Carl Veart was the hero as Adelaide United picked up their second A-League trophy with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Central Coast Mariners in the Pre-Season Cup final in Gosford.
United, last season's minor premiers, overcame the disadvantage of playing away from home with Veart having the first and
last say.
He gave Adelaide the lead in the eighth minute with a spectacular overhead bicycle kick. The South Australians held that one-goal advantage until Andre Gumprecht grabbed the equaliser 70 minutes later.
With the 10,463-strong crowd cheering on their local heroes, the game was eventually decided in a shootout.
Coast's Stewart Petrie was the only player to miss from the spot when his attempt hit the crossbar and stayed out.
Veart stepped forward to slot the winner.
In keeping with almost every game in the five weeks of the Hyundai-sponsored competition, goals were at a premium.
Defending A-League champions Sydney FC, with home advantage, beat Newcastle Jets 2-0 in the play-off for third. Sasho Petrovski gave the home side the lead five minutes before the break. Mark Rudan made certain of the victory when he added a second in the 69th minute.
Melbourne Victory also won at home as they edged to a 1-0 win over the much-travelled Perth Glory with a late Daniel Allsopp header.
With their 2-1 win over the New Zealand Knights at North Harbour Stadium on Friday night, Queensland Roar scored their first win of the season and will now take some confidence into their home game against Perth on Saturday.
SEASON OPENERS
* Friday: Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United, Olympic Park
* Saturday: Queensland Roar v Perth Glory, Suncorp Stadium
* Sunday: NZ Knights v Newcastle Jets, North Harbour Stadium; Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners, Aussie Stadium
