The Adelaide United Youth Team fell to a 3-0 loss against Adelaide Comets in Round 8 of the National Premier League at the Elite Systems Football Centre on Saturday afternoon.
Back on home turf after three weeks, the Adelaide United Youth Team gave it their all, but despite their efforts, were unable to capitalise on the many chances that were created by Riley McGree, Johnny Koutroumbis and Alec Maiolo respectively.
In the end it was the Comets who had shot three past Reds’ goalkeeper, Daniel Margush, much to United’s misfortune.
The Young Reds were off to a strong start to the match, their passes precise which leaded to early signs of their continuous attack throughout the 90 minutes. Captain, Dylan Smith, was the first to create a chance as his ball was sent to Alec Maiolo on the run up forward and it was then McGree who had his sight set on goal, both chances denied of any reward.
United brought their attacking to its full extent, when Tommy Stokes produced a good play as he crossed the ball in to find another red shirt, but was unable.
In the 9th minute, it was then Koutroumbis with a long chip shot that headed toward goal which ended up in the hands of Comets goal keeper, Alexander Woodlands. One minute later and Comets converted their first through a well-taken Christopher Pepe strike.
The Young Reds were not disheartened though, McGree looking to link up with Jordan O’Doherty going forward on numerous occasions. Samed Altundag managed to fashion a chance in the 16th minute, but his effort went straight to the ‘keeper.
Several more chances were created as the Reds showed great movement on the ball and kept possession well, their defence were worked but remained solid to keep the score line at 1-0. As soon as the Reds looked close to finding an equaliser, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos smashed a second goal for the Comets four minutes before half-time.
As play resumed, it was much of the same by Adelaide United, Margush mading some brilliant saves, while Clifford Maina and Paul Wilson worked strong defensively to keep their team in the game for some time.
The 72nd minute saw Jack Bladen with space and an open goal, finalising the game’s score at 3-0 for a Comets win, but the Young Reds fight did not stop until the last whistle blew.
After the match, Youth Team Head Coach, Mark Jones, said he was disappointed that his team didn’t take out the win as they proved more dominant, and that the goals conceded could have easily been stopped, but has not lost faith in his side.
“We got in behind the Comets a lot more and were more dangerous positions and didn’t score, when we should have.
“In the second half, we had all the play and had many opportunities that could have won us the game.
“The boys to keep their belief in themselves and not get down, we were still great defensively and the score didn’t blow out in the end.
“We played decent football and passed the ball around well, we did have senior players out but the squad today still showed that dominance against a good team.
“Next game against the Raiders we will look to continue this football, but make sure we are rewarded for our hard work.”
