Adelaide Croatia Raiders Welcome Adelaide United as Reds Continue Pre-Season
Adelaide United’s next pre-season game was against Adelaide Croatia Raiders at the Raiders’ home ground in Adelaide’s northern suburb of Gepps Cross.
The state-of-the-art complex has been the Raiders’ home ground since 2000. It features multiple training grounds, a bar and kitchen, undercover seats for patrons, and ample parking.
After being relegated to State League 1 in 2021, the club were promoted to the NPL for the 2024 season. They would finish ninth, ahead of Para Hills, who were also promoted. More importantly, they would survive relegation. Relegation sees South Adelaide and Adelaide Olympic heading to State League 1 for 2025.
With the one-off friendly ending the NPL season for Adelaide Croatia, they would take a shock lead against a near full strength Adelaide United. Anthony Costa would slide the ball past James Delianov, after an end-to-end first 17 minutes.
One player who absolutely dominated was Jonny Yull. He was a massive positive for the Reds, dominating centre midfield and driving at defenders.
Luca Jovanovic scored the equaliser, while Austin Ayoubi continued his great pre-season. Ayoubi was able to run the ball down the wing, and score in the 68th minute. Carl Veart shared his thoughts on the young Reds’ winger;
The highlight of match came from Josh Cavallo, who again caught the ball on the volley and scored.
The Reds midfielder is scoring wondergoal after wondergoal to begin his 24/25 campaign. More importantly, Cavallo is finding some form after injuries ruined his recent seasons, as he sets his sights on United’s opening match against the Central Coast.