R7 Preview: MetroStars v South Adelaide
MetroStars v South Adelaide
PlayStation 4 National Premier League South Australia Round 7
When: Saturday, April 16th. Kick-off 3pm
Where: TK Shutter Reserve, Fourth Avenue, KLEMZIG
Form:
MetroStars: L W L
Round 5: MetroStars 1-5 Adelaide Blue Eagles, TK Shutter Reserve
FFA Cup Qualifying Round 1: Raiders 0-1 MetroStars, Croatian Sports Centre
Round 6: West Torrens Birkalla 2-0 MetroStars, Jack Smith Park
South Adelaide: W L L
Round 5: South Adelaide 2-0 West Torrens Birkalla, O’Sullivan Beach Sports Complex
FFA Cup Qualifying Round 1: Adelaide Comets 8-2 South Adelaide, SA Athletics Stadium
Round 6: Adelaide Olympic 4-3 South Adelaide, Elite Systems Football Centre
Preview:
Both MetroStars and South Adelaide are in need of maximum points when they meet in Round 7 of the PlayStation 4 National Premier League South Australia at TK Shutter Reserve on Saturday.
MetroStars have gone four matches without a win, following a 2-0 loss at West Torrens Birkalla last weekend. It leaves them in 10th and just a point above the bottom of the table.
Coach Michael Pirone accepts there is pressure on the team.
“It was a disappointing result. They had more possession without creating too much in the first half, but we didn’t take our chances,” he said.
“Individual mistakes then put paid to the game. The concentration was lacking.
“I am concerned, it is not an ideal start to the season. There’s no hiding from the numbers. There is a bit of pressure, but I will continue to back my players.”
MetroStars have struggled at both ends. The rock-solid defence of seasons past has fallen by the wayside, while they have scored just seven times in the opening six matches.
Pirone says that needs to change against the Panthers.
“Defending starts from the front. We have allowed teams too much space in midfield. But pressure also becomes less if you put goals away.
“Right now we are missing a high level of concentration. It starts at training and we are working on that, replicating pressurised match situations.
“We aren’t expecting South to give us much time on the ball. They are well coached and will press us. We need to alleviate that pressure, use possession smartly and be decisive in the final third.”
South Adelaide looked set for a victory when leading by two goals after half-time against Adelaide Olympic, but conceded three times in six minutes to lose 4-3.
Captain Chris Reed said the Panthers expected to win from that position.
“It’s a disappointing result. We scored early in the second half to go 3-1 up and you expect to win,” he said.
“Whatever the reason, we couldn’t hold out. Momentum is big and when they got one we couldn’t live with it.
“We aren’t worried as we are still within touching distance of the top six. Even with some big losses we have been competitive for periods of all games.
“I don’t think we are missing too much. With a fit first 11 we have a competitive side.”
The Panthers have kept just one clean sheet this season and conceded a massive 18 goals in their last four matches in all competitions.
Reed says they need to remain focused to stop leaking goals, but thinks this could be a good time to meet MetroStars.
“We have been working on our defensive structure. Once we cop one we tend to let a few more in soon after. We need to stay focused after we concede.
“The pressure is right on them. They are in unfamiliar territory and we aren’t expected to win.
“We beat them there last season and it’s probably a good time to grab them.”
Written by Luca Cetta - @l_cetta
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