City Insider - City v Adelaide - Saturday 9 February

CITY INSIDER

ROUND 18

v ADELAIDE UNITED

SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY, 7.50PM

CITY INSIDER SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY

MELBOURNE CITY v ADELAIDE UNITED

CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE WE'RE BACK HOME AFTER A BUSY JANUARY SCHEDULE AND AS A TEAM, WE'RE LOOKING TO TAKE MAXIMUM POINTS AS WE TAKE ON A FELLOW FINALS CONTENDER IN ADELAIDE.

Since our 4-3 come-from-behind victory over the Wanderers here at AAMI Park, we’ve suffered two disappointing losses away to Wellington and Sydney FC. Against the ‘Nix we had seven more shots than our opposition and against the Sky Blues, both teams registered four shots on target, yet we walked away with no points but we'll look to make amends against the Reds tonight.

After a strong week on the track, we’ve put in the hard work that's needed to bounce back in front of our home fans. We’re looking to regroup and push towards the final 10 rounds of the season, as we look to gather some much-needed momentum.

Our squad has been bolstered by the inclusions of attacking duo Jamie Maclaren and Shayon Harrison. The boys may have only been here for a week, but their commitment to the team and their willingness to contribute towards our drive for success is evident. I’m really excited, as are all of the boys, by what they will bring to the squad.

Tonight’s match is crucial, there’s no question about that. Our loss on the weekend saw Adelaide United leapfrog us on the league ladder, making tonight’s match a must-win six-pointer. The equation is simple, three points and we jump straight back into the top four.

We look forward to your support as the 12th man tonight and hope you welcome Jamie and Shayon with open arms to the City Family.

Scott Jamieson Melbourne City FC captain

GAME AHEAD OF THE

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF MELBOURNE CITY FC

OFFICIAL PARTNER

MELBOURNE CITY v ADELAIDE UNITED

CITY INSIDER SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY

CITY FACE FINALS CONTENDER

MELBOURNE CITY FC WILL BE LOOKING TO LEAP BACK INTO FOURTH SPOT IN A MASSIVE SIX POINTER AGAINST ADELAIDE UNITED TONIGHT AT AAMI PARK. Head Coach Warren Joyce’s side recorded back-to-back losses for the first time this season, going down 2-0 to Sydney FC at Jubilee Stadium last Sunday evening.

Sydney FC youngster Luke Ivanovic opened the scoring for the hosts inside the opening 10 minutes with a composed finish, after Milos Ninkovic made the most of a City turnover to find the youngster.City had the chance to draw level in the second half as Bart Schenkeveld was fouled inside the area, seeing Riley McGree step up to the penalty spot with 11 minutes of regulation time remaining, but his effort was saved by Sydney shot-stopper Andrew Redmayne.

The Sydney-siders then put the game beyond doubt, finding their second through Adam Le Fondre in what was City’s first string of consecutive losses this season.

City will look to return to the winner’s list against the Reds who played out a match of two halves last week.

Their rousing 4-3 win over Brisbane last week moved the Reds into fourth - jumping City on the table - in one of the matches of the season.

The Reds entered the break 3-1 down and a man less after Ken Ilso was sent off after eight

ONE TO WATCH

LAST A-LEAGUE RESULT

OPPOSITION FOCUS

CRAIG GOODWIN Since returning to Australia at the beginning of the season, Adelaide attacker Craig Goodwin has continued to showcase his attacking prowess. One of the most dangerous attackers in the competition, the 27-year-old has scored eight goals and registered five assists this season. Goodwin has created the second most chances in the competition, creating 55 opportunities from his 17 appearances. The attacker spurred his side to an impressive come-from-behind win last weekend, and will be looking to have the same influence on the result when he faces City at AAMI Park.

25

SHOTS ON TARGET

89

ADELAIDE UNITED

4

BRISBANE ROAR

3

A-League 2018/19 – Round 17 Saturday 2 February, 2019 Coopers Stadium LAST TIME WE MET

KEY STATS - ADELAIDE UNITED A-LEAGUE SEASON 2018/19 GOALS SCORED

minutes with things looking dire for the hosts.

