Marco Kurz believes Adelaide United’s 2-2 draw with Melbourne Victory was ultimately a reasonable outcome at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
Midfielder Vince Lia proved the unlikely star for the hosts, thanks to a pair of stunning strikes sandwiched between Besart Berisha’s opener and a late equaliser from substitute Mitch Austin.
The result maintains United’s unbeaten start to the campaign with a win and two draws from the opening three matches.
Kurz admitted a draw was a fair result but insisted a third goal when the Reds led 2-1 would have killed off Melbourne.
23' | GOAL! Lia makes it 1-1 for #AUFC! #ADLvMVC
— Adelaide United FC (@AdelaideUnited) October 20, 2017
“I think we made a good game,” he said post-match. “It’s a very intensive game, a hard game against Victory.
“But after the second goal we missed calm in our game and I think it (the ball) goes to the end to the end.
“And it’s a very close game and we didn’t have clear opportunities to score the third goal but I’m not unhappy with the performance from my team.
“I think the draw is a good result for both teams.”
For the third consecutive week, Adelaide trailed after conceding an early goal, something which Kurz said is a worry, despite the positive response from his players.
Berisha headed past custodian Paul Izzo off Leroy George’s incisive set-piece in the 13th minute to put Kevin Muscat’s side ahead.
62' | GOAL! Lia gets his second to make it 2-1 for #AUFC! ADLvMVC
— Adelaide United FC (@AdelaideUnited) October 20, 2017
“It’s not good to concede every game an early goal,” he said.
“But we saw that our mentality is great and we can score again two goals to stay in front.
“But it’s not good to concede goals and for me I like to score the first goal than the opponent.”
The German boss also reserved praised for Lia after scoring a superb brace.
The midfielder is not known for his goal-scoring abilities having netted four times in over 200 appearances for Wellington Phoenix.
But the 32-year-old now has two in two league games with the Reds.
“Vince (Lia) for us is a very important player, an experienced player,” he said.
“He did a good job and he came for a trial in the pre-season and that’s not normal for an experienced player like Vince.
“And I’m happy with Vince and I think it’s a good day for Vince and also for us when he scored two goals.”
Adelaide United host Melbourne City in Round 4 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Saturday, 28 October at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.
