Goodwin heroics save Sparta from Eredivisie relegation

Australia's Craig Goodwin has produced a man of the match performance saving Sparta Rotterdam from relegation after a 3-1 win over Go Ahead Eagles confirmed their place in the Eredivisie next season.

Goodwin

Source: Getty Images

The former Adelaide United winger will go down as a Sparta hero as he set up the first two goals before sealing the vital victory with a smart free-kick in the 89th minute. 

The 25-year-old actually started the match on the bench, coming on just after half-time, with his side needing a victory, as well as other results to go their way.'

With the scores locked at 0-0, Goodwin delivered a dangerous free-kick from the right that was nodded home by Martin Pusic.
Disaster struck in the 71st minute when Darren Maatsen equalised in the 71st minute, meaning Sparta were heading for the drop but once again Goodwin proved decisive. 

Just nine minutes later, Goodwin whipped in a cross from the left that was toe-poked home by Pusic making it 2-1. 

News was filtering through that relegation-rivals Roda JC were 2-0 down at Vitesse meaning Sparta would be safe if they were to hold on to the lead.

Goodwin stepped up to settle the nerves of the travelling fans with a smart free-kick into the bottom far-corner in the 89th minute to seal the 3-1. 

The young Aussie has had a mixed first season with Sparta - scoring four goals, producing six assists in 26 appearances predominately off the bench. 

The win means Sparta will play back-to-back seasons in the Eredivisie for the first time since 2009.
Elsewhere, former Western Sydney Wanderers striker Tomi Juric scored a consolation goal in Luzern's 4-1 loss to Young Boys.
The goal is Juric's eighth in 31 appearances as Luzern continue their push for a Europa League spot.


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2 min read
Published 15 May 2017 1:16pm
Updated 15 May 2017 1:22pm
By Nick Stoll
Source: SBS


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