Despite an overall entertaining affair, Adelaide United Youth and Adelaide Olympic have played out a 0-0 draw at the VALO Football Centre on Saturday night.
Both sides had chances in a game dubbed an old fashioned six-pointer, with just three points separating each other on the National Premier League ladder heading into the Round 19 clash.
It was an even start from both sides as they exchanged chances in the opening minutes.
Kristos Stefanopoulos came the closest to finding a United opener when he audaciously attempted an outside-of-the-foot volley which flew inches past the near-post.
But that was not before Isaac Richards earlier had to make a tremendous double save. The goalkeeper’s form between the sticks has been nothing short of sensational and it was on full display again this evening.
Richards pulled off two incredible saves in quick succession to preserve the clean sheet.
Carlo Armiento featured prominently in the latter stages of the first period and nearly converted a free-kick; the winger, a dead-ball specialist almost managed to sneak in his effort past the ‘keeper.
Chances were few and far between in the second-half, but it did not take away from the quality of football, with both teams controlling the tempo of the match.
Stefanopoulos did, however, force a reflex save out of Olympic’s shot-stopper soon after half-time.
The hosts had one great chance of their own in the 84th minute but Aladin Irabona, marking the front post, managed to repel an Olympic header.
It finished all-square in what was a fair result on the balance of play and opportunities mustered.
Adelaide, who remain in fifth spot, tackle West Torrens Birkalla at Adelaide Shores in Round 20 this Sunday.
https://twitter.com/aufc_YouthTeam/status/1018078607359393792
Key moments:
14’ | Richards proves resolute in goal, performing a remarkable double save to deny Olympic from taking the lead.
24’ | Stefanopoulos volleys with the outside of his foot and his brilliant strike lands wide of the upright.
46’ | Stefanopoulos again tries his luck, this time from distances, and his shot produces a splendid instinctive save by the Olympic gloveman.
84’ | Talk about being at the right place at the right time as Irabona clears a header from Olympic off the line and maintain parity, minutes before the final whistle.
Reserves:
Adelaide Olympic 2
Adelaide United 2
