Kristin Konstandopoulos is expecting a reaction from Campbelltown City ahead of Adelaide United Youth’s meeting with them on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils, who claimed a domestic double last year, suffered a dramatic 3-2 loss to newly promoted Adelaide Blue Eagles to kick-off the season.
However, Konstandopoulos believes their shock defeat, was merely an anomaly, and is anticipating a tough clash against the also reigning National Premier League Champions of Australia.
“I think last week was a one off for them,” Konstandopoulos said.
“I think they’ll be a top side again this year and we know their quality so we expect nothing but a hard game.
“But if we play well we can beat anyone.”
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In contrast, The Young Reds started the campaign with three points following a solid 2-0 win over Raiders.
The 20-year-old said the team can take confidence from that result into this weekend’s game, which has been rescheduled from Saturday to Sunday at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre due to the extreme heat.
“To get a win first game is always good to start off well,” he said.
“Last year we didn’t get a win first game so this year it was good to start off with a win.”
He also added that there were several positives in their Round 1 performance, particularly from a tactical perspective and how they managed the game.
“They were a good side last weekend and the pitch conditions weren’t great,” he explained.
“So we had to rely a lot on counter-attacking football for us, which is good using our pace, it worked well.
“Especially in the second-half, I thought we defended really well and we were compact which helped.”
And the full-back believes delivering another disciplined performance against Campbelltown will be even more crucial against one of the favourites for the title.
“I think we just stick to our game plan like we always do,” he continued.
“Play our football and enjoy ourselves and try and hurt them on the counter because I think we’re strong in that aspect and defend well.”
Adelaide United Youth host Campbelltown City in Round 2 of the National Premier League 2019 season on Sunday, 3 March at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre. Kick-off is at 5.00 PM. Reserves kick-off at 2.45pm.
