In the last match of the season, Adelaide United settled for a share of the spoils, in a 1-1 draw against Cumberland United in the PlayStation 4 National Premier League on Saturday.
A goal to Pacifique Niyongabire opened the scoring for the Young Reds in the early stages of the game.
But an equaliser by Cumberland’s Lewis May saved the relegated Club, but only for a day.
Adelaide United Youth Head Coach, Huss Skenderovic fielded an altered starting XI, giving some of the Reserves players a good run.
Ninko Beric, Jai King and Cooper Nunn featured for the National Premier League side, while ‘keeper Jasper Kelley performed well between the sticks.
Niyongabire was energetic early, with a quick bolt down the wing, but a promising cross was cut out.
A curling strike by May was saved by a steadfast Kelley, who dived upwards to palm away.
Apostolos Stamatelopoulos of Adelaide United had the side’s best chance to take the lead in the 14th minute, but couldn’t finish after some neat build-up play by Lachlan Brook.
17 minutes in, Niyongabire latched onto an inch-perfect pass delivered by Bailey Truscott, to turn into the back of the net with aplomb.
May was then able to convert from a counter-attacking move, past an on-rushing Kelley to equalise in the 24th minute.
A few consecutive goal attempts by a dangerous Niyongabire, and Stamatelopoulos were all saved by Schoen.
Despite efforts at either end of the field, the score-line remained locked at one a-piece.
Brook continued his dominating form on the pitch, almost regaining the lead with a thorough strike, but was off target.
In the 66th minute, King set fire on a through ball to Beric, but was caught out by Schoen.
Evan Kounavelis had a golden chance for the Foxes, but Kelley’s save off of his boot was enough to deny the striker.
In the dying moments, Niyongabire searched for the last minute winner, but blasted his shot into the hands of Schoen.
After a hefty and vigorous battle, the match was settled with a draw to end the regular season for both Clubs.
Reserves:
Adelaide United 7
Cumberland United 0
The Adelaide United Reserves finished the season as Premiers, and will now look forward to Finals football.
