RAA NPLSA & State League Preview | Round 17

WT Birkalla vs Croydon FC
2:30 pm | Friday 2 July | Jack Smith Park
Last Meeting:
(1/4/22) Round Six | Croydon FC 0 v WT Birkalla 0

Croydon FC
Facebook: Croydon FC

Experiencing their ninth loss of the season last week, WT Birkalla now faces a difficult challenge as they attempt to remove themselves from the bottom two with only six games to go. WT Birkalla will be devasted not to have left their Round 16 matchup with at least a point after Christian D’Angelo’s 84th-minute equaliser was cancelled out by a last-minute Campbelltown City header. After beginning the game on the back foot with Campbelltown City taking the lead in just the 13th minute, WT Birkalla found their form in the second 45 minutes as they continuously threw players forward to search for a goal. With that loss, WT Birkalla now sits three points away from tenth in the relegation zone, with a difficult challenge ahead for the team as they attempt to make their stay in the RAA NPLSA more than one season.

Nothing was able to separate the two sides last time they met in Round Six action earlier in the season as they played out a 0-0 draw. Both sides failed to make numerous chances count during that fixture, with neither of the goalkeepers forced to make troubling saves.

Croydon FC’s difficult run of form continued into their Round 16 matchup as they blew a two-goal lead to serve Adelaide United FC a 3-2 win. After taking a 1-0 lead through a spectacular long-range effort by fullback John Panagaris in only four minutes and a goal from Adam Martinello in the 28th minute to make the score 2-0, Croydon FC looked destined to break their three-game losing streak. However, three unanswered Adelaide United FC goals later saw Croydon FC lose their fourth consecutive game, as they dropped out of the top six for the first time this season. Falling to eighth after last week’s loss, Croydon FC now faces a difficult challenge as they search to jump back into the top six, with only three points separating tenth-placed Adelaide Olympic and sixth-place Adelaide United FC. Winning only one in their last nine games, Croydon FC has a great opportunity to erase this form as they face a currently struggling WT Birkalla side.

WT Birkalla line-up: 3. james polli, 4. Christopher Ashwood (C), 5. Lucas Tsaconas, 7. Stefan Simic, 8. Jake Monaco, 9. Calvin Mbarga, 10. Austin Ayoubi, 13. Ethan Stevenson, 15. Christian D'Angelo, 17. David Makridis, 20. Nicholas Harpas (GK), 24. Brody Burkitt, 31. Hugo Rimington, 34. Zac Becker, 91. Yasmin Sudic
Coaches: Jason Trimboli, George Katsaneris, Carmine Lauriello
Team Staff: Henry Lambert, Roger Williamson, Carol Goddard

Croydon FC line-up: 1. Gianni Tramontin, 2. John Panagaris, 4. Lawand Hasan, 5. Luke Klimek (C), 7. Sebastian Goode, 8. Adam Martinello, 9. Dion Kirk, 10. Antoni Trimboli, 11. Luis Benedetti, 14. Peter Mercurio, 15. Froribert Niyonkuru, 16. Kristos Stefanopoulos, 17. Giuseppe Macheda, 18. Jarrod Brazzale, 19. Benson Nsegetse, 20. Jared Clark, 21. John Hall (GK), 23. Patrick Caraccia
Coaches: Travis Dodd, Latham Byfield, Adam Vizzari
Team Staff: Giuseppe Catalano, Joshua Avery

 

FK Beograd vs Adelaide City
3:00 pm | Saturday 2 July | Frank Mitchell Park
Last Meeting:
(2/4/22) Round Six, Adelaide City 4 v FK Beograd 2

Adelaide City
Facebook: Adelaide City FC

FK Beograd will look to continue their great run as they search to serve league leaders Adelaide City with only their second defeat of the season. Joshua Mori is currently one of the league's star performers, with the attacker contributing to numerous unbelievable performances to lead his team to victory this season. Joshua Mori was the focal point once again in FK Beograd’s 3-0 win over Cumberland United last week which saw him secure a double, including a contender for Goal of the Year as his long-range shot found the Cumberland United's top corner which ultimately brought his tally to 12 for the season. Ninko Beric also contributed to the team’s emphatic victory last week as the young striker secured his first goal since Round Three. Currently holding a three-point gap between themselves and sixth-placed Adelaide United FC, a win for FK Beograd will be extremely valuable, especially with there being numerous teams still within contention of securing a top-six place this season.

