Adelaide United Head of Youth Football and Head Coach of the Club’s Youth Team, Airton Andrioli, remains optimistic despite a second-round sweep to Adelaide Comets in the RAA National Premier League.
Both Seniors and Reserves teams failed to take points from Comets, but the squads can feel positive with strong performances and debuts across the board.
It was a tale of two halves for the Seniors, with a dominant first half overturned by a pair of avoidable goals for the home side in a 2-0 loss.
The Reserves suffered a 3-2 defeat, after Ruben Lawrie put United ahead after seven minutes.
Last year’s Reserves Player of the Year, Lukas Ikonomopoulos, scored the winner for Comets in the seconds, while his brother, Nikolas scored the final goal for the first team.
“I was very pleased with the way the boys played despite the end result,” Andrioli said.
“We started the game really well and dominated possession, but two mistakes in the second half cost us.
“Comets defended quite deep and were very organised as we thought they would be, and with Musa (Toure) quite isolated up top as Luka (Jovanović) was called into the A-League Men’s team, we lacked a bit of power in the front third.”
Starting debuts:
Joey Garuccio, Ryan White, and Nathan Amanatidis all made their starting debuts for United’s NPL seniors in solid showings.
“We had quite a few new boys and players on the bench as well in our match day squads, which is exciting for us as a Club,” Andrioli highlighted.
“We knew it was going to be a challenge but then again that’s what we’re all about.
“We’re about giving players the opportunities and to refine them and help them get better.”
The Adelaide City Rivalry:
Round 3 imposes a stern test against defending Champions and fierce rivals, Adelaide City.
City defeated Comets 2-1 in the 2022 Grand Final and will be looking to add a third league title in as many seasons to their trophy cabinet.
Andrioli knows well the contest in front of his young men: “Adelaide City is a strong team.
“They are well-coached with a number of experienced players who can do some damage.
“It’s great for us to come up against this type of opposition because it only adds to what we want to achieve here.
“We know quite a bit about what they want to do and how they want to play, and we’ll make the necessary adjustments to counter this.
“But the main goal for us, like every week, is to concentrate on the way that we want to do things.
“We like to make sure the boys are challenged and putting in a good effort every week.”
The teams played-out results of 4-2 (Adelaide City) and 3-3 last season.
One Club:
It is worth noting Andrioli coached in the NPL on Saturday and them jumped on a plane to be with the A-League team for the Original Rivalry against Melbourne Victory on Sunday.
While Andrioli does not make every away trip, he is always providing crucial analysis and insights at home games, which reinforces United’s philosophy of togetherness.
It is why the styles of play are aligned, and reinforces Head Coach, Carl Veart’s, connections up and down the Club.
“We love to work very well together and it’s a very good culture at this Club,” Andrioli expressed.
“It’s a credit to Carl and the coaching staff and all the people at the Club, who do so well against a moderate budget to keep everything connected, in every department.
“We are very pleased with the way the Club is going at all levels.”
Adelaide United’s Reserves will begin proceedings at Adelaide City Park at 12:45pm on Saturday, while the Senior teams will meet on Sunday at 3:00pm.
Upcoming match details:
2023 RAA NPL SA – Round 3
Adelaide City vs Adelaide United
Sunday, 5 March 2023, Kick-off: 3:00pm (ACDT)
Adelaide City Park
