Melbourne Victory’s pre-season match with Caroline Springs George Cross has ended in a draw at Deka Park City.
In the first local match up since the end of the A-Leagues season, Victory went into the match without Reno Piscopo, Franco Lino and Santos, but gained Lachlan Jackson in the line up.
The boys in blue went into the match fresh off their international friendly hosting Welsh side Wrexham AFC just four days prior. The second hit out of pre-season, Arthur Diles side were looking for a solid performance.
Victory were on the back foot from early in the match after an goal from George Cross’ Josh Whiteley in the sixth minute to put the home side ahead 1-0.
It was a tight contest at both ends of the pitch, with great saves from Victory keeper Jack Duncan, but former teammate and now George Cross keeper Christian Sicliano kept the opposition ahead well into the first half.
However after a heated exchange between Siciliano and Nikos Vergos that resulted in Vergos receiving a yellow card, a stunning pass from the Greek National found newly signed Keegan Jelacic in front of goal, who found the back of the net to score the equaliser for Victory going into the break.
Diles made a number of changes early in the second half, with Toby Obani and Josh Inserra replacing Adama Traore and Lachlan Jackson before nine further substitutions were made in the 60th minute, with a large mix of Academy players taking to the pitch.
Victory were back on the attack early, but were unable to convert to take the lead, while Daniel Graskoski was excellent in goal to keep the score level at the final whistle.
With a day of recovery before the team is back on the park in training, Diles said he was overall it was an important match for the squad.
“The performance was patchy overall. We had some good moments, but it was important just to keep building rhythm and cohesion with the group, and making sure we came away unscathed from a physical point of view with no injuries,” Diles said.
“It was another good opportunity for our young players, our Academy players, to have exposure and experience with senior football.”
“Our priority now is to get a good block of training in before our Australia Cup match in Perth. We are grateful to Caroline Springs George Cross for a great match tonight and for hosting us at their home ground.” Diles said.
Melbourne Victory will be back in action in June 29 when they travel to Perth to take on Olympic Kingsway in the Round of 32 match of the Hahn Australia Cup.
Match Summary
Caroline Springs George Cross vs Melbourne Victory
Caroline Springs George Cross 1 (Whiteley 6′)
Melbourne Victory 1 (Jelacic 40′)
Starting XI: 25. Jack DUNCAN (GK), 3. Adama Traore, 4. Lachlan JACKSON, 8. Zinedine MACHACH, 9. Nikos VERGOS, 14. Jordi VALADON, 19. Jing REEC, 21. Roderick MIRANDA (C), 22. Josh RAWLINS, 23. Keegan JELACIC, 27. Louis D’ARRIGO.
Substitutes: 30. Daniel GRASKOSKI (GK) (60’), 16. Joshua INSERRA (45’), 31. Daniel LAZAREVSKI (60’), 33. Jack MIHAILIDIS (60’), 34. John RADIMISIS (60’), 35. Damien BOZINOVSKI (60’), 37, Toby OBANI (45’), 38. Patrick WALL (60’), 43. Alex LEE (60’), 45. Noah TANFARA (60’), 50. Kasper FONSBOEL (60’)
