An impressive Adelaide United Young Reds outfit made it two wins on the bounce on Saturday afternoon, defeating WT Birkalla 3–0 at ServiceFM Stadium.
Head Coach Paul Vanis made one change to the starting XI from last week’s win over Para Hills, with Kalan Alagich coming into the side, while Daniel Wojcik was included in the matchday squad. Sotirios Phillis again wore the captain’s armband.
The opening exchanges were cautious, with both sides struggling to generate clear chances. The Reds’ first real sight of goal came on 32 minutes when Amlani Tatu fired straight at Nicholas Harpas.
Four minutes later, United went close again on the counter, Garuccio slipping Alex Battistella in behind, only for Harpas to produce a strong fingertip save at his near post.
The breakthrough arrived on 56 minutes from a clever set-piece routine. A quick short free kick released Garuccio down the Birkalla byline, and his driven cross towards the near post deflected in off George Blackwood to give the Reds a deserved 1–0 lead.
Five minutes later, United doubled the advantage from the spot. A flowing move that began with Max Vartuli playing out from the back worked its way into the area, where Battistella’s deft backheel released Garuccio, who was brought down under pressure despite strong appeals from the Birkalla players. Garuccio stepped up and fired home the penalty.
With 15 minutes remaining, the Young Reds were awarded a second penalty after Harry Crawford pounced on a lapse in concentration and Tatu was brought down by Harpas. Crawford made no mistake from 12 yards, drilling his effort underneath the goalkeeper to make it 3–0 and wrap up the points.
Head Coach Paul Vanis said:
“I’m really pleased with the way we controlled the game. Birkalla are a quality side, so to be able to execute our press and limit their ability to play was pleasing. On the ball, I felt like we controlled the tempo of the match well, even though we didn’t create a lot of chances in the first half.
“After half-time I felt like we continued to gain momentum in the game and, after we got the first goal, you could see our confidence grow and chances began to flow.
“To score three goals in a half was pleasing and to get another clean sheet is important as well, as defensive actions have been an important focus of the group.”
The Young Reds now return to ServiceFM Stadium next Saturday at 3pm to host Playford.
Starting XI
#13 Max Vartuli (GK)
#36 Panashe Madanha
#45 Alex Battistella (off 83’)
#52 Sotirios Phillis (C)
#58 Harry Crawford (off 80’)
#62 Fabian Talladira
#65 Joey Garuccio
#67 Luka Blazevic
#74 Amlani Tatu (off 80’)
#79 Feyzo Kasumovic
#88 Kalan Alagich (off 66’)
Substitutes
#57 Liam Stam (on 80’)
#63 Daniel Wojcik (on 66’)
#70 Laris Cesko (GK)
#78 Malual Nichola (on 83’)
#86 Luke Hurst
#91 Riad Rarhidi (on 80’)
