R3 Preview: MetroStars v Campbelltown City
MetroStars v Campbelltown City
South Australia PlayStation4 National Premier League Round 3
When: Saturday, February 28th. Kick-off 3pm
Where: TK Shutter Reserve, Fourth Avenue, KLEMZIG
Form:
MetroStars: L W
Round 1: Croydon 2-1 MetroStars, Adelaide Shores Football Centre
Round 2: MetroStars 1-0 Adelaide Comets, TK Shutter Reserve
Campbelltown City: D W
Round 1: Campbelltown City 0-0 West Adelaide, Steve Woodcock Sports Centre
Round 2: Para Hills 2-5 Campbelltown City, The Paddocks
Preview:
Rivals MetroStars and Campbelltown City will be aiming to build on successes last weekend when they clash in Round 3 of the South Australia PlayStation4 National Premier League at TK Shutter Reserve on Saturday.
MetroStars were defeated in the season opener by Croydon, but responded on Monday with a 1-0 win against Adelaide Comets. Matthew Deegan’s goal was enough to secure the points for Michael Pirone’s side.
Michael D’Aloisio said it was a good result against a side which troubled MetroStars last season.
"We took 20 minutes to find our feet, but once we got going we were comfortable in possession,” the defender noted.
“It was the win we needed to get the ball rolling. We struggled last season against Comets, so it was a great win.
“We are getting better as we get more game-time under our belt. The difference between this and the first game is that we were a lot more assured defensively and switched on for the full 90 minutes, with no lapses.”
MetroStars, seventh after two matches, were on the losing side of last season’s home fixture with the Red Devils.
D’Aloisio is expecting a typically tight affair and says the 2012 champions can only get better as the season progresses.
“So far the season has been good. We are running games well, but there is always room for improvement.
“Campbelltown will be extremely tough. They had a great win last week scoring plenty and it’s important we stay compact and switched on defensively.
“It will be a game of few chances, so whoever can take theirs will win.”
Campbelltown are unbeaten, following a goalless draw against West Adelaide with a second half blitz to down Para Hills 5-2 on Monday.
Vas Parhas claims there is a good feeling amongst the group.
“I was very happy with the second half performance. We scored freely and we are starting to gel in an attacking sense,” he said.
“The West Adelaide game was tense, both were set up similar and negated each other. In the second game we had more width and space. It helps to play more games together and do so with an unchanged line-up.
“It’s too early to judge how we are going, but I will say we have been more solid. We are pleased with our start, but there’s a lot to do to keep the momentum going.”
The 2013 champions disappointed in their title defence last season and missed the finals series.
Parhas says the goal is to be back amongst the top six, but they must be wary of a MetroStars side the midfielder believes has improved.
“Finals is our goal. It’s a long season and you have to earn your stripes, but that’s the aim. We have a lot more attacking options compared to last year and are playing with more flair.
“MetroStars are one of the sides to have strengthened and are always tough to play.
“Their players have good movement and understanding, having played together for so long. We have to match that.”
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