Adelaide United have played out a 0-0 draw in their latest pre-season hit-out against Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium on Tuesday.
Marco Kurz’s side controlled proceedings for large parts of the behind closed doors friendly, but were unable to finish any of their chances.
The Reds had to absorb pressure in the early stages of the contest, however City created precious little in advanced areas.
But United gradually clawed their way into the match and finished the half stronger.
Scott Galloway drove a cross low into the box which Apostolos Stamatelopoulos got a foot on, forcing Eugene Galekovic into a reflex save down to his right.
Dario Vidošić tried his luck from distance and unleashed a shot which skidded off the surface and was caught by Paul Izzo.
And that was City’s only proper chance of the first-half before the hosts bossed the remaining 20 minutes.
Craig Goodwin came the closest to breaking the deadlock when he rattled the crossbar with a curling free-kick from the apex of the 18-yard box.
Soon after, Isaías was played through and fired his close-range shot into the side-netting, much to the relief of Galekovic.
Goodwin then had a free header saved at the back post after connecting with Stamatelopoulos’ cross from the right by-line.
And the Reds continued to pepper City’s goal without bulging the back of the net; Vince Lia skewed a half-volleyed shot on his left foot wide of the target after the ball sat up kindly for him inside the box.
The intensity was at a high tempo for the start of the second-half with Adelaide again dominating the play.
Jordan Elsey and Michael Jakobsen continued to forge a solid partnership in the heart of defence, while Isaías had the City opposition on strings as he used his eloquent skill to manoeuvre out of tight situations.
Goodwin struck a free-kick which failed to test Dean Bouzanis in goal, with opportunities coming at a premium for both teams after the re-start.
New signing Ben Halloran was introduced in the second stanza and looked to cause Scott Jamieson problems on the right flank.
However, it ended all square as there was virtually no action in the final 10 minutes with both sides exchanging periods of possession.
It was a solid performance and more importantly getting minutes into the legs of the players ahead of next week’s FFA Cup 2018 Round of 16 clash with Lions FC.
Match details:
Tuesday, 21 August 2018
Pre-season Friendly
Adelaide United 0
Melbourne City 0
Venue: Coopers Stadium