Numerous FK Beograd players are no strangers to Adelaide City, with a few of their star players being former players of the black and white. These few players were almost the heroes for FK Beograd when they met Adelaide City last time, with former Adelaide City players Thomas Love and Massimo Falco both contributing to goals each as they shocked their opponents in the first half. However, it was not enough on the day to withhold a strong Adelaide City side who were looking to continue their great start to the season. Kur Kur, Nicholas Bucco, Matthew Halliday and Ayom Ayom Majok all found the back of the net during their last fixture to provide their side with the 4-2 victory.

After what has been a dominant first 15 rounds of the season, Adelaide City will be devastated to have lost their unbeaten streak last week as they lost 1-0 to a 71st-minute MetroStars freekick. Their loss to MetroStars marked only the second time this season that Adelaide City had remained goalless, with their current leading goal scorer Kur Kur missing from the team in last week’s encounter. Although the absence from Kur Kur last week, Adelaide City will be pleased to have seen the return of Joseph Costa who made his comeback after picking up a serious injury before this season started. Currently holding a four-point lead at the top of the RAA NPLSA, Adelaide City will be hoping to regain this margin or further increase this distance by the end of Round 17 as they look to reframe from a repeat of last year's devastation.

FK Beograd line-up: 2. Brian Kaltak, 4. Brodie Barrow, 6. Paul Radice, 7. Yusuf Ahmed, 9. Joshua Mori, 10. Thomas Love, 12. Antonios Natsiopoulos, 15. Massimo Falco, 16. Ninko Beric, 17. Chahine Noujaim, 18. Stanisa Velinov, 19. Filimon Asefa, 20. Jordan Pudler, 21. Nikola Jokic, 23. Cooper Nunn
Coaches: Damian Mori, Joshua Smith, Scott Parr
Team Staff: Constantinos Tsaconas, Sachin Prakash Kumar

Adelaide City line-up: 4. Matthew Halliday, 5. Zakariah Waters, 6. Bradley Corbo, 8. Joseph Costa, 10. Nicholas Bucco, 14. Aladin Irabona, 17. Thomas Brown, 19. Vianne Kurikwimana, 22. JUAN GUTIERREZ, 23. Jai King-Byrne, 25. Mohammad Mekawir, 27. Matthew Dawber, 33. Dakota Ochsenham (GK), 99. Ayom Ayom Majok
Coaches: Paul Pezos, George Tsonis, Lewis Vallelonga
Team Staff: Fabian Garuccio, Nik Hagicostas, Luis Fernandez Astudillo

 

Sturt Lions vs Campbelltown City
3:00 pm | Saturday 2 July | Karinya Reserve
Last Meeting:
(2/4/22) Round Six, Campbelltown City 1 v Sturt Lions 1

Campbelltown City Soccer & Social Club
Facebook: Campbelltown City Soccer & Social Club

Sturt Lions look to overturn their run of struggling form as they take on Campbelltown City at Karinya Reserve. Strut Lions will be devasted with their result in Round 16 against Adelaide Olympic after the side missed a perfect opportunity to jump back into the top six after blowing a two-goal lead in the final three minutes of the game. Zack Gomez secured his second goal of the season as his volley from outside the box in the 38th gave his side a 1-0 lead and himself a nomination for the Goal of the Week. Gonzalo Rodriguez was back on the scoresheet for Sturt Lions as his 53rd-minute goal gave his side a 2-0 lead. Adelaide Olympics’ last-minute resurrection prevented Sturt Lions from gaining only their second win in their last eight games, which now sees them sit in seventh, currently outside the top six on goal difference.

