MetroStars hold their own in entertaining friendly with Adelaide United

A-League side Adelaide United defeated North Eastern MetroStars 3-1 at Taperoo Reserve on Tuesday night.

Roland Alberg, who is currently on trial with the the A-League side, opened the scoring for the Reds before goals from George Blackwood and Kusini Yengi ensured United would come away victorious. Lachlan Barr scored the goal for MetroStars.

The A-League side named a strong line-up to begin the pre-season friendly with goalkeeper Paul Izzo protected by a defensive quartet of Ryan Strain, Michael Marrone, Michael Jakobsen, and Ryan Kitto. Mirko Boland, Riley McGree and Nathan Konstandopoulos featured in midfield while Nikola Mileusnić, Ben Halloran and trialist Alberg played in attack.

Both sides started well and played some good football. MetroStars started with intent and Hamish Gow had an early shot stopped by Paul Izzo. Riley McGree looked very lively and attempted a few balls which were thwarted by a resilient MetroStars defence.

Dylan Smith looked good against his old club and put several dangerous crosses in but Izzo done well to keep United level. Metro had a brilliant chance to go ahead when they launched a quick counter attack. Dylan Smith playing a ball across to Alex Jakob, who perhaps had too much time, who took a touch and had his shot blocked.

In cruel fashion, United were ahead a minute later. Mileusnić played in the Roland Aldbery who toe-poked his effort past Isaac Carmody and United were ahead at the half time break.

Wholesale changes were made at half-time for both sides with 11 new faces starting for United whereas MetroStars brought off Carmody, Charalambous, Strain, Gow and Jakob for Jackson O'Donnell, Dawber, Esposito, Wooding and Bonada. Fabian Barbiero replaced Dylan Smith at the 52nd minute mark.

Christian Esposito asserted himself on the game and earned several fouls in the attacking third. MetroStars took full advantage off one of those set-pieces which was headed in by Lachlan Barr following a great delivery from Barbiero.

United did not have to wait long to re-take the lead after Blackwood was adjudged to have been fouled in the box. He confidently dispatched the subsequent penalty on 75 minutes before limping off with an hamstring injury.

MetroStars made further changes with youngster Melisi, Benedetti, Frangakis and Mayo being sent on to get some valuable experience. Young Reds regular Yengi then made it 3-1 three minutes from time when he unleashed a powerful shot which came in off the crossbar following a long ball from Lachlan Brook.

Match Details:

Tuesday, 16 July 2019

Adelaide United 3 (Alberg 31’ Blackwood 75’ (P) Yengi 87’) MetroStars 1 (Barr 67’)

Venue: Taperoo Reserve