Adelaide United's young gun Luka Jovanovic emerged as the hero on Sunday, scoring a spectacular 92nd-minute goal to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory over Macarthur FC at Campbelltown Stadium. This win not only snapped Macarthur's impressive six-game unbeaten streak but also marked Adelaide's remarkable fifth consecutive away win, equalizing the club's record originally set back in 2005.
The 19-year-old Jovanovic, who had been omitted from the previous match due to disciplinary issues, made his presence felt when it mattered most. Jovanovic was substituted onto the field at the 76th minute, and his impact was immediate. Earlier, Macarthur’s veteran French striker Valere Germain had broken the deadlock with a wonderful header, putting the Bulls momentarily on course for victory.
Germain's goal came from a pinpoint cross by Kealey Adamson, showcasing his aerial prowess as he nodded the ball home in the 80th minute. Yet, the tide turned sharply for the Bulls just two minutes later. The game changed when Adelaide's Yaya Dukuly, who had come off the bench as well, found himself tripped inside the box by Macarthur defender Oliver Randazzo. A penalty was awarded, which Zach Clough clinically converted, tying the game at 1-1.
With the score level and tension mounting, Jovanovic took center stage. After another foul on Dukuly led to a free kick, Jovanovic expertly positioned himself to toe-poke the ball past the goalkeeper, giving the Reds the dramatic late lead they needed to prevail. "Scoring a last-minute winner - does anything beat this feeling?!" exclaimed Jovanovic, underscoring the joy of his decisive contribution.
Coach Carl Veart praised the young players' performances post-match, stating, "Not just Luka, all our young boys, they're going to make mistakes. It’s important they learn from them and keep working hard, because when you work hard, you get results. Luka worked hard tonight, he was chasing and putting them under pressure." Veart's faith was validated as Jovanovic responded emphatically.
On the other side of the pitch, Macarthur FC's coach Mile Sterjovski expressed disappointment but also optimism, saying, "We had a little setback tonight, but hopefully it's the wake-up call we need. We want to fight for top position; we wouldn’t be playing this game if we didn’t want to win. Our squad is capable of winning the league." Although they fell to fifth place with 18 points after this loss, the Bulls have displayed potential previously this season.
Throughout the match, Adelaide United proved to be the more daring side, particularly during the first half where they created multiple scoring opportunities, including Clough hitting the post early on. Despite the frustration of not capitalizing on their chances, the Reds managed to find their rhythm once Dukuly was introduced, providing necessary dynamism to the attack.
Macarthur's lackluster performance was notable, as they managed eight shots but failed to register any on target, contrasting sharply with Adelaide's 14. Defensive midfielder Luke Brattan's injury added to the side's woes, with his knee giving way midway through the match. Nonetheless, he managed to play through the discomfort, demonstrating resilience as his team struggled to reevaluate their strategies.
Following the match, Jovanovic's goal capped off not only his redemption narrative but also positioned Adelaide United firmly back at second place on the A-League table, consistent with their history of late drama and exhilarating football. Meanwhile, attention now turns to how both teams will build on their respective performances, with Adelaide celebrating momentum and Macarthur seeking to regain their footing as they advance through the season.