The Melbourne Victory’s first pre-season match against Green Gully ended in a 3-1 loss last night. It was a forgettable match for Michael Thwaite and Ney Fabiano, both of whom were making their debút for the Victory.
Matthew Kemp scored Melbourne’s only goal from a penalty. But it was Green Gully, currently placed second in the Foxtel Cup, who made the biggest impression. Kristijan Ivesi, John Adam and Ryan Ollerton scored for Green Gully.
Melbourne had two players red-carded, the VIS’ Fabio Dilizia and Evan Berger, who picked up two yellows. Green Gully’s Emanuel Muscat also received a red card.
Melbourne was missing a host of players, including Archie Thompson, Carlos Hernández, Rodrigo Vargas, Nick Ward, Sebastian Ryall and Billy Celeski. It started the game with Danny Allsopp, Ney Fabiano, Tom Pondeljak, Leigh Broxham, Evan Berger, Michael Thwaite, Kevin Muscat, Steven Pace, Matthew Kemp, Michael Theoklitos and Steve Pantelidis. The bench consisted of a slew of VIS youngsters.
Aaron Healy was coach in Ernie Merrick’s absence.
The Victory have one more friendly before they play Adelaide United in Launceston on July 20 for the Pre-Season Cup. They play the Whittlesea Zebras on July 15 at Epping Soccer Stadium.
