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A-League PreSeason: Cassio leads Adelaide to glory |
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Sunday, 12 August 2007 |
Adelaide United has come from behind to beat Perth Glory 2-1 in the Pre-Season Cup grand final at Hindmarsh Stadium on Sunday.
The Glory led at half time thanks to a Leo Bertos goal in injury time but Adelaide stormed home in the second half.
Reds' recruit Cassio almost single handedly set up the home side's second pre-season title. It was his cross that set up Bruce Djite for United's first goal and then he staged an exciting solo effort to score the match-winner in the 83rd minute.
Trapping the ball just outside the box, he turned his Perth opponent inside out, struck the ball with his left foot and, with the assistance of a deflection from a defender, slotted the ball into the left hand corner of the net.
The sides made a cautious start to the contest with the teams sharing possession.
Adelaide had two opportunities to score in the first 10 minutes, through Robert Cornthwaite and Richie Alagich, and Anthony Danze sent a ball sailing well above the cross bar for the visitors midway through the half.
But generally the teams were ineffective heading into attack with neither keeper having much work to do.
The opposing midfields also struggled to create any energy or flashing runs, ensuring the clash was absorbing if not thrilling.
With neither side looking threatening, it appeared they would both head into the break without a score.
But a Bertos free kick, from outside the box, broke the deadlock.
It wasn't a powerful strike but it dipped and went into the back of the net without another player touching it - Adelaide's defence misreading its flight.
Glory threw extra players into defence after the break, ensuring Adelaide would find it tough to find an answer.
In response, United made a change, taking off Bobby Petta and introducing Jason Spagnuolo.
The move had an immediate effect - Spagnuolo caused a turnover mid-pitch and passed to Cassio.
The Brazilian crossed the ball to Djite who pushed the ball over the goal line with his thigh from close range.
It changed the momentum of the contest with Adelaide peppering the goals, Cassio, Djite and Nathan Burns all lifting their intensity - Cassio breaking through to score the winner.
Adelaide United 2 Djite 66', Cassio 83' Perth Glory 1 Bertos 45' Crowd: 9606 Sportal 
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