The Melbourne Victory’s first pre-season match against Green Gully ended in a 3-1 loss last night. It was a forgettable match for Michael Thwaite and Ney Fabiano, both of whom were making their debút for the Victory.
Matthew Kemp scored Melbourne’s only goal from a penalty. But it was Green Gully, currently placed second in the Foxtel Cup, who made the biggest impression. Kristijan Ivesi, John Adam and Ryan Ollerton scored for Green Gully.
Melbourne had two players red-carded, the VIS’ Fabio Dilizia and Evan Berger, who picked up two yellows. Green Gully’s Emanuel Muscat also received a red card.
Melbourne was missing a host of players, including Archie Thompson, Carlos Hernández, Rodrigo Vargas, Nick Ward, Sebastian Ryall and Billy Celeski. It started the game with Danny Allsopp, Ney Fabiano, Tom Pondeljak, Leigh Broxham, Evan Berger, Michael Thwaite, Kevin Muscat, Steven Pace, Matthew Kemp, Michael Theoklitos and Steve Pantelidis. The bench consisted of a slew of VIS youngsters.
Aaron Healy was coach in Ernie Merrick’s absence.
The Victory have one more friendly before they play Adelaide United in Launceston on July 20 for the Pre-Season Cup. They play the Whittlesea Zebras on July 15 at Epping Soccer Stadium.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Sly // Jul 9, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Pretty uninspiring performance all round and a dull game only enlivened by the half time flare display!!!. Very few chances created, misplaced passes, no imagination or attacking threat and hopeful long balls to no0ne in particular. Shades of the ACL again except against VPL opposition. Pretty embarasing all round.
With a large number of players missing and Pace and Panta in midfield for much of the game creativety was always going to be at a premium. Add that to the number of very young VIS kids and the fact that they wouldn’t have much experience playing with each other and expectations should be lower. But still barely one shot on goal all game against VPL opposition is pretty woeful.
There were a few positives. Thwaites put in a good performance playing left back, right back and in central defence at various times during the game and looked composed and capable of dealing with any threat. His turn and shot in the box was about the only highlight of the game.
Pondeljak put in some deft touches and was one of the few players who looked capable of controlling the ball and completing a pass. Ney Fabiano was solid enough without exactly dazzling but his touch let him down too many times although that wasn’t helped by the state of the pitch. And some of the VIS youngesters showed their potential when they came on.
Oh yeah and the ref seemed to be on crack. 2 pens and 3 sendings off in what could hardly be discribed as a rough match. Insane
Things can only get better…….
2 CP // Jul 10, 2008 at 5:18 pm
it is going to be a long year
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