Sturt Lions hold a great record over Campbelltown City over the last two seasons, with the team without a loss against their opponents in their last three meetings, including two draws and one win. When both sides met at the start of the season, Alex Mullen rescued a point for Campbelltown City once again, as he found the back of the net in the 54th minute, bringing his side level after Gonzalo Rodriguez’s 45th-minute penalty.

Campbelltown City is looking dangerous once again, with the team securing three consecutive 2-1 wins, with their last coming against WT Birkalla last Friday night. The signing of Luis Lawrie-Lattanzio could turn out to be a season-changing move, with the former Melbourne Victory winger providing great depth and thunderous pace amongst their forward line. This was evident in Marc Marino’s 13th-minute opening goal where his pace saw him beat his defender and cut the ball for a tap-in. The quality amongst the Campbelltown City squad proved vital when the team searched for a winner, with the returning Alex Mullen coming off the bench to find the winner in the 90th minute after a perfectly weighted Lui Ditroia cross. Campbelltown City was unfortunate to have not jumped into the top three after their victory, with MetroStars and Adelaide Comets also securing important victories. Currently sitting one point off second, Campbelltown City will be hoping to secure a top-two place soon heading into the final weeks of the season.

Sturt Lions line-up: 1. James Klappers (GK), 2. Michael Marrone, 3. Daniel Guastella, 4. Jacob Atkinson, 5. Lachlan Duffy, 6. Jack Dawson, 7. Ben Woollard, 8. Caden Yates, 9. Gonzalo Rodriguez, 10. Alexander Sortini, 11. Samed Altundag, 12. Tyreece Conway, 15. Akira Kobaishi, 16. Samuel Voigt, 17. Jonathan Fusco (C), 18. Toby Nelson, 19. Luke Fusco, 20. Mitchell Keens, 21. Jed Gauci, 22. Jack Locke, 23. Isaac Jordaan
Coaches: Lino Fusco, Frank Tibaldi, Gregory Videon, Mirza Sljivo
Team Staff: Ivan Piovesan, Logan Stevens, Matthew Flounders

Campbelltown City line-up: 1. Alexander Woodlands (GK), 2. Shaun Harvey (C), 3. Mario Orrico, 5. James Boffa, 6. Adam D'Agostino, 7. Joel Allwright, 8. Alexander Mullen, 9. Marc Marino, 10. Luigi Ditroia, 12. Nicholas Francese, 14. Adam Piscioneri, 15. Antony Piscioneri, 16. Daniel Mullen, 17. Luis Lawrie-Lattanzio, 18. Yohei Matsumoto, 19. Joshua Barresi, 20. Matthew Centofanti, 21. Jordan Maricic, 23. Jake Halliday, 35. Luca Meggetto
Coaches: Michael Matricciani, Adrian DAloia, brenton hiern, Edward Scalzi
Team Staff: Agelo Kapnistis, Liam Oates, Corey Artone

 

South Adelaide vs Adelaide Olympic
3:00 pm | Saturday 2 July | O’Sullivans Beach Sports and Community Centre
Last Meeting:
(2/4/22) Round Six, Adelaide Olympic 4 v South Adelaide 0

South Adelaide
Facebook: SA Panthers FC

Two teams who are desperate for a win face-off as South Adelaide host Adelaide Olympic at O’Sullivans Beach Sports and Community Centre. After picking up a hard-fought victory in Round 15 against Sturt Lions, South Adelaide was unable to continue with their winning ways in Round 16 as they recorded a 2-0 loss against Adelaide Comets, marking their eighth loss of the season. Dropping from seventh to ninth, South Adelaide only sits one point off sixth, however, could fall to tenth with a loss to Adelaide Olympic in Round 17. South Adelaide has found major trouble this season in defence, with the team conceding the joint third most with 36 goals against them in only 16 matches. To ensure three points this week, South Adelaide is in need of a top defensive performance.

When both teams met in Round Six action, Adelaide Olympic produced a strong attacking performance to gain their second win of the season. Adelaide Olympic saw out an incredible 4-0 win as they took advantage of a ten-man South Adelaide, with Ioannis Simosis and Dylan D’Agostino both securing goals, while Michael Cittadini scored a brace.

