By Kieran Yap 19/10/23
Above: Adelaide United’s Mariah Lee scored from the penalty spot in the 4-4 draw with Canberra United. Photo: Adelaide United.
Adelaide United might not have gotten the win against Canberra United, but there is a good feeling among the players as they prepare for Round Two against Central Coast Mariners on Friday evening.
The four-all draw in the season opener was widely regarded as the most entertaining match of the round and although they conceded more than they would prefer, new striker Mariah Lee was happy to focus on the positives of the day.
“Scoring four goals is a huge confidence booster,” she told the media.
“I know they struggled to score goals in the past so one of our goals was to attack.”
Lee, Alana Jancevski, Emilia Murray and Hannah Blake all found the net in the epic encounter. It was the first time any of the strikers had played a competitive match together, and they had no trouble finding immediate form as an attack.
“Stents (coach Adrian Stenta) did a great job of getting us on the same page,” said Lee.
“I’m excited I want to have a lot of fun and score sone goals this season.
“It was out first time playing together. I think the whole attacking side, we are all new, so it was nice to feel that cohesion and it’s always good to go out firing from the start and just build from there.”
Adelaide United expect to tighten up at the back, there was an injury question about goalkeeper Annalee Grove who was not in full training. The hero on so many occasions last season was responsible for some significant errors on the weekend, but Lee says that the Reds win and lose together.
“Soccer’s a team sport.
“Collectively we need to do a better job.
“We all need to tighten up and we can’t be letting four goals in but from the coaching staff to every person on the team we’re bought in and we just want to improve every week.”
Adelaide United’s defence can only be expected to improve with the impending return of centre back Maruschka Waldusand captain Isabel Hodgson. This week may be too soon to see either back on the pitch, but only minor improvement in their performance could results in a win against the leagues newest side.
A big crowd is expected at Coopers Stadium once more, The Reds kick-off the evening as the first half of a double header. After a strong attendance in Round One, Lee is excited to be at the same ground again.
“We’re so excited. To have the turn out last week for the first game following the World Cup was huge.
“To have the double header here again, the ground is amazing, the grass is amazing and having the fans goes such a long way.
“I’m just really excited and I’m taking it all in.”
With the attack clicking, the midfield impressing and the defence improving, Adelaide fans could expect another goal fest from their new strike force, but are another four goals likely?
“I hope,” says Lee.
“Four is a lot, if we can do it awesome, but definitely not letting for in. That’s not happening.
“We’re just trying to be firing on all cylinders really.”
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