Two red cards in the opening 18 minutes of the second period to Brisbane saw the game open up completely as the hosts overran Brisbane, finding their winner in the 97th minute.

City face a familiar foe in the Reds with both sides having a number of players who have represented both clubs.

In what is normally a fiery encounter, City will look to regain traction in their pursuit of the top two against a fellow finals contender.

GOALS AGAINST

20

ADELAIDE UNITED

0

MELBOURNE CITY

2

A-League 2018/19 – Round 8 Sunday 16 December, 2018 Coopers Stadium

MELBOURNE CITY v ADELAIDE UNITED

CITY INSIDER SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY

HEADS HELD HIGH

AS CITY MISS FINALS GOAL DIFFERENCE HAS SEEN MELBOURNE CITY FC MISS OUT ON THE 2018/19 WESTFIELD W-LEAGUE FINALS SERIES AS THE SIDE SEARCHED FOR ITS HISTORIC FOURTH CHAMPIONSHIP.

City missed out on a top-four spot for the first time in the Club’s history following an interrupted season that saw a range of top quality players miss out on games through injury and international duty.

Despite the disappointment of missing finals, City closed out the season a high, defeating title challengers and last season’s grand finalists Sydney FC in Wollongong.

In search of a five goal margin to secure a finals place, City came out of the blocks firing in difficult conditions. After a hot day in Wollongong, the weather turned for the worst on kick-off, with high winds and rain striking the stadium. Despite the conditions, City produced a scintillating display of attacking football as the hosts struggled to gain any form of possession.

As has been the story for most of the season, City dominated proceedings but failed to capitalise on their chances in front of goal. Desperate to find five

goals, Yukari Kinga missed a golden opportunity inside the opening quarter of an hour, after she put her penalty kick wide.

Head Coach Rado Vidosic’s side continued to press, with a flurry of chances falling to Tameka Butt and Jasmyne Spencer. Dominance would eventually prevail in the 67th minute, as Helen Caceres registered her first goal in City Blue after she turned in Kinga’s shot from close range, beating Alanna Kennedy at the near post. City continued to press and Butt would make it 2-0 with four minutes of regulation time remaining. The Matildas attacker latched onto Theresa Nielsen’s brilliant run with a composed finish from close range.

Despite registering 24 more shots than their opposition and maintaining 69.5 per cent possession, City’s inability to make the most of their chances in their clash with Sydney ultimately summarised their season.

KEY STATS - MELBOURNE CITY W-LEAGUE SEASON 2018/19

MATCHES PLAYED

12

GOALS SCORED

20

SHOTS ON TARGET

67

GOALS AGAINST

15

A4 POSTER 1/2

A4 POSTER 2/2

CITY INSIDER SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY

MELBOURNE CITY v ADELAIDE UNITED

RETURN OF THE MAC NEW SIGNING JAMIE MACLAREN IS ITCHING TO MAKE HIS MELBOURNE CITY DEBUT AND THE MELBOURNE-BORN ATTACKER WILL GET THE CHANCE TO DO IT IN FRONT OF HIS FRIENDS AND FAMILY TONIGHT. Maclaren put pen to paper on a deal that will see him remain in Melbourne until 2023, joining from German side, SV Darmstadt 98.

The 25-year-old will don the number 29 jersey for City, a number that resonates to the footballer’s life in Melbourne.

“Melbourne is the place where I grew up and I haven’t been back in 11 years. For me, it’s a nice homecoming and I couldn’t think of a better club to join,” Maclaren said.

“I was born on the 29 July, I’m a twin so my brother has the same birthday, my mum’s father was also born on the 29th, and without him I wouldn’t have been born in Melbourne so it’s a nice little touch for him and also where I’m from, Sunbury, the postcode is 3429 so the number 29 just seems to be my Melbourne number and I’ll continue with that.

