The Adelaide United Youth have been defeated 4-0 by Malaga CF in quarterfinals of the 2015 Mediterranean International Cup (MIC).
After a successful run at the tournament, the Young Reds were eliminated by a very strong Malaga CF outfit.
The heavy schedule took its toll on the players, as tired legs could not compete against Malaga who were very attacking dynamic and strong.
Malaga was in control from the get go and scored half way through the first half after putting the Young Rends under pressure. Their second came just before half time from a wide free kick that was a contentiously offside.
Being 2-0 down at half time with a very strong fresh Malaga outfit, the Youth Team boys tried to find some rhythm in their play, but Malaga were just too good.
After the third goal came, the game was practically over, and with minutes left in the game, Malaga sealed it with their fourth.
Even though the Young Reds didn’t progress further, coach Michael Valkanis was very happy with how team went in the tournament.
“Both Ange, myself and the team are very happy with making the quarterfinals,” said Valanis.
“We improved from last year progressing from the group stage.
“Our boys efforts were fantastic they pushed themselves and challenged not Spain’s but some of the worlds best youth systems.”
Looking back at the tournament, Michael Valkanis stressed the importance of squad rotation, to be able to take further next time.
“The heavy schedule took its toll,” he explained.
“To challenge the top 4 we need to come with a strong squad of 22 players, where we can rotate squads like all La Liga sides did.
“We exposed and gave experience to a lot of our young players (1999, 1998 and 1997 born) in a 1996 age group competition. This will be extremely valuable in their development.
The Adelaide United Youth Team have another 6 days left in Spain where they will play friendly matches against Rapides CSCO (Canada) and CE Europa (local team from Catalonia). Games aside, the Young Reds will also get a behind-the scene tour of FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou and museum as well as being invited to attend the Matchday 30 La Liga clash between FC Barcelona and UD Almería.
Results
Wednesday 1 April 2015 – Game One
Adelaide United FC 4 (Trimboli, Gerard, McGree, De Donatis)
FC Central Los Angeles 0
Thursday 2 April 2015 – Game Two
FC Barcelona 1
Adelaide United FC 0
Thursday 2 April 2015 – Game Three
Palamos CF 0
Adelaide United FC 3 (Gerard, Pudler, Nestoras)
Friday 3 April 2015 – Round of 16
CF Lloret 0
Adelaide United FC 0
(Adelaide United won 5-4 on penalties)
Friday 3 April 2015 – Quarterfinal
Malaga CF 4
Adelaide United FC 0
