. Go the Mighty Reds. I still believe.