“I’ve spent 11 years away from family and sometimes that does take a toll and you want to be around close people and have a good support network, I’ve got a great family around me, a great fiancée, and we will enjoy our time in Melbourne – it’s great to be back.”

Maclaren highlighted the Club’s ambitions to succeed in the league as a key reason behind his decision to join the club, as he looks to lead the line in attack.

“Melbourne City is such an ambitious club, they want to

win silverware and I haven’t won any in the A-League yet so that’s my ambition and hopefully we can succeed in that together,” he said.

“As a striker you have to bring goals. I like to think they [the City fans] have seen me over the years, seen what I can bring – I’ll look to bring goals to this club but I’m also looking to be a leader in this group, showing the attacking boys how to lead from the front, press from the front and I’d like to bring that to my game.

“I’m always confident that I’m going to bring goals to this club, like I said, my ambitions are to bring silverware and I’m sure City share the same ambitions that I do and if we can all come together and win championships and win silverware together, it would be great.”

Despite enjoying stints in Germany and Scotland, with SV Darmstadt 98 and Hibernian respectively, Maclaren can’t wait to play in front of his home fans week-in and week-out for the first time in his career.

“Even when I was younger I left home at a young age and you’re still away from family, you’re learning about different cultures and football styles and I learnt a lot, but ultimately I’ve always loved the A-League and I’m thankful to be back and ready to score goals here again,” he said. “I can’t wait to play in front of my home family and my home fans, it’s something I’ve always dreamed of since I left home at 11 years of age.”

KEY STATS - JAMIE MACLAREN A-LEAGUE SEASON 2016/17

MATCHES PLAYED

28

GOALS

20

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2018/19

A-LEAGUE FIXTURES Round 1 Melbourne Victory 1 Melbourne City 2

Round 2 CC Mariners 1 Melbourne City 1

Round 3 Melbourne City 0 Sydney FC 3

Round 4 Melbourne City 2 Wellington Phoenix 0

Round 5 Brisbane Roar 2 Melbourne City 0

Round 6 Melbourne City 3 Newcastle Jets 0

Round 7 Perth Glory 1 Melbourne City 0

Round 8 Adelaide United 0 Melbourne City 2

Round 9 Melbourne City 1 Melbourne Victory 1

Round 10 Western Sydney 0 Melbourne City 2

Round 11 Melbourne City 2 Newcastle Jets 1

Round 12 Melbourne City 1 Brisbane Roar 0

Round 13 Central Coast 2 Melbourne City 1

Round 14 Melbourne City 0 Perth Glory 0

Round 15 Melbourne City 4 Western Sydney 3

Round 16 Wellington Phoenix 1 Melbourne City 0

Round 17 Sydney FC 2 Melbourne City 0

Round 18 Sat 9 Feb, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 19 Fri 15 Feb, 7.50pm McDonald Jones

Round 20 Sat 23 Feb, 7.50pm Marvel Stadium

Round 21 Sun 3 Mar, 5.00pm AAMI Park

Round 22 Sun 17 Mar, 7.00pm Brookvale Oval

Round 23 Sat 30 Mar, 7.50pm ANZ Stadium

Round 24 Friday 5 Apr, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 25 Sat 13 Apr, 5.35pm AAMI Park

Round 26 Sun 21 Apr, 5.00pm Westpac Stadium

Round 27 Fri 26 Apr, 7.50pm AAMI Park

All times are AEST. Fixtures subject to change.

CITY INSIDER SATURDAY 7 FEBRAURY

MELBOURNE CITY v ADELAIDE UNITED

Y-LEAGUE FINISH SEASON ON A HIGH MELBOURNE CITY FC CLOSED OUT ITS FOXTEL Y-LEAGUE SEASON WITH A 2-1 WIN OVER ADELAIDE UNITED AT MARDEN SPORTS COMPLEX, FINISHING SECOND IN CONFERENCE A.