Although currently occupying tenth place, Adelaide Olympic have been in reasonably good form over the last month, with the team now without a defeat since Round 12 which saw them record three draws and one win. The team produced a late comeback to rescue a 2-2 draw against Sturt Lions with Christos Pounendis and Dylan D’Agostino securing goals in the 90th minute last week. Adelaide Olympic busy schedule saw them meet Adelaide United FC in their Round 14 catchup match on Wednesday night where they were able to secure their fourth win of the season, with Pounendis and D’Agostino back on the scoresheet, while Kristin gained only his third of the season with a tremendous long-range effort. That win has seen Adelaide Olympic go three points clear from the bottom two, while they now sit a win away from the top six.

South Adelaide line-up: 1. Ryan Veitch (C) (GK), 7. Melad Ahmad, 10. Jonathon Rideout, 11. Alexander Rideout, 13. Jai Conroy, 14. Donovan Pollock, 15. Jackson Stephens, 16. Declan Finney, 17. Chol Wel, 18. Jack Rudge, 24. Daniel Evans, 26. Divan Verdoorn, 40. Taine Muscroft
Coaches: Anthony Rideout, Daniel Milovanovic, Christopher Reed
Team Staff: Jacqueline Wingate

Adelaide Olympic line-up: 1. Lewis Moss, 3. Paul Wilson, 4. Benkert Abdija, 5. Adam Leombruno, 6. Kristin Konstandopoulos, 7. Jason Konstandopoulos, 8. Damian Ljujic, 9. Christos Pounendis, 10. Dylan D'Agostino, 11. Tito Bontor, 12. Jacob Jones, 13. Rastko Ljujic, 15. Michael Cittadini, 24. Panagiotis Manidakis, 44. Ioannis Simosis
Coaches: Yianni Stamatelopoulos, George Konstandopoulos, Bill Nastou, Pal Prengaj
Team Staff: Robert Muscio, Marcus Gentile, Sumin Kim

 

Adelaide Comets vs MetroStars
3:00 pm | Saturday 2 July | State Centre for Football
Last Meeting:
(1/4/22) Round Six, MetroStars 1 v Adelaide Comets 1

Adelaide Comets
Facebook: Adelaide Comets FC

It’s second vs third Saturday afternoon as Adelaide Comets and MetroStars face off at the State Centre for Football. With Adelaide City dropping points for the first time since Round 10, the gap between Adelaide Comets and the league leaders has now dropped to only four points. Adelaide Comets returned to winning ways last week as they beat South Adelaide 2-0, with Lachlan Stead and Allen Welsh all getting their names on the scoresheet to secure the three points. Logan Marley-Mcfall made his first appearance for Adelaide Comets this season after spending a bit of time abroad, with the return of the former youth player providing incredible depth in the team's forward line as they look to secure another appearance in the RAA NPLSA Grand Final.

Both teams were forced to share a point last time they met as they played out a 1-1 draw. Fabian Barbiero opened the scoring with his only goal thus far this season, as he beat several Adelaide Comets defenders at the edge of the box to fire the ball into the back of the net inside the opening ten minutes. Adelaide Comets restored the deficit in the 57th as Nikolas Ikonomopoulos continued his great start to the season as he got his head on the end of a well-placed corner inside the six-yard box to tap the ball in.

Since Round Seven, MetroStars have been almost unbeatable, with the team winning seven out of their last nine games while drawing and losing once. This run has included wins over top-four rivals Campbelltown City and most recently against Adelaide City, as their 1-0 win saw them end the league leader’s unbeaten run. Hamish Gow was the hero against Adelaide City, as his outstanding ability with a dead ball saw him hit his 71st-minute freekick into the top corner, leaving no chance for the opposition goalkeeper of saving it. Sitting in third, MetroStars now only sit five points off top spot after their big win against Adelaide City, with only one point separating themselves and opponents Adelaide Comets in second. A win for MetroStars will see them jump into the top two for the first time since Round Four.

