Melbourne City was unable to capitalise on early momentum, ultimately falling to a 1-0 defeat against Adelaide United on Friday night.
Despite controlling the first half, City couldn’t find the breakthrough, and the hosts took charge after the break—netting the decisive goal in the 52nd minute.
Team News
With a weekend off thanks to a bye, Aurelio Vidmar had extra time to assess his squad and made three changes to the starting XI.
One of those was forced, with Kai Trewin sidelined due to a minor groin injury, paving the way for Germán Ferreyra’s return in defence.
Further up the pitch, there was positive news as both Mathew Leckie and Max Caputo were named in the starting lineup for the first time this season.
Starting XI: 33. Patrick BEACH (GK), 2. Callum TALBOT, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 6. Steven UGARKOVIC, 7. Mathew LECKIE, 41. Lawrence WONG, 46. Ben MAZZEO, 38. Harry POLITIDIS, 17. Max CAPUTO.
Substitutes: 40. James NIEUWENHUIZEN (GK), 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 23. Marco TILIO, 39. Emin DURAKOVIC, 47. Kavian RAHMANI, 50. Mikey GHOSSAINI.
What happened?
City started confidently on the road, with Max Caputo showing promising signs in his first minutes of the season.
Lawrence Wong also impressed early, the 17-year-old showcasing his skill and composure in just the third start of his professional career.
Although Adelaide dominated possession, City created the better early opportunities, registering the first five shots of the match.
While there were no clear-cut chances, Ben Mazzeo had the best sight at goal, only to see his effort deflected for a corner after some great link-up play between Leckie and Caputo.
Despite City’s first-half dominance, the momentum shifted after the break.
Adelaide struck in the 52nd minute when Archie Goodwin headed home from a set-piece, with Patrick Beach at full stretch but unable to make the save.
The hosts nearly doubled their lead moments later, but Beach produced a crucial point-blank save before Zach Clough struck the crossbar and then fired over to keep City within striking distance.
Vidmar turned to his bench in the final half-hour, introducing Mikey Ghossaini, Emin Durakovic, and Marco Tilio in search of an equaliser. However, despite the fresh legs, City was unable to find a breakthrough.
What’s next?
City returns to AAMI Park for the first time in over a month next Saturday, hosting Perth Glory as part of a massive doubleheader. Click here to get your tickets!
