Asia: A chance for Kaz Patafta?

Canberra's Kaz Patafta started for Melbourne Victory against Adelaide United in yesterday's 1-1 draw at Hindmarsh.

With Carlos Hernandez injured, and due to miss Victory's first three Asian Champions League games which start next Wednesday, is this a chance for Kaz Patafta to get some game time?

With home wins vital and Kaz noted for his attacking forward play surely Ernie Merrick will play Patafta next week against Korean sie Chunnam Dragons. Don't hold your breadth but here's hoping.

Victory fine-tunes preparations in Adelaide

Melbourne Victory fine-tuned its preparations for the AFC Champions League 2008 in a trial match against Adelaide United this afternoon, playing out a 1-1 draw in sweltering conditions at Hindmarsh Stadium.

The temperature hovered around 35 degrees as Victory faced Adelaide in its second trial match in as many weeks, allowing both clubs to fully prepare for Asia’s premier club competition, which begins in just over a week.

Danny Allsopp opened Victory’s account prior to half time when he headed a classy Adrian Caceres cross, before Adelaide’s Brazilian defender Cassio converted a penalty in the second half to level the scores.

Victory Assistant Coach Aaron Healey said the side was looking good ahead of its historic first AFC Champions League match against Korean FA Cup winners the Chunnam Dragons at Telstra Dome on Wednesday, 12 March.

"We were very impressive in the first half, we kept possession and moved the ball well," Healey said.

"The boys played well together in testing conditions and we’re looking good ahead of the AFC Champions League."

Victory fielded an attacking side with Allsopp, Caceres, Archie Thompson, Kaz Patafta and Leandro Love all starting and pushing forward, while Kevin Muscat and Rodrigo Vargas stood tall in defence.

Victory broke through for the opening goal when Thompson gained possession and found Caceres in space, allowing the attacking midfielder to deliver a cross in the direction of Allsopp, who converted from close range.

Adelaide gradually worked itself back into the contest after half time and was given a penalty when midfielder Lucas Pantelis was brought down in front of goal.

Victory goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak, who replaced Michael Theoklitos for the second half, got a hand on Cassio’s spot kick, but couldn’t manage to keep the Brazilian’s shot out.

Nathan Elasi, Daniel Piorkowski and Evan Berger were also introduced throughout the second half, ensuring all of Victory’s available players received valuable playing time ahead of the AFC Champions League 2008.
Victory will host Chunnam in its opening AFC Champions League 2008 match at Telstra Dome on Wednesday, 12 March (kick off 7:30pm).