Football: Villa leaves A-League without a win with City

MELBOURNE - Spanish star David Villa leaves Australia's A-League without a win after his Melbourne City team went down 2-1 to Adelaide United in Melbourne on Friday.

Villa looked a forlorn figure as he left the field and headed straight down the players' tunnel after his fourth game in Australia before heading to New York City.

The World Cup winner had some lively moments in attack, but too often was left isolated out on the left wing by his Melbourne teammates.

Villa forced Adelaide goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic into a sharp save and made a mesmerising dribble down the left side and brought out another fine save from Galekovic.

Villa will leave Australia just four matches into an expected 10-game loan stint with Melbourne City.

While the club has not revealed the reasons for Villa's early departure back to New York City, a combination of football, family and marketing reasons are thought to be behind his exit.

New York City FC, who like Melbourne City are owned by English champions Manchester City, are expecting him to fulfil football and promotional obligations before the start in March of the US Major League Soccer season.

Melbourne City, who were the bookmakers' favourites for the A-League title with the arrival of Villa just days before the season kick-off, have had just two draws in four games with the Spaniard netting twice.