Adelaide United ended its pre-season preparations with a 1-0 loss at the hands of Sydney FC on Thursday afternoon, the Reds falling to a Josh Brillante strike.
A first-half Josh Brillante strike from distance sailed past John Hall in goal for the Reds, with United unable to overturn the deficit in the second half.
Adelaide played good football throughout the match, insisting on playing their passing football despite a very slippery surface that gave way underfoot easily.
Guillermo Amor gave James Holland and Sergi Guardiola their first hits-out in Red prior to the Hyundai A-League season commencing in just over a week’s time, both men playing the entirety of the second half.
The pair look to be already settled with their new side, Holland moving about confidently in the middle of the park, while Guardiola made numerous intelligent runs behind Sydney’s defence to link up with United’s wide men.
By full time neither side had really taken their chances, but showed plenty of positive signs ahead of Round 1.