MILDURA City Soccer Club are moving their focus to the start of the season after being knocked out of the FFA Cup by a Chisholm United (2-0) on Saturday.
Coach Simon Trembath said he was really pleased with the way the young players in the side stood up against the experienced opposition.
“We were also pleased with our ability to adjust to the physicality and pace at which they played,” Trembath said.
The coach said the result of the weekend will not affect the team’s preseason preparation.
“We will continue to build on our fitness and structures,” he said.“I think that it showed that they were able to take their chances on the day.
“Unfortunately for us, we hit the woodwork twice and when that happens you know that it is just not your day,” he said.
Although Mildura City’s 2021 FFA Cup campaign was over, Trembath said the squad enjoyed the chance to play in front of a large home crowd.
“Hopefully the numbers that we witnessed yesterday can continue throughout the season,” he said.
“Our main take away was the depth that we have in our squad.
“Even after multiple substitutions we were able to maintain a high level of competitiveness throughout the whole match.
“This squad depth will be crucial for the coming season.”
The coach said Joseph Pollifrone was a stand out on the field.
“He came on a halftime and showed great composure in the midfield against an experienced opposition,” Trembath said.
“Christian Pollifrone also gave us the spark that we were looking for when he came on in the second half.
“Lukas Pedder was consistent across the whole game and Justin Lamattina also had a solid showing in the center of defence.”
Trembath said he was very pleased with the performance of the entire squad given where the side are in their pre-season.
TAThe first round of the season will be played after Easter.
