Matchday Programme: Adelaide United vs Melbourne Victory - Hyundai A-League 2019/20 Round 15 by Adelaide United

O F F I C I A L A D E LA I D E

UN I T ED MATCHDAY P RO GRA MME

ROUND 15

ADELAIDE UNITED V MELBOURNE VICTORY | F R I D AY 17 J A N U A RY 2020 | C O O P E R S S TA D I U M | K I C K- O F F 7P M

P R O U D LY P R E S E N T E D BY

REDS D OWN OUT WE ST

Adelaide United have succumbed to a 3-0 loss to Perth Glory at HBF Park on Saturday night.

First-half goals from Joel Chianese and Bruno Fornaroli had the hosts in a commanding position before Chris Ikonomidis added a third off the bench to consign the Reds to a fourth successive defeat. Gertjan Verbeek made one enforced change to his starting line-up with Ryan Kitto receiving his first start since Round 5 with James Troisi ruled out with a hamstring strain. His inclusion at left-back forced a reshuffle with Michaël Maria moving into midfield. Adelaide dominated the opening exchanges and bossed the Glory before conceding. The Reds pressed the hosts and had them on the back foot as they controlled possession in their half and got in behind the Perth defence a couple of times. However, the visitors failed to muster any genuine chances other than George Blackwood putting wide a first-time attempt from Maria’s low cross. Claims for a penalty were also waved away when a corner deflected off Fornaroli’s arm. And after Adelaide failed to capitalise, Perth responded completely against the run of play. Diego Castro spotted Chianese, who turned his marker on the edge of the box and clinically finished beyond Izzo on 25 minutes.

Fornaroli which took a deflection. Verbeek tweaked his tactics at the interval, summoning Nathan Konstandopoulos at the expense of Kitto, with Maria dropping to left-back. Chianese went inches away from netting a brace when his one-on-one effort trickled wide of the post, while at the other end Riley McGree squandered his follow-up from Nikola Mileusnic’s saved shot. But the game was officially put to bed when Ikonomidis made it 3-0 on 68 minutes. The substitute used his body to evade the attentions of Maria and with Izzo rushing out to collect, the ball ricocheted off the Perth winger before managing to score with aplomb. Adelaide toiled and looked to get a consolation but they were unable to etch their name on the scoresheet for the first time this season.

Appeals for a second penalty for handball was also refuted, despite replays showing the ball touched Ivan Franjic while on the ground inside the box. And in the 44th minute, Perth doubled their advantage courtesy of a long-range effort from 2

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key moments: 25’ | GOAL: Castro threads a pass to Chianese who turns Kitto and keeps his composure to slide his finish home. 44’ | GOAL: Castro notches his second assist of the game, feeding Fornaroli, whose shot from distance takes a fortuitous deflection off Jakobsen to beat Izzo. 68’ | GOAL: Ikonomidis out muscles Maria and after initially colliding with Izzo, chases the loose ball and slides his finish under the goalkeeper into an empty net.

match details: Saturday, 11 January 2020 Hyundai A-League 2019/20 Season – Round 14 Perth Glory 3 (Chianese 25’ Fornaroli 44’ Ikonomidis 68’) Adelaide United 0 Venue: HBF Park

RO UND 15 PR E V I E W THE BEST EXAMPLE OF COURSE IS THE GAME HERE AGAINST VICTORY AT HOME AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON.

Gertjan Verbeek says a win over bitter rivals Melbourne Victory would serve as a massive confidence booster for his players following a barren spell.

Adelaide have suffered four defeats in succession following a 3-0 loss to Perth Glory last weekend and are desperate to secure three points. Verbeek said in order to get back on track, his side must continue believing in the philosophy the Dutchman is trying to implement and be resolute defensively. “To stick to the plan we have for already six or seven months now,” the 57-year-old told reporters at the pre-match press conference. “We still have to improve. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s not so good. “In defence we make too many mistakes and then it’s difficult to win games. “The best example of course is the game here against Victory at home at the beginning of the season.

Adelaide will be buoyed by the return of German midfielder, Mirko Boland, who becomes available for selection for the first time this season. Verbeek said his return from injury increases the competition in the squad.

“Mirko (Boland) is one of the experienced players and before he got injured he was a starter,” he said. “Of course, we get James into the squad and also Louis got his chance and is doing well. “So it will be hard for him to come back, but it’s good for everyone that you’ve competition. “They’ve to feel the pressure that there is someone who’s willing to play and also can play there on that position. “And the best one is playing, I don’t look to names or ages. I look to quality.” The former AZ Alkmaar boss suggested a win would help restore a sense of belief around all stakeholders invested in the Club.

