Adelaide United enjoyed a successful hit out in Head Coach, Marco Kurz’s, first match in charge with a dominant 5-0 pre-season win over White City at Marden Sports Complex on Wednesday night.
Nikola Mileusnic, new signing George Blackwood, Jordan Elsey, Paul Wilson and Marc Marino all etched their names on the scoresheet in what was a solid outing ahead of the Reds’ Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 match in a fortnight’s time.
Adelaide asserted themselves in the opening exchanges, dominating possession but unable to create any real openings.
However, Mileusnic broke the deadlock on 11 minutes when he rounded off a brilliant attacking move to finish past gloveman Samuel Lennon at the near post.
Isaías received a ball in midfield and sprayed a lovely diagonal switch out to Michael Marrone, who played in the winger to calmly dispatch his effort.
United would grab a second in the 31st minute when Blackwood controlled Marrone’s cross on the turn to steer his finish into the bottom corner.
Five minutes later, Adelaide made it three after Elsey volleyed home from close range – following up his initial saved header from Isaías’ free-kick.
The second-half saw Adelaide continue to control the tempo of the game – stretching the Warriors’ defence by completing a succession of crisp passes.
And the visitors nearly put the clash beyond reach as Mileusnic unleashed a dipping, curling effort which flew millimetres over the top right corner of the crossbar.
The 24-year-old was again involved in the action after his one-on-one shot was well saved by the White City goalkeeper, after being played through by Jordan O’Doherty.
United youth defender Paul Wilson extended the lead to 4-0 as the substitute headed home Ryan Kitto’s corner.
Marino completed the scoring to tap into an empty net on 87 minutes, making it five for Kurz’s men, after agonisingly seeing a strike smash the upright minutes before.
Match Details:
Wednesday, 26 July 2017
Pre-season friendly
Adelaide United 5 (Mileusnic 11’ Blackwood 31’ Elsey 36’ Wilson 76’ Marino 87’)
White City 0
Venue: Marden Sports Complex