Head Coach Joe Palatsides’ side went agonisingly close to booking a spot in the Grand Final, but were leapfrogged by eventual winners Brisbane Roar.

City went down 1-0 in the third minute of play as Apostolos Stamatelopoulos found the back of the net.

Despite trailing in the early stages, City showed great determination to get back into the match, equalising in the 17th minute as Dario Vidosic found the back of the net in his comeback from injury. With City needing to win to keep their grand final hopes alive, Dylan Pierias was the hero, finding the back of the net with five minutes to play.

Despite City’s efforts, Brisbane Roar defeated Melbourne Victory to earn their place in the 2018/19 Foxtel Y-League Grand Final.

Although City will be disappointed with their finish in the league, this season saw the emergence of several young stars. A stellar Y-League season saw 18-yearold attacker Moudi Najjar make his senior debut, while Dylan Pierias and Ramy Najjarine have also earned their place in the senior squad.

City’s attention now turns to the National Premier Leagues when they take on Langwarrin at Lawton Park Reserve on Saturday 16 February.

2018/19 Y-LEAGUE FIXTURES Round 2 Brisbane Roar 2 Melbourne City 0

Round 3 Perth Glory 0 Melbourne City 3

Round 4 Melbourne City 4 Melbourne Victory 1

Round 6 Melbourne City 1 Brisbane Roar 3

Round 7 Melbourne City 3 Brisbane Roar 2

Round 8 Melbourne Victory 2 Melbourne City 3

Round 9 Melbourne City 3 Perth Glory 3

Round 10 Adelaide United 1 Melbourne City 2

CITY INSIDER SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY

MATCH SQUADS

MELBOURNE CITY v ADELAIDE UNITED

MELBOURNE CITY FC

ADELAIDE UNITED

HEAD COACH: WARREN JOYCE

HEAD COACH: MARCO KURZ

1 18 42

MARK BIRIGHITTI EUGENE GALEKOVIC JAMES DELIANOV

1 20 30

DANIEL MARGUSH PAUL IZZO ISAAC RICHARDS

2 3 4 5 13 22 25 36

RITCHIE DE LAET SCOTT JAMIESON HARRISON DELBRIDGE BART SCHENKEVELD NATHANIEL ATKINSON CURTIS GOOD IACOPO LA ROCCA DYLAN PIERIAS

2 3 22 23

MICHAEL MARRONE SCOTT GALLOWAY MICHAEL JAKOBSEN JORDAN ELSEY

7 8 10 15 21 26 34 38

ROSTYN GRIFFITHS RILEY MCGREE DARIO VIDOSIC KEARYN BACCUS RAMY NAJJARINE LUKE BRATTAN CONNOR METCALFE JOSH CAVALLO

4 6 7 8 16 18 26 27 31

RYAN STRAIN VINCE LIA RYAN KITTO ISAIAS NATHAN KONSTANDOPOULOS LACHLAN BROOK BEN HALLORAN LOUIS D'ARRIGO MIRKO BOLAND

9 19 23 27 29 30 37

SHAYON HARRISON LACHLAN WALES BRUNO FORNAROLI FLORIN BERENGUER JAMIE MACLAREN MOUDI NAJJAR GIANLUCA IANNUCCI

9 10 11 14 17 19 32 33

PAPA DIAWARA KEN ILSO CRAIG GOODWIN GEORGE BLACKWOOD NIKOLA MILEUSNIC JORDY THOMASSEN CARLO ARMIENTO APOSTOLOS STAMATELOPOULOS

ROUND 19 FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY KICK-OFF 7.50PM MCDONALD JONES

FOLLOW US

MELBOURNE CITY FC

ROUND 20 SATURDAY 23 FEBRUARY KICK-OFF 7.50PM MARVEL STADIUM

@MELBOURNECITY

ROUND 21 SUNDAY 3 MARCH KICK-OFF 5.00PM AAMI PARK

@MELBOURNECITY