“We can do it, but every time we have to challenge that to get to that level and then we have a chance to win.”

“When you get to talk about confidence, confidence with players, that’s the first place,” he continued, when asked about the importance of registering a victory.

Meanwhile, Victory have a new interim coach in Carlos Salvachua following the departure of Marco Kurz.

“But also confidence with the fans, confidence with the board you only get it back with a good win, that’s what you need.”

The visitors succumbed to a 3-2 loss to Central Coast Mariners last time out to remain level on 15 points with the Reds. A D E LA I D E U N I T E D.C O M.A U

IMPORTANT GAME FOR THE CLUB, FOR US, FOR OUR FANS Adelaide United Captain, Michael Jakobsen, has urged fans to come out in huge numbers and support the team against Melbourne Victory on Friday night. The Reds have struggled of late, losing four matches in a row – something the Danish centre-back says must improve. But despite the disappointing streak, Jakobsen hoped fans will continue to stick by them and stressed that having a packed Coopers Stadium genuinely does have a positive influence, serving to be an additional motivating factor.

Adelaide’s latest setback was a 3-0 defeat to Perth Glory last weekend. Jakobsen said that while they made a promising start they were unable to sustain the pressure and were once again not effective enough at both ends of the pitch. The experienced defender said getting the fundamentals right should get the team back on track.

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With the exception of the FFA Cup Final triumph, Adelaide’s best game of the season was their 3-1 win over Victory in November. Jakobsen said if they could replicate that performance it would go a long way to securing the three points.

IT STARTS FROM THE BACK, ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BACK TO BASICS LEADING INTO A VERY IMPORTANT GAME FOR THE CLUB, FOR US, FOR OUR FANS.

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HY U N D A I A - L E A G U E 20 19/20 SQUA D 2

MICHAEL MARRONE defender

R IL E Y MCGREE midfielder

Sponsored by: Flinders University

F O R A L L T H E L AT E S T C L U B N E W S , D O W N L O A D T H E A D E L A I D E U N I T E D O F F I C I A L A P P.

M AT C H D AY P R O G R A M M E - R O U N D 15

JORDAN ELSEY defender

defender

midfielder

NATHAN KONSTANDOPOULOS

midfielder

forward

Sponsored by: Flinders University

NIKOLA MILEUSNIĆ

MICHAËL MARIA Sponsored by: Pride on the line

Sponsored by: Flinders University

defender

Sponsored by: Flinders University

MIRKO BOLAND midfielder

AL HASSAN TOURE forward

Sponsored by: ComwireIT

HEAD COACH: Carlos Pérez Salvachúa

MICHAEL MARRONE RYA N S T RA I N MICHAËL MARIA VINCE LIA RYA N K I T TO RILEY MCGREE JAMES TROISI KRISTIAN OPSETH G E O R G E B LA C K W O O D N AT H A N K O N S TA N D O P O U LO S N I K O LA M I L E U S N I Ć L A C H L A N B R O O K PA U L I Z Z O (G K ) M I C H A E L J A KO B S E N JORDAN ELSEY PAC I FI Q U E N I YO N G A B I R E B E N H A L LO R A N L O U I S D ’A R R G I O KUSINI YENGI ISAAC RICHARDS MIRKO BOL AND AL HASSAN TOURE

1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 14. 16. 1 7. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 24. 25. 26. 30. 50.

M AT T H E W ACTO N STORM ROUX JAMES DONACHIE T I M H O O G LA N D LEIGH BROXHAM K E N N Y AT H I U JAKOB POULSEN ANDREW NABBOUT ROBBIE KRUSE O LA T O I V O N E N BIRKAN KIRDAR THOMAS DENG JOSHUA HOPE E LV I S K A M B S O B A MIGJEN BASHA BENJAMIN CARRIGAN LA W R E N C E T H O M A S ADAMA TRAORÉ KRISTIJAN DOBRAS ANTHONY LESIOTIS B R A N D O N LA U T O N J AY B A R N E T T M AT T H E W S U T TO N BRENDAN WHITE

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I’VE BEEN AT THE CLUB FOR MANY YEARS NOW AND IT’S STILL A PRIVILEGE TO REPRESENT MY HOME TOWN TEAM M AT C H D AY P R O G R A M M E - R O U N D 15

MARRONE INKS ONE-YEAR EXTENSION WITH REDS Adelaide United is delighted to announce Michael Marrone has signed a one-year contract extension with the Club. Marrone, who now ranks second on the Reds’ all-time appearances list, will remain in Adelaide until the end of the Hyundai A-League 2020/21 season. The defender has been one of the Club’s most consistent performers over the last few years, demonstrating his versatility either as a rightback or centre-back. Marrone has amassed 183 games, scoring four goals across two separate spells with the Reds while experiencing huge success. The 32-year-old has won the FFA Cup on three occasions and was part of the side that clinched a historic Hyundai A-League

Premiership and Championship double in the 2015/16 campaign.

