By Tara Murray, with AAP
Caroline Springs George Cross failed to convert the key moments early on and was made to play against North Sunshine Eagles in the Victorian Premier League 1.
The two old Sunshine rivals did battle on Saturday afternoon, with the Eagles walking away from the match with all three points after a 3-0 win.
Georgies coach Eric Vassiliadis said they were wary of the Eagles heading into the match.
“They were unlucky to get something out of their first game,” he said.”From the outside it looks like a rivalry, but we have a great relationship.
“They have done an amazing job putting together a good team and they are really strong.”
The Georgies themselves had been impressive in the opening round with a good win.
Vassiliadis said they didn’t make the most of their chances early on to take control of the game.
The Eagles led 1-0 at half time before taking the game away.
“We knew things had to go our way,” he said. “Had we taken a couple of opportunities in the first half it would have changed the game for us.
“They then caught us on the break and scored two minutes into the second half.
“It was a game of moments and there were a couple of aspects that we weren’t happy with.”
Vassiliadis said he was disappointed in the second half saying they didn’t fully turn up and it was about making the most of the details.
The result means the Georgies have split their first two matches.
Vassiliadis said for them it was about continuing to try and get the best ever out of themselves as a team and individually.
“We have three away games first up and they are all tough,” he said. “Whether home or away it makes no difference to our team.
“We have 26 weeks to focus on the things that we are good at and less of the things we aren’t as good at.
“We still should be competing for the title if we do that.”
The Georgies have a long break with their next match on Monday night against Bulleen.
Vassiliadis said it would be another challenge for them.
“They had a strong start to the year,” he said. “It can’t come soon enough as we want to bounce back and have a much better performance.”
Meanwhile, Western United had a 4 -0 win against Kingston City.
Matthew Leonard scored a hat-trick for United with Jake Najdovski scored the other goal.
Western United, which is one of two undefeated teams after two rounds, faces Brunswick City on Friday night.
Meanwhile in the A-League Men, Auckland beat Western United 2-0 at Ironbark Fields.
United coach John Aloisi said he was disappointed that they didn’t get something out of the game.
“But in terms of overall performance, I can’t ask for much more,” he said.
