Josep Gombau has Adelaide City’s Thomas Love on his radar after his stunning goal helped knock Western Sydney Wanderers FC out of the Westfield FFA Cup last week.
Love's goal in the shock 1-0 win for City in the round of 32 has caught the eye of Adelaide United coach, who confirmed the club were intending to offer a trial to the teenager.
The (Love) goal was amazing,’’ Gombau told the Adelaide Advertiser.
“The action he had was very quick, and he’s a player that we had (looked at) at the beginning of the year to train with us.
“He’s on our list to stay with us when his season with his club is finished and we want him to train with our youth.
“He’s one of the players on the list we’ll try to give a contract. We’ll invite him to training and after that the coaches will decide if he’s one of the players we can bring to the squad.”
Life is gradually returning to normal for Love, a Sport and Recreation Management student, after his fleet-footed exploits created the first major upset in the Westfield FFA Cup.
His goal, which propelled the Zebras past last season's Hyundai A-League grand finalists in the round of 32, was the stuff of Cup dreams.
“When I picked up the ball I planned to get past one player, maybe a second if I was lucky. I didn't plan to go the whole way but before I knew it I was at the goalie.
“Afer scoring the goal that was probably the most unbelievable feeling I've ever had in my life. Just turning and hearing the crowd scream and turning to my teammates and Damian (Mori) streaking towards me to celebrate.
“I don't think I've ever felt that before. The experience was just unbelievable,” he told www.theffacup.com.au
It's been a whirlwind week for the 18-year-old, fielding interview requests from around the nation. However much like his darting run through the heart of the Wanderers' defence he's taken it all in his stride.
“The amount of interviews I had to do was a bit daunting at first but it's calmed down a bit now and I've got back my normal schedule.
“I think my family and friends have been enjoying it more than I am. Mum and Dad were pretty excited and very proud.”
Now, all eyes will be on Friday's draw for the Westfield FFA Cup round of 16. It may be that Gombau has another look at Love if the two teams are drawn together in a dream Adelaide derby match up.
“Damian is pretty keen for us to play an A-League team such as United because there'd be an excellent crowd, especially if it were to be two Adelaide teams,” added Love.
“I think the boys wouldn't mind going away, just so we can have a trip away. That would be pretty nice. I think either way we'll be pretty happy.”
Image courtesy: Adam Butler, FFSA
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