Marrone’s experience and the professionalism he brings to the team.

Speaking on re-signing with his hometown team, Marrone said: “I couldn’t be happier to be extending my time with Adelaide United.

“We’re very happy to have Michael on board for a further season,” Djite explained. “Michael is the ultimate professional and is a valuable asset to the team and the Club and provides additional experience to the squad.

“I’ve been at the Club for many years now and it’s still a privilege to represent my home town team. “Obviously we’re going through a bit of a tough spell at the moment but the Club is moving in the right direction and it’s exciting to be part of.” Director of Football, Bruce Djite, hailed

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“His ability to fill a number of defensive roles, particularly featuring as a centre-back of late, just highlights his undeniable adaptability and quality. “Michael’s ability to remain fit and always step into the team whenever he’s called upon is a fantastic attribute.”

WESTFIELD W-LEAGUE 2019/20 ROUND 10 PREVIEW I WAS QUITE HAPPY TO SCORE THE GOAL. IT MAKES ME VERY HUNGRY AND WANTING TO SCORE A FEW MORE THIS WEEK AND THROUGHOUT THE SEASON.

Chelsie Dawber believes Adelaide United Women are well rested heading into their Original Rivalry clash against Melbourne Victory Women on Saturday night.

“So we’ll continue to go into this week’s game not expecting to win but wanting to win and putting up a good fight and hopefully we’ll get the result.”

The Reds’ away clash against Newcastle Jets Women was postponed last weekend due to the heat and compounded by hazardous air quality from nearby bushfires.

Victory, who are sitting in fifth place, have found form of late, winning their previous two matches. Dawber anticipated another tough game against their rivals, based on past encounters.

However, Dawber felt that the break was largely beneficial rather than serve as a disadvantage.

“It’s always a tough game against Victory in the last few years that I’ve been with the Club,” she said.

“I feel like that having that extra week off has given us longer to prepare for this game,” the attacker explained.

“They’ve some good quality players, but I don’t think that will change anything and how we approach the game.

“We’ve been able to sort out a few problems that we’ve had in the last few weeks. “But I think in the long term it has been more beneficial and we have been able to get some extra minutes in some legs that need it and have some rest with the people that need that extra time as well.”

“We’ll go out there wanting to do our best and wanting to win.” Dawber bagged her maiden Westfield W-League goal two weeks ago with a clinically taken finish against Perth Glory.

Despite United occupying last spot on the table, the 20-year-old said they have been more than competitive and believe there is still a lot to play for.

She admitted her delighted in notching her first goal and hoped to find the back of the net with regularity in the coming weeks.

“I think as a team we all still have self-belief that we can win games and that we’re good enough to be in the top four,” she said.

“It was very exciting,” she continued. “I was quite happy to score the goal. It makes me very hungry and wanting to score a few more this week and throughout the season.”

“Whether that happens at the end of the season we won’t know, but we’ve matched every team each week.

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PRE-MATCH STATS 15 WINS

LOUIS D'ARRIGO 8Passi 0 %ng accuracy

10 DRAWS 57

GOALS

25 WINS 80 GOALS

L A ST F I V E M E ET IN G S : 3-1 WIN (H) 1-0 WIN (H) 2-0 WIN (H) 2-0 LOSS (A) 2-1 LOSS (A)

2I nter 1 ceptio ns 2Cl 2earances 6Tackl 7 %e s u ccess rate

ROBBIE KRUSE 7Passi 5 %ng accuracy: 2G oal s 2Assi s ts 2Foul8 s wo n

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#USEYOURHEAD

M AT C H D AY P R O G R A M M E - R O U N D 15

MATCHDAY INFO The Reds took part one of the Original Rivalry 3-1 in November, and part two promises to be another spicy affair in Round 15 of the Hyundai A-league at Coopers Stadium this Friday night. activities •

