Adelaide United coach Ivan Karlovic praises Reds despite succumbing to Sydney FC in second-straight W-League loss
While they are yet to secure a point this W-League campaign, coach Ivan Karlovic says Adelaide United has the quality and character to build on one of its most impressive performances in recent times.
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Pointless Adelaide United has the quality and character to build on one of its most impressive W-League displays in recent seasons, according to coach Ivan Karlovic.
The Reds lost 1-0 to Sydney FC on Friday night at Marden, despite creating the better chances of a tight tussle and taking the game to the reigning champion.
It left the SA club staring up at its rivals, after also dominating chunks of its season-opener away to Western Sydney a week earlier only to again come up short.
But Karlovic backed his charges to respond and keep their dreams of a maiden finals charge alive.
“Obviously, I was disappointed with the result (against Sydney),” said Karlovic, in his third year as Adelaide mentor.
“But everything else within the game was positive.
“It’s probably one of our best W-League performances against the reigning champions, who are a very good side.
“I thought we deserved not just a result, but a convincing result on the balance of play.
“If you don’t take your opportunities, you’re not going to win games of football.
“But if we are to play games of football like that on a weekly basis, I think there will be more positive results than negative results.”
The hosts started brightly against a side featuring five full internationals.
Isabel Hodgson might have opened the scoring when she was brilliantly played through by Brazilian import Lais Araujo, but shot straight at visiting goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe.
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US winger Mallory Weber, a constant threat on the left, then teed up Hodgson, but the SA talent hit the bar from close range.
Teenage sensation Mary Fowler also came close just before the break, when she fired a powerful effort across the face of goal.
The Reds were made to pay for their wasteful finishing when Matildas star Caitlin Foord capitalised on some hesitant defending to slot home the winner in the 56th minute.
Karlovic said his players needed more belief and composure to convert their dominance into goals and points.
“The hardest thing in football is to create the chances,” said Karlovic, after his side had 17 shots to the Sky Blues’ 12.
“But it’s also a matter of making the right choice at the right time.
“We got into some very good positions, where the execution of that final pass was over-hit or under-hit, or we just made the wrong choice.
“As coaches we’ll continue to work and help the players find the back of the net.
“We haven’t got anything out of the first two games, but I’d say that our performances are probably better than where we were at last year.
“The vibe is really good among the group, because they know they’re a good footballing side.
“We’re in it together for the season, so we’re working together.”
Adelaide travels to face Melbourne City at John McEwan Reserve next Saturday.