Adelaide United FC showed it is heading in the right direction after defeating Sydney FC 4-2 in a pre season friendly at Marconi Stadium.
Adelaide United FC showed it is heading in the right direction in the lead up to the ACL Knockout Stage after defeating Sydney FC 4-2 in a pre season friendly at Marconi Stadium.
Up against a predominantly youthful Sky Blues outfit, the Reds took control after going a goal down early on as they managed to find the back of the net four times in what was overall a pleasing display for Coach John Kosmina.
Also pleasing was the second half cameo of new signing Jeronimo Neumann. While the Argentine forward is not one of the Reds- three listed foreigners for the ACL, he showed exciting glimpses of what could lie ahead on the domestic scene as he scored his first goal in a Reds shirt and was a constant threat during his 20 minutes on the field.
After a Yairo Yau header gave Sydney FC an early lead, Bruce Djite produced a 30th minute equaliser when his strike took a deflection off Sebastian Ryall to wrong foot Sky Blues keeper Ivan Necevski.
Cassio then made it 2-1 to the Reds in the shadows of half time when a typically dangerous run down saw his resultant shot beat Necevski.
Kosmina made a number of changes at the break with Antony Golec replacing Cassio, Daniel Bowles making way for Jordan Elsey and Sergio van Dijk coming on for Bruce Djite.
Sydney FC also rung the changes but it was Jeronimo-s 72nd minute introduction for Dario Vidosic that led to the game-s next, and the Reds- third, goal.
A fine individual effort almost saw Jeronimo score within a minute of coming on before he did break through as he finished off from a Cameron Watson assist.
Mitch Mallia pegged one back for the host in the 88th minute to make it 3-2, but the Reds would have the last say as Evan Kostopoulos added a fourth in the final minute.
Adelaide United will now prepare for a trial match against reigning Hyundai A-League champions Brisbane Roar on Friday, September 7 at Hindmarsh Stadium (Kick-Off 7.30pm ACST). Tickets are just $10 for adults, $5 for concession with Kids 15 & under FREE. Tickets are available through Ticketek.
