Adelaide United FC’s preparations towards Round 1 have taken another encouraging step forward following a 1-1 draw with the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Adelaide United FC-s preparations towards Round 1 of the Hyundai A-League 2013/14 Season have taken another encouraging step forward after the Reds played out a 1-1 draw with the Western Sydney Wanderers at Centrebet Stadium in Penrith.
New Spanish signing Sergio Cirio continued his impressive and ominous pre season form with a clinical finish two minutes into the second half, cancelling out an own goal from Nigel Boogaard in the 7th minute.
Cirio could count himself unlucky not to have equalised earlier as Wanderers keeper Ante Covic just managed to keep out a ripping shot that seemed destined for the back of the net.
After an early flurry from the home side which resulted in Tahj Minniecon-s cross seeing Boogard turn the ball into his own net despite there being a question offside in the build up, the Reds settled into the game and arguably had the better of the opening 45 minutes.
Both sides made changes at the break but neither could add to the score line, substitute goalkeeper Paul Izzo doing his bit to keep the Reds on level pegging as he denied Wanderers danger man Youssouf Hersi late on.
Having played the reigning champions and then the Premier Plate holders in the past week, Coach Josep Gombau is pleased with his team-s progress.
“We are satisfied with the game that we played,” Gombau said.
“It was a game that I thought was very equal…in the first half we were down a goal but I think we played better in that period and had more of the ball than them.
“In the second half we started in a good way and scored early. After that the game was very open, they made some changes, we made some changes and these are typical pre season games.”
“We are moving well to being in a good condition for the first game on the 13th of October.”
The Reds will next face Melbourne Heart at Epping Stadium on Friday afternoon.
Western Sydney Wanderers 1 (Boogaard 7- (OG))
Adelaide United 1 (Cirio 47-)
22 September, 2013
Centrebet Stadium
Image courtesy of Western Sydney Wanderers
