Adelaide United Youth have recorded a third consecutive draw following a 2-2 stalemate with Adelaide City at the VALO Football Centre on Saturday afternoon.
Kusini Yengi slotted a first-half brace with two clinical finishes for the Young Reds but City came from behind twice to ensure a share of the spoils.
Two changes were made to the starting line-up by Head Coach, Paul Pezos. Luca Meggetto replaced Dakota Ochsenham in goal, while Yengi returned in attack.
The hosts started on the front foot early and dominated possession and never looked fazed by City’s attempts of implementing a high-press.
They would draw first blood on 11 minutes after Yengi pounced on a beautifully weighted through ball from Yared Abetew and dispatched a thumping half-volleyed finish beyond Joe Gauci.
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City gradually grew into the game after falling behind and in the 38th minute a scintillating run culminated in parity being restored.
Stefan Casalbore collected the ball on the right wing, cut inside and weaved his way past four defenders before firing his low effort from an acute angle into the far corner.
And with the momentum seemingly with City, another through ball from midfield would prove their Achilles heel on the stroke of half-time.
Yengi again latched onto the long pass and rounded Gauci, before having the composure to pick his spot high into the net with players retreating on the line.
City showed intent right from the offing to begin the second stanza and Chris Pepe nearly equalised virtually from the re-start.
But with United struggling to create chances, City threatened more and levelled proceedings in the 79th minute through Anthony Costa.
But as Costa chipped the bouncing ball over the onrushing Meggetto, the goalkeeper collided with defender Jared Clark and accidentally knocked him out.
It forced nearly a 20-minute delay as two ambulances arrived on the pitch before he was taken away and transported to hospital.
Following the lengthy break in play both sides tried to find a winner but it ended all square.
Adelaide United Youth Reserves
Adelaide United Youth Reserves’ five-match winning streak ended following a narrow 1-0 loss to Adelaide City Reserves earlier in the afternoon.
Adelaide United Youth face West Adelaide in Round 15 of the National Premier League 2019 season on Saturday, 29 June at VALO Football Centre – The Parks. Kick-off is at 5.00 PM. Reserves kick-off at 2.45pm.
