Adelaide United ran out 3-0 winners against Metro Stars side in their first pre-season match.
Adelaide United ran out 3-0 winners against a strong Metro Stars side in their first pre-season match, at the Marden Sports Complex on Tuesday night.
The match started very brightly for United after Cirio was brought down in an attacking position only two minutes in, however the resulting free-kick was dealt with by the Metro Stars’ defenders.
This set the pace for an open first half as both sides had chances to score the game’s opening goal.
United controlled possession early and strongly emphasised passing the ball through the middle of the pitch and up from the back.
In the 9th minute Cirio again found space inside United’s attacking third and played a great ball across goal and found an outstretched Jeronimo whose effort crept just past the left-hand post.
Both sides exchanged chances, and three minutes later Metro Stars had their first sight of goal when Mitris forced Galekovic into making a wonderful save, low to his left.
Each team adjusted well to the wet conditions and the ball was continuously fought for in the middle of the park. Yet, the rain made it difficult for both teams to create more clear-cut chances.
The second half begun with just as much intensity as the first and it wasn’t long before United were able to convert one of their chances.
In the 52nd minute a weak defensive clearance by Metro Stars’ fell to Isaias who struck a sweet, low drive from 25 yards out, which found the bottom right corner.
Ten minutes later United scored their second of the evening after some menacing work by Osama Malik on the right wing. Malik crossed the ball low into the box, which was only half cleared. The ball dropped for United’s new signing, James Jeggo, who had the composure to chest the ball down before rifling home a nicely timed volley.
The game slowly started to open up further and United were able to press higher up the pitch and pass the ball with much more conviction.
In the 71st minute the ball was played out wide to Cirio on the left wing who crossed deep into the box. After a scramble for possession, Jeronimo calmly slotted home for United’s third goal.
With United firmly in control the match slowly eased in intensity and it wasn’t until the 85th minute that the next, and final, effort on goal was had. United were awarded a freekick 20 yards out, which was taken by Isaias who narrowly missed the top corner.
Following the match, United coach Josep Gombau said he was very happy with the way the team performed after not playing a competitive match since the end of last season.
“We’re still working on our fitness and this game was a great opportunity for us to improve it.”
Gombau was also pleased with the way our new signings performed.
“Dylan (McGowan) and (James) Jeggo did well. They’re still learning our style of play, but did their jobs, so I’m very happy.
“The game also gave some of the younger boys an opportunity to play and they did good too.”
The Reds travel to Sydney over the weekend to play Perth Glory. This will be another good test before the LFP World Challenge match against Málaga on Friday 25 July at Adelaide Oval.
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Match Details
Tuesday, 15 July 2014
Pre-season Friendly
Adelaide United FC 3 (Isaias 51’, Jeggo 62’, Jeronimo 71′)
Metro Stars 0
Venue: Marden Sports Complex
Crowd: Approx. 1000
