City make statement as Finals Series kicks off in style | RAA Goals Wrap | 2020 NPL Finals Series, Week One

Adelaide City have caused a major boilover in the first week of the NPLSA Finals Series, trouncing ten-man MetroStars 4-1 in the first elimination final on Friday night.

City held onto sixth spot on goal difference at the conclusion of the minor round last weekend to set up a cut-throat final with MetroStars, who finished third.

Terence Carter opened the scoring for City from the penalty spot on five minutes and things soon went from bad to worse for MetroStars, as Anthony Solagna was shown a straight red for scything down the onrushing Carter to reduce the hosts to ten men after just 13 minutes.

City’s lead was doubled on 38 minutes when Cooper O’Donnell’s uncontested header in defence was aimed too far left of Carmody, dribbling into the bottom corner to complete a calamitous half of football for MetroStars.

Carter produced a moment of sheer brilliance to make it 3-0 just after the break, taking a heavy first touch before striking powerfully from 25 yards and watching his curving shot rocket into the top corner via the post.

Christian Esposito pulled one back for MetroStars in the 52nd minute before Carter once again found the back of the net, rifling in at the near post from close range to complete his treble just before full time and cap off a brilliant night for City.

Peter Mercurio and Nathan Munro’s second-half strikes sealed a 2-0 triumph for Croydon Kings over Raiders in the second elimination final to set up a date with City next weekend, while the first leg of the semi-final between Adelaide Comets and Campbelltown City ended goalless.