Brisbane Roar's chance of a three-peat continued on Sunday when they managed a 2-1 victory over Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium in the second elimination final.
Adelaide started with more possession in the early going but their finishing was poor with Osama Malik having an opportunity five minutes in but launched his shot well over the bar.
Not long after Bruce Djite was able to break through Jade North and made a solid solo run but was unable to get a real shot away.
In the 25th minute Adelaide could well have had the lead as Dario Vidosic's curling cross spilled out of Michael Theo's hands but neither Jeronimo or Djite was able to put it away.
From there it was all Brisbane Roar, whose fluid passing was tearing Adelaide apart and in the 27th minute they had the lead.
Thomas Broich sent in a corner to the edge of the area finding a waiting Luke Brattan who was left wide open, allowing him to send in a powerful half-volley that deflected off Cassio and in to the back of the net.
Brisbane Roar continued to control proceedings and everything looked perfect for Roar until Broich was forced to leave the field, limping off with an injury that would have Brisbane fans anxious.
Temporarily holding a man advantage Adelaide United looked to capitalize in the 43rd minute when Dario Vidosic slid in but couldn't direct the ball on target.
That spurred Brisbane on and in stoppage time Ivan Franjic beat Cassio to a Mitch Nichols cross and redirected in to the corner of the net to give Brisbane a 2-0 half-time lead.
Broich did not emerge from the sheds at half-time with Brisbane making a change whole Adelaide brought on Fabio Ferreira to try and press for goals.
Adelaide started the half with renewed vigour as Djite and Jeronimo both had their chances go begging before Jeronimo very nearly pulled Adelaide back in to the contest only to be denied by some spectacular Roar defending.
Brisbane soon found their footing and Brattan could well have had a brace as he was able to round Eugene Galekovic and shoot but his effort rolled across the face of goal and out of play.
Brisbane had a solid chance to put the match to bed in the 80th minute when Stefan Nijland stepped up to take a free-kick that was powerful but well saved by Galekovic.
With time running out and Adelaide seemingly with no hope of making it to the semi-finals Vidosic restored hope when he scored a solid goal in the 88th minute.
Adelaide pushed hard for the final few minutes but it came much too late as Brisbane held on to win the match 2-1.
The win sees Brisbane Roar face A-League Premiers Western Sydney Wanderers at Parramatta Stadium on Friday night for a place in the Grand Final.
For all the latest Australian Football news please subscribe and follow the writer on twitter.

















Comments