Adelaide United drew 1-1 against Adelaide City in the first ever friendly match between the two sides at Marden Sports Complex on Wednesday evening.
A cool Thomas Love finish in the second half cancelled out a low Marcelo Carrusca volley from close range.
Registering only a few attempts on goal in the match, City was dominated by the quick passing game of the Reds, controlled by Jeggo and Carrusca in central midfield.
Goodwin and Cirio were a constant threat for the Reds as well, pouring multiple crosses into the box – but each time the danger was cleared by a determined City defence, led by Captain Mathew Halliday in centre back.
Tarek Elrich worked hard down the right in a 3-4-3 formation, while McGowan held firm in the middle of defence to round out a solid first half performance.
The second half began with the same Adelaide United dominance and willingness to go forward but they were unable to convert.
And they were left ruing their missed opportunities when Thomas Love – hero of Adelaide City’s Westfield FFA match against Western Sydney Wanderers – capitalised on a defensive error to run and slot past Galekovic.
Cassio made his long-awaited return to the squad, playing 30 minutes as a substitute after suffering a hamstring injury that has ruled him out since the beginning of the Hyundai A-League 2013/14 campaign.
The normally positioned wing-back came on for Goodwin on the left side of midfield, and showed flashes of his usual self – making trademark runs forward.
The match was Adelaide United’s last until they travel to take on Brisbane Roar in round one of Hyundai A-League 2014/15 season.
Match Details
Wednesday, 1 October 2014
Pre-season Friendly
Adelaide United FC 1 (Carrusca 8‘)
Adelaide City 1 (Love 68‘)
Venue: Marden Sports Complex
Crowd: 2174
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