Adelaide United were held to a 1-1 draw against Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium on Friday night.
Johan Absalonsen marked his first league start since Round 3 by opening the scoring though it was cancelled out in the second-half by Stefan Mauk effort’s low drive.
Marco Kurz made four changes to the starting XI which lost to Brisbane Roar a fortnight ago. Džengis Čavušević received his maiden start in Red, while Absalonsen returned to the left wing. In midfield, Nathan Konstandopoulos started for the first time in five matches and Michael Marrone replaced Ryan Strain at right-back.
Adelaide started with more intent in the opening 10 minutes, dictating the tempo and keeping City camped in their own half.
But Melbourne gradually got themselves into the game and looked dangerous when attacking.
And they were given a penalty after Jordan Elsey mistimed his tackle on Dario Vidosic on 32 minutes. However, the ensuing spot-kick from Bruno Fornaroli was well-saved by Izzo to keep Adelaide in the contest.
City were made to rue that miss as the Reds struck on the stroke of half-time after Nathan Konstandopoulos’ squared pass was clinically met by Absalonsen.
The hosts had a decent chance to double their advantage after the break when Absalonsen was again involved, seeing his downward header repelled.
Warren Joyce’s side, however, equalised moments later courtesy of former United midfielder Stefan Mauk.
Despite both teams pushing for a winner no side could capitalise as the match finished all square, and in the process snapped a two-game losing streak for the Reds.
Key moments:
11’ | Daniel Adlung tries his luck from distance, firing a low shot which forces gloveman Dean Bouzanis into a save.
30’ | Izzo gets down low and holds Arzani’s daisy cutter from the short corner.
32’ | Elsey brings down Vidosic in the box and the referee awards a penalty for the visitors.
33’ | SAVE! Izzo denies Fornaroli from the spot, diving to his right and parrying the Uruguayan’s effort away.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5752223896001
45’+1’ | GOAL! Absalonsen bags his fourth of the campaign following some excellent build-up play. Mileusnic reverses a pass to Konstandopoulos and his cut back picks out the unmarked Dane at the back post to smash his finish home from six yards.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5752223900001
47’ | Absalonsen’s bouncing header is tipped over the crossbar by Bouzanis.
53’ | GOAL: Izzo palms Arzani’s curling effort into the path of Mauk and his low finish found its way past several bodies.
78’ | OFFSIDE! The flag is raised after some initial confusion, ruling out Arzani’s tap-in as replays indicated Fornaroli was ahead of the Reds’ defence.
89’ | Mauk throws himself at the half-cleared cross and his effort bounces just past the upright.
Match details:
Friday, 16 March 2018
Hyundai A-League 2017/18 Season – Round 23
Adelaide United 1 (Absalonsen 45’+1’)
Melbourne City 1 (Mauk 53’)
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Attendance: 7,668
