Adelaide United enjoyed a 1-0 win over Isuzu-Ute A League opponents Melbourne City on Saturday in a behind closed doors friendly at Coopers Stadium.
Coach Carl Veart fielded a similar starting XI to the one that took on the RAANPLSA All Stars a fortnight ago, but had the centre-back partnership of Jordan Elsey and Panagiotis Kikianis for the first time.
Luka Jovanović, Josh Cavallo, Johnny Yull and Isaís all got valuable minutes from the bench also.
In a tightly contested game, birthday boy Stefan Mauk rose high in the dying minutes to head home from a delightful Pierias floating cross to give the Reds a win in their final preseason match before taking on the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday 26th October.
After the match, Carl Veart spoke to the media about how preparations were going, and gave us an injury update to three key players.
Veart on the overall team performance…
“It was a very good test, and I think both coaches will be pleased with how the game went. It’s always good to win as it breeds confidence, and you want to start a new season with that. The work we’ve been doing in preseason is setting us up for success.”
Veart on being prepared for the season ahead…
“It’s very difficult for A-League teams because the preseason is so long, and you’re trying to get your players ready for round one. At times, it can be tricky to judge when your team is fully prepared for the season. Today there were moments of transition, which is common in the A-League since it’s a high-transition league. We’re working to reduce that with the change in our style of play this year. There’s still work to be done, and you really need A-League opposition to gauge how much further we need to go.”
Veart on the new pitch…
“Look, it’s still very early, and the pitch will keep improving. It’s quite fast, which suits the way we want to play. I’ve spoken to Simon (Coopers Stadium Groundsperson), and he mentioned it might take three or four weeks before it’s at its best.”
Veart on an injury update:
“Bart (Vriends) is still a couple of weeks away. He had a bit of a setback last week, so we’ve been quite cautious with him. It’s disappointing we haven’t been able to get him on the pitch in preseason, but he won’t be available for round one. On the other hand, young Archie (Goodwin) is doing exceptionally well now and will be available for round one, as will Ben Folami.”
Squad v Melbourne City
Delianov (GK), Kitto, Elsey, Kikianis, Pierias, Alagich, Barnett, Ayoubi, Mauk, Clough, White.
Subs: Cavallo (60’), Yull (75’), Isaias (80’), Jovanovic (60’), Dukuly, Tunnicliffe, Cox, López
