The Adelaide United Youth Team’s undefeated run has come to an end, after a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Adelaide Olympic at the Elite Systems Football Centre on Saturday Night.
In the opening 20 minutes fewer chances were created by either side, as Adelaide United was dominant in possession but unable to mound any score board pressure.
A resilient Adelaide Olympic defence was able to keep out wingers Antoni Trimboli and Mark Ochieng as well as denying the Young Reds any forward runs through Dylan Smith and Doni Pollock.
In the 36th minute the game opened up slightly, allowing Adelaide to get back to their normal game and penetrate going forward.
Some clever work from Antoni Trimboli, allowed him to cut in from the right hand side and curl in a delight cross which was dealt with well by the Adelaide Olympic defence.
Into the second half and the football was much similar to the first with both sides making some good chances and the Young Reds unlucky not to convert one of theirs early on.
In the 63rd minute a costly error at the back, allowed striker Anastas Kristo to go one on one with keeper Daniel Margush and score the opener sending the Adelaide Olympic fans into raptures.
After the goal Adelaide started to become ruthless in attack forcing a challenge to be made on Doni Pollock resulting in a penalty kick. Unfortunately, Dylan Smith was unable to capitalise seeing keeper Matthew Pellizari pull of an amazing save.
Adelaide was still not to be denied, pushing the ball around the pitch with freedom in search on an equaliser.
In the 84th minute a fantastic solo run by Antoni Trimboli, saw him brought down in the box giving the referee no choice but to award yet another penalty to Adelaide United.
It was substitute Samed Altundag who took responsibility of the spot kick but it was a spectacular double save by keeper Matthew Pellizari which saw the ball cleared allowing Olympic to hold on and collect a much needed three points.
“We’ve lost before and we can be disappointed but today we played very good football and we controlled the game from start to finish, we played an experience team and the chances were there but we didn’t take them today,” said Adelaide United Youth Team coach Michael Valkanis.
“In saying that, I was extremely happy with the way we played and for 94 minutes the boys pushed and pushed and I was ever so proud and they wore the jumper with pride and never gave up.
“I think today we could have pulled the trigger a few more times by shooting little bit earlier. They had a lot of players behind the ball and it’s hard to break them down.
“Overall, it was a really entertaining match and I am very proud of the boys although there were a few upset faces in the change rooms today, they can hold their heads up and we will go again in 2 weeks’ time”.
Match Details
Saturday, 28 March 2015
NPL 2015 State League – Round 8
Adelaide Olympic 1 (A.Kristo)
Adelaide United 0
Venue: Elite Systems Football Centre
Adelaide United are now on break from the NPL State League Season as the team flies to Spain to compete in the 2015 Mediterranean International Cup (MIC).
Adelaide United will next take on Western Strikers on Wednesday 15 April at the Elite Systems Football Centre in Round 9 of the NPL State League Season. Kick-off at 7:30pm.
