Melbourne Victory proved too strong in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Heidelberg United.
It was another dominant performance from Melbourne Victory after defeating Heidelberg United 3-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly, at the request of United, on Thursday 7 September.
Summary
Head Coach Tony Popovic gave Zinedine Machach his first start of the pre-season alongside new recruit Fabian Monge.
It was a fast start to the match for Victory as they controlled possession, giving Heidelberg little chance to create.
Heidelberg struggled to control Arzani as he continued to dominate the left side of the pitch, constantly weaving around defenders.
Bruno Fornaroli found the back of the net in the 13th minute after a cross from Arzani found the head of Eli Adams in the box, whose shot forced the Heidelberg keeper to spoil and find Bruno.
Machach showed his quality early, controlling the midfield, constantly linking with Fornaroli, Arzani and Adams.
Victory’s next best chance of the first half came at the 27-minute mark after Arzani weaved his way into the box to find Bruno who ultimately couldn’t keep the ball down.
Arzani was in the action once again, forcing the Heidelberg keeper to make a diving save after Adama Traore’s cross found him in the box.
Arzani rattled the woodwork only four minutes later from a free-kick just outside the box.
A back four of Geria, Da Silva, Chapman and Traore held strong, giving Heidelberg little to no opportunity to create any chances.
A new XI took the pitch for the second half with a heavy mix of youth.
The second half saw Victory start just as fast as the first with Heidelberg struggling to find any possession.
Menelaou doubled Victory’s lead in the 59th minute after Emile Peios found the big defender from a corner.
Academy player Owen McCluskey got in on the action, rattling the net in the 70th minute after a brilliant run and cross from Kasey Bos down the left found the young Academy player in behind the Heidelberg defence.
Victory was awarded a penalty in the 74th minute after Bos was brought down inside the box, however, Duratovic was unable to convert.
New signing Christian Siciliano stood up tall in the 81st minute when he was forced to save a powerful shot from a Heidelberg winger, sending the ball over the crossbar for a corner.
It was another dominant showing from Victory which brings about another win and clean sheet from every friendly so far this pre-season.