• •

•

Arrive early and check out the Fan Village behind the Aurelio Vidmar (Southern) Stand! A DJ will be spinning the tunes inside the Manton Street precinct. During Round 14 and Round 15 of the Hyundai A-League and Round 9 and Round 10 of the Westfield W-League, the Leagues will be partnering with Rural Aid to rally the football community together to provide bushfire and drought assistance to farmers, firefighters, families and their communities affected. Please look for the attendants in the Rural Aid caps and show your support. Ray White North Adelaide will also be collecting donations for Foodbank SA Bushfire Relief at their marquee inside Family Park. For revery $1 donated, Ray White can purchase $5-6 of food thanks

family park •

•

Colouring in competition presented by Rachel Lawrie Ray White • Bounce Inc obstacle course • McDonald's golden arches target challenge • AUFC inflatable dart ball and inflatable goal • Games2U video game van

to their extensive buying network. T-Reds: The Race That Stops A Stadium will be taking place once again post warm-up for all your people racing in inflatable T-Rex costume needs! McDonald's will host the Macca's Run competition at half-time where competitors race to deliver Maccas meals around a course to try and take home $1000!

merchandise All official Adelaide United merchandise will be available for purchase at the Holden Street entrance near Gate 5 as well as the AUFC Store located next tot he 1862 Bar under the Western Grandstand near the Corporate Entrance / Gate 3. A third merchandise stand will be located inside the Manton Street entrance. Don’t forget, all Reds members are entitled to 10% off all purchases. The AUFC Store on Manton Street will be open until kick-off.

food trucks • • • • •

Squid Inc Chimichurri Grill Orexi Signor Arrosticini Daisy Burger

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01.02.20

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AUFC ESPORTS’ NEW LOOK LINE UP FOR E-LEAGUE 2020

The E-League is back for 2020 with a new format and new venues while AUFC Esports has a new look with the additions of Daniel 'D-Ry10' Ryan (PS4) and Joel 'JAz' Andruszkiewicz (Xbox). Both D-Ry and JAz are two of South Australia’s highest ranked FIFA competitors and join AUFC Esports with previous E-League experience. D-Ry was a substitute for Wellington Phoenix in 2019 winning both matchups in his single appearance while JAz represented Western Sydney Wanderers throughout the season. JAz also brings international experience competing against the best players in the world at global FIFA events in the UK, United States and Singapore. “Having the opportunity to represent Adelaide United in the E-League this upcoming season is an honour and something I'm really excited about,” he said. “Being a long-time fan of the club as well as being born and raised in Adelaide makes me really passionate about bringing success to the club and I believe myself and D-Ry can bring that success this season.”

For D-Ry it is a chance to prove himself against Australia and New Zealand’s best as he aims to climb the FIFA rankings and shake up the E-League competition. “I'm extremely excited to be able to represent my hometown club, Adelaide United, in the upcoming season of the E-League,” said D-Ry. “I've supported United my whole life and it’s an honour to be able to represent the Club on the national stage. “Last season I made my competitive FIFA debut in the E-League as the sub for Wellington Phoenix. I played one game and won both legs within the tie. This year I'm grateful for the opportunity that Adelaide United has given me, and I look forward to mixing with the best players in Australia and New Zealand.” Under the revamped format the E-League 2020 Season will be played over 11 rounds split over two Saturdays (15 February and 7 March) at the

M AT C H D AY P R O G R A M M E - R O U N D 15

ESL Studios in Sydney (www.eslgaming.com). The E-league 2020 Finals Series will be held on Saturday, 9 May 2020 at the newly developed Fortress Melbourne, the largest gaming and esports venue in the Southern Hemisphere (www. fortressmelbourne.com). EA Sports have also confirmed that the E-League is now a League Qualifying Tournament II of the EA SPORTS FIFA 20 Global Series, which provides a pathway for competitors to compete at the FIFA eWorld Cup. As a result, the E-League 2020 Champion will receive 450 Global Series Points, an increase of 250 points from last season. All matches throughout the E-League 2020 Season and E-League 2020 Finals Series will once again be streamed on twitch (www.twitch.tv).

YOUNG REDS LEARN FATE AS 2020 NPL SA FIXTURES RELEASED Adelaide United Youth will kick-off the 2020 NPL SA season against Raiders after the fixtures were released by Football SA earlier today. The Young Reds will host the Gepps Crossbased club at the VALO Football Football â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Parks in Round 1 on Saturday, 22 February. Round 2 pits United Youth away to Croydon, before hosting newly-promoted Modbury Jets followed by an away clash with Adelaide Olympic. Round 6 sees Paul Pezosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; side travel to Adelaide City Park to face the Black and Whites which is succeeded by games against MetroStars and Adelaide Comets respectively. Adelaide will have to wait until Round 11 to tackle reigning champions, Campbelltown City, at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre on Saturday, 23 May. They will also close the regular season against the Red Devils in the corresponding fixture in mid-August. For the full fixture list click here.

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M AT C H D AY P R O G R A M M E - R O U N D 15

Matchday Programme: Adelaide United vs Melbourne Victory - Hyundai A-League 2019/20 Round 15

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ROUND 15 PREVIEW