Adelaide United Youth remain on the road for the third consecutive week, facing Adelaide Olympic in Round 19 of the South Australian National Premier League 2018 Season.
The Young Reds suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Campbelltown City in Round 18 and are now without a win in three games.
Goalkeeper Isaac Richards, was disappointed with the result, but astounded with the teams will to keep fighting to the bitter end.
“I think it was an excellent fight from the boys and we battled it to the end, I was really proud and football is a cruel game sometimes,” Richards said.
“It was frustrating at the time but looking back now we fought hard and we can be proud of ourselves.”
Richards was exceptional in between the sticks, making several crucial saves, including a superb effort to deny a volley from Campbelltown’s Brandon Centofanti.
Ever modest, the goalkeeper was quick to maintain that the hard work during training was to thank for those performances.
“I’ve been training hard and it’s those days at the training ground that reflect those saves,” he said.
“Obviously it’s great to make those saves but at the end of the day the team is what’s most important and those three-points that were on offer.”
With finals steadily approaching, the Young Reds will be looking for three points against this week’s opponents in Olympic.
A win for United would further secure their fifth-place position, with Olympic sitting in sixth, this will be a huge game for the Reds.
Richards was adamant that a great performance from the Reds on Saturday was a must, with the gap between the teams at just three points.
“That’s a big game, because it’s a six-point game for us, if we win we go six points clear of them, and all the boys will be ready for it.”
Richards quickly mentioned that the ladder has not been a concern for the Reds, with the focus being on the performances game by game.
“I think we all look at it but at the end of the day it’s about going out on the football pitch and performing,” he said.
“Finals is in the back of everyone’s mind, but right now we’re taking it one game at a time.”
Richard’s also recalled the reverse fixture, in which United drew back in Round 9 as a part of their five-game unbeaten run.
“It was a tough game, they’re a good opposition with quality players, but I think we’re going to get the win on the weekend.”
Adelaide United Youth face Adelaide Olympic in Round 19 of the National Premier League 2018 season on Saturday, 14 July at the Valo Football Centre. Kick-off is at 6:00 PM ACST.
