In their final pre-season friendly before their Hyundai A-League season opener against Perth Glory on August 7, The Reds took it up to the reigning Hyundai A-League champions, however two first half goals, both from set pieces, gave the Victory bragging rights and their first win over United in the Apple Isle.

After Grant Brebner and Archie Thompson had given Melbourne a 2-0 lead at the break, a 58th minute strike from Cassio brought United back into the game and although they dominated the second half, The Reds could not find an equaliser.

Reflecting on the performance, United Coach Aurelio Vidmar was optimistic and believes there were enough encouraging signs to draw on, particularly with the second 45 minutes.

"We had occasions where we could have done enough to earn a draw or win the game so that's ok, I think there is a bit of upside considering the players we've got to come back so that's a pleasing aspect," Vidmar said.

United started the match well, matching the Victory for intensity and aggressiveness, Vidmar starting with a 4-4-2 formation with Cristiano partnered up front by youngster Francesco Monterosso, who was making his first start for the club against a Hyundai A-League opponent.

However, The Reds' promising start came undone in the 19th minute when Brebner scored from Melbourne's first corner of the match, which was followed by another goal from a Victory corner in the 29th minute.

 With their tails up, Melbourne controlled the remainder of the half but United, with Michael Marrone and Iain Fyfe leading the defence, held firm to the break.

The second 45 minutes was a different story as United started to make inroads, and a deserved goal came in the 58th minute when Cassio finished off after a neat assist from Shin.

The Korean midfielder played 80 minutes in just his second game against Hyundai A-League opposition and showed he will provide United with another dimension in the attacking third this season.

However, despite their efforts and having the better of the play throughout the second half, United could not muster another goal, the match finishing 2-1.

Having seen both of Melbourne's goals come from set pieces, Vidmar admitted it was an area his team would need to work on and improve heading into the season.

"Obviously we're very disappointed about conceding both goals from set pieces and that's something we'll have to work on before we take on Perth on August 7," Vidmar said.

"The second half was very good, we dominated and looked physically fitter and stronger than them and I was really pleased with the way we played."

The match was just The Reds' third match against a Hyundai A-League team during this pre season campaign, but despite the shortage of quality match practise, Vidmar remains upbeat about the direction his team is heading.

"We had five players unavailable so as soon as we get them back it is going to make the team a lot more competitive and that's what we want," Vidmar said.

"Out of the five, Reidy (Paul Reid) is probably the only one that will possibly join the main group before the Perth game."

"It's going to take us a few weeks for us to get up to the intensity and tempo of A-League football but this pre-season has not been a disaster by any means and I'm confident that we can have a good season."

Adelaide United takes on Perth Glory in Round 1 of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 Season at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday 7 August 2009. 

Match Details

Adelaide United 1 (Cassio 58')

Melbourne Victory 2 (Brebner 19', Thompson 29')

Crowd: 6,257 @ Aurora Stadium

Adelaide United starting line-up: 1.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk), 3.ALEMAO, 4.Iain FYFE, 7.Lucas PANTELIS, 9.CRISTIANO, 10.Adam HUGHES, 13.Travis DODD, 14.Scott JAMIESON, 15.Francesco MONTEROSSO, 16.SHIN, 17.Michael MARRONE.

Melbourne Victory starting line-up: 20.Glen MOSS (gk), 2.Kevin MUSCAT, 6.Leigh BROXHAM, 8.Grant BREBNER, 9.Danny ALLSOPP, 10.Archie THOMPSON, 12.Rodrigo VARGAS, 15.Tom PONDELJAK, 16.Carlos HERNANDEZ, 19.Evan BERGER, Matthew FOSCHINI.