Adelaide United has continued its preparation for the upcoming Hyundai A-League 2014/15 season with a hard-fought 2-0 win against Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium on Tuesday.
With both teams using the game to put finishing touches on their squads before their round one clashes, the match started off at a very high pace.
Once both teams had settled the match became free flowing with the Reds and City trading chances.
Five minutes in and Galekovic was called into making his first save of the clash when James Brown’s effort looked destined to find the far post, but Eugene’s outstretched palm was strong enough to beat away the strike.
From here the contest was tight with the ball spending a lot of time in midfield and the goal-scoring opportunities not so clear-cut.
The Red’s best chances came after 30 minutes when Awer Mabil and Sergio Cirio both had close-range shots, but both were put wide.
A few minutes later and Adelaide United’s pressure paid off when a through ball put Mabil one-on-one with City goalkeeper, Tando Velaphi. The young winger showed composure beyond his years and had the skill to cut back behind former Red, Iain Ramsay, curling the ball into the far post.
And on the stroke of half-time, the Reds had their second through new signing, Craig Goodwin. Menacing work from Bruce Djite down the right flank saw him cut the ball back to find Goodwin arriving at the back post.
The second half saw the physicality of the tie increase with predominately half-chances created by either team. Adelaide United enjoyed the majority of the possession, but weren’t able to further break down a rather resilient Melbourne City defence.
Coach, Josep Gombau, also used the game to rest some players ahead of Tuesday’s Westfield FFA Cup game against Brisbane Roar, giving six youth team players some first-team experience.
Following the match, Josep Gombau said although the Reds were able to earn another win, the result wasn’t the most important thing he is taking from the game.
“I’m very satisfied, but it is not because of the result as it is obviously still preseason,” said Gombau.
“I am satisfied because a lot of young players were able to get some game time against a good A-League side, which is great experience for them, but the whole team played well.
Adelaide United’s next match will be against Brisbane Roar in the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 16 at Coopers Stadium on Tuesday 23 September.
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Match Details
Tuesday, 16 September 2014
Closed Pre-season Friendly
Adelaide United FC 2 (Mabil 33′, Goodwin 45′)
Melbourne City 0
Venue: Coopers Stadium
