After ending Campbelltown City’s 14-match unbeaten run two weeks’ ago, Adelaide United Youth defender, Jared Clark, believes they can repeat that similar feat against Adelaide Olympic on Saturday.
Olympic are undefeated in their past 11 league matches, with their previous loss dating back to the end of April.
Indeed, it will not be easy with George Tsonis’ side fresh off their thrilling come-from-behind FFA Cup 2019 Round of 16 win over Floreat Athena, and overcoming table toppers Campbelltown 2-1 last round.
“It is a must win and I think our last three games are all must win games,” Clark said.
“Obviously the week before we ended Campbelltown’s streak of 14 unbeaten games so I think we can definitely do the same to Olympic.
“I think if we go out with a good attitude and good mindset we’ll get the job done.”
The Young Reds suffered a setback against Adelaide Comets in Round 19 conceding a late goal to fall 2-1.
Clark felt the team was quite unlucky after an improved second-half performance on the small SA Athletics Stadium pitch.
“The pitch surface wasn’t too bad it was obviously just the size, it was a lot smaller,” he explained.
“So we had to adapt to that and it probably took us most of the first-half to adapt, but I think the second-half we were in our stride and pushing the ball around and creating chances.
“Definitely to concede late on is hard to swallow especially going into these last few games.”
That loss means Paul Pezos’ charges are now six points adrift of the top six with three matches left in the regular season.
Clark said the team was confident of securing their finals target, and stated the key will be to just focus on themselves and not worry too much about the potential permutations.
“If you look at the fixtures we’ve got the two games against Olympic and Blue Eagles, they’re both above us,” he said.
“And even in the last round I think there’s a lot of teams in the top six teams that do play each other.
“So there will be a lot of movement in and around and I think if we do just focus on our last three games and getting the three results we need we should be alright.”
Adelaide United Youth host Adelaide Olympic in Round 20 of the National Premier League 2019 season on Saturday, 3 August at VALO Football Centre – The Parks. Kick-off is at 3.00 PM. Reserves kick-off at 12.45pm.
