The Adelaide United Youth have defeated CF Lloret 5-4 on penalties to progress into the quarterfinals of the 2015 Mediterranean International Cup (MIC).
After a successful group stage, the Young Reds faced CF Lloret in the Round of 16. It was a very tough match, as the local Catalan team was very defensive and physical, while trying to play a counter attacking game.
However, the Youth Team again controlled the game but created limited chances and didn’t capatalise on the ones they did have.
It’s been a tough schedule and the games are taking their toll on the boys. They pushed hard and the boys gave everything but no break through was made, and the game ended in 0-0 draw. This meant the winner would progress into the quarters by penalty shoot out.
Zafridis stepped up first for the Yougn Reds and missed. This followed by everyone converting theirs (Pudler, Trimboli, McGree, Ochieng) until the CF Lloret striker missed their fifth penalty as it stuck the cross bar. A lifeline was given to the Young Reds, which meant sudden death penalties. Nestoras stepped up and scored for the Young Reds and it was young goalkeeper Woodlonds who was hero as he saved CF Lloret’s penalty to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
Youth Team coach Michael Valkanis was estatic with his players and knew they deserved the win.
“As coach I’m ecstatic for my players, their effort, their desire to win,” said Valkanis.
“However, today our football was not at the level we wanted. Maybe if it was, we wouldn’t have gone to penalties.
“We are tired, and with a small team of only 16 (others come with squads of 24 players), they (the other teams) are able to share the difficult schedule load.
“The boys have done great up until now, but they can again test themselves against another top side whom are playing very good football – Malaga CF.
“We have another quick turn around, only 7 hours, until we face Malaga, but we will be ready.”
The Adelaide United Youth team will take on La Liga side, Malaga CF, in the quarterfinals of the 2015 Mediterranean International Cup (MIC).
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)
Upcoming Fixture
Friday 3 April 2015 – Quarterfinal
Kick-off 6:00pm (local time) (3:30am ACDT)
Malaga CF v Adelaide United FC
