Melbourne City FC went down to a clinical Adelaide United behind closed doors on Wednesday afternoon as goals from Sergio Cirio, Marcello Carrusca and Jimmy Jeggo sealed the result, with Wade Dekker scoring a late consolation for the hosts
Perfect weather and pitch conditions greeted the sides at CFA Melbourne as the teams used the match as preparation for their respective Westfield FFA Cup Quarter Finals.
The Reds almost got off to the perfect start after a long ball from Carrusca broke the offside trap, setting Craig Goodwin off one on one with Thomas Sorensen. The Great Dane stood tall, thwarting the early opportunity and only moments later, pressured Jimmy Jeggo into a miss from a dangerous cutback.
City could have taken the lead in the 14’ minute when a masterful Aaron Mooy ball beat the Adelaide line on the edge of the area, however Stefan Mauk’s heavy touch created too much of an angle, forcing him out of play.
Adelaide were in front moments later after a shallow City clearance saw McGowan head down to Carrusca, flicking on for Jeggo and beating the offside trap. Sorensen could do little this time, with Jeggo slotting home and making it 1-0.
The Reds then doubled their lead in the 21’ minute after a perfect Carrusca free-kick on the edge of the area kissed the crossbar and bounced into the back of the net, leaving Sorensen rooted to his spot.
City worked their way back into the match, having a chance from Erik Paartalu cleared off the line, however scores remained the same going into the break.
The tempo remained the same for the opening stages of the second half, with Aaron Mooy going close to reducing the deficit, however it was a clinical Adelaide adding a third.
Cirio this time was put through on goal as a line-splitting pass from Isaias found the diminutive striker, opening his body and slotting past Sorensen.
The response from City was immediate after a handful of changes were made by the home side. Two chances for Fornaroli saw the striker denied in a short period and City were blocked out once again as substitute Dekker worked his way into the penalty area, seeing his effort palmed away by John Hall.
An offside effort from Hernan Espindola and another chance for Robi Koren went begging as the hosts found their consolation in the 90’ minute as Dekker slammed home to reduce the deficit.
Match Details
Melbourne City FC 1 (90’ Wade DEKKER)
Adelaide United 3 (16’ Jimmy JEGGO, 21’ Marcello CARRUSCA, 58’ Sergio CIRIO)
