Redlands United made the trip to Newmarket on Saturday night for Round 1 of the 2019 National Premier League season against Brisbane City.
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Although not the result he would have wanted, Redlands United’s head coach Cleberson Souza Santos was upbeat with his squad’s performance despite the 3-0 defeat.
“I am very proud of my boys how they played in their first game, also I know what we as a team want to achieve. We are looking forward to our first home game next week.
In regards to the Brisbane City game we were very unlucky,” Souza Santos said.
“We had a lot of opportunities to score but couldn't put it through.
“We are a young team and we need to work smart and we will be very successful in the competition.
“I look forward to this season we will be learning with our mistakes and slowly get the results.”
Brisbane City were heavy favourites going into the game after a strong pre-season which included a recent game against the China Under 20 side.
Meanwhile, Redlands had a much different preparation as head coach Souza Santos developed and molded his new look Redlands squad.
Both sides started the game in a lively fashion but City captain Sam Sibatuara turned the game in the home side advantage with two first half goals.
Redlands enjoyed good spells of possession, Byron McLeod stinging the palms of City Goalkeeper Clancy from the edge of the area, while Shuto Kuboyama, posed a threat with some decent runs across the front line with Igor Sao Jose and Fernando Perez always dangerous from midfield.
Souza Santos adjusted the team lineup just before the hour mark, making two substitutions in quick succession in an attempt to maintain the pressure, but it was City who scored next through former A-League striker Solorzano.
Redlands never dropped their heads and continued to push forward with good periods of possession and some very good build up play, but were not able to convert their opportunities into goals.
Redlands will host the first of three straight home games at the Cleveland Showgrounds this Friday evening against the Brisbane Strikers at 7pm.
The under 18’s and 20’s are on Saturday at starting at 5pm and 7pm.
Redlands United are looking for a new media manager for the 2019 season. Go to redlandsunited.com.au for more information about the role, or email media@redlandsunited.com.au.
