Adelaide United warmed up its Northern Territory visit with a 11-0 win against the Alice Springs All Stars on Wednesday night.
A team that was comprised of a majority of current Youth Team players, really set the pace and standard of the game. It was evident that the Red’s possession game was on display as majority of the game the ball was at the feet of the Adelaide United players.
It took Dylan Smith 7 minutes to open the scoring, with his second 5 minutes later after excellent lead up play by Mark Ochieng and Pablo Sanchez.
The first half was predominantly played in the Reds half which eventually lead to a further two goals by Pablo Sanchez before half time, and giving the Reds a 4-0 lead at the break.
After the restart, the Reds made seven changes with majority of the first-team regulars having their opportunity to entertain the 586 spectators at Traeger Park.
A special mention had to be made to Jordan Elsey who returned to the field after 12 months away from the game.
Babalj opened his account after latching onto a Thomas Love cross, and then fired another one shortly after.
New recruit Mate Dugandzic debuted for his new club as he replaced Ochieng on the right at the same time the Argentine playmaker, Marcelo Carrusca replaced the hard-working Thomas Love.
Spaniard Sergio Cirio had his turn to get on the scoring list, after he pounced on a goalkeeping error and the same keeper gifted Carrusca his first moments later.
Carrusca then got his brace after calmly converting a penalty Jeggo was given.
Sergio Cirio then made it double figures, which was then followed by him securing his hat-trick seconds away from the final whistle.
While pleased with the score line, head coach Guillermo Amor was very happy with his players and their performance.
“In general it was a good game. The purpose of this trip, in terms of football, is to give as many minutes to the players that need them,” said Amor.
“For us it wasn’t about the result. We’ve come here to promote football in Northern Territory but at the same time improve as a team.
“I am happy with the game and our players. The younger players got good game time and really performed. They played at a good level and were at a very similar level to the rest of the team.
“Camps like these are good, not only for the local community but for our players.
“But overall it was a good night of football and was a good opportunity for the local players of Alice Springs. Football won.”
Match Details
Wednesday 19 August 2015
NT Tour – Game One
Alice Springs All Stars 0
Adelaide United 11 (Smith 7’, 12’, Pablo Sanchez 28’, 41’, Babalj 53’, 65’, Cirio 68’, 82’, 86’, Carrusca 73’, 77’)
Venue: Traeger Park, Alice Springs
Crowd: 586