Adelaide Comets line-up: 1. Julian Torresan, 3. Ross Hatzi, 4. Logan Marley-McFall, 5. Adam Le Cornu, 6. Boris Glushkov, 7. Augustus Williams, 8. Ryan Yates, 9. Ryan Cook, 10. Anthony Mavrolambados, 11. Thomas Briscoe, 12. Lukas Ikonomopoulos, 14. Nathan Andijanto, 16. Stelios Zacharakis, 18. Thomas Giannakopoulos, 19. Jaiden Diamantis, 21. Nikolas Ikonomopoulos, 22. Allan Welsh (C), 23. Scott Nagel, 24. Lachlan Stead, 31. Daniel Vaughan (GK)
Coaches: Barney Smith, John Falidis, Peter Eleftherakis
Team Staff: Evangelo Katsambis, Andrew Furner, Emma Gericke, Andreas Wiens, Ilias Tsakiris

MetroStars line-up: Christian Esposito, 1. Isaac Carmody, 2. Connor O'rielly, 4. Justin Davis, 5. Timothy Henderson, 6. Paul Blefari, 7. Hamish Gow, 8. Rocky Callisto, 9. Thomas Strain, 10. Anthony Solagna (C), 11. Ariath Piol, 12. Alessio Melisi, 14. Philip Cash, 15. Nicholas Pedicini, 16. Francesco Schimizzi, 17. Cameron Dix, 18. Fabian Barbiero, 19. Cooper O'donnell, 20. Luke Ostbye (GK), 21. Cameron Woodfin, 22. Jackson Walls, 26. Ren Nagamatsu, 27. Jackson Fortunatow
Coaches: Robert Saraceno, Nicholas Bouzalas, Adam Van Dommele, Michael Rende
Team Staff: Giorgio Capoccia, Joseph Polisena, Patrick Pike, George Laoutaris

 

Adelaide United FC vs Cumberland United
2:30 pm | Sunday 3 July | State Centre for Football
Last Meeting:
(2/4/22) Round Six, Cumberland United 0 v Adelaide United FC 4

Cumberland United
Facebook: Cumberland United Football Club

After a midweek loss, Adelaide United FC is looking to secure another three points against Cumberland United as they seek to remain within the top six. Over the last week, Adelaide United FC has experienced the highs and lows that football has to offer an impressive, with the team taking part in an impressive comeback win, then losing facing a loss midweek to relegation battlers Adelaide Olympic. Last Saturday saw Adelaide United FC come back from 2-0 down to secure a 3-2 win over Croydon FC, with Jonny Yull, Luka Jovanovic and Giuseppe Bovalina all securing a goal each to gain the three points. Adelaide United FC had a fantastic opportunity on Wednesday night to jump into fifth as they faced Adelaide Olympic, however it was an underwhelming performance from the young squad, as they lost the matchup 3-1. Still remaining in the top six, three points are needed for Adelaide United FC who are looking to distance themselves from the four teams below them who are eager to gain a place in the top six.

Adelaide United FC eased to victory the last time they met Cumberland United as they secured a 4-0 win. Giuseppe Bovalina, Luka Jovanovic and Musa Toure were all on the scoresheet that day to contribute to the win, with Toure securing a brace only 15 minutes after entering the field.

Cumberland United have experienced a difficult run of form since their Round 10 victory against Adelaide Olympic, with the team losing five out of their six games, while only drawing one. Their misery continued last week as they experienced a 3-0 loss at home to FK Beograd, marking their fifth goalless result this season, highlighting the team's struggles in front of goals which has seen them score only 17 in 16 games. With a midweek victory for Adelaide Olympic, Cumberland United now sit five points away from exiting the relegation zone, indicating the troubled position they are currently in heading into the final six games of the season. Three points are vital for Cumberland United if they are to retain their RAA NPLSA status in 2023.

Adelaide United FC line-up: Ashton Rinaldo, 37. Jonny Yull, 40. Ethan Cox (GK), 44. Arbi Mollas, 45. Noah Mcnamara, 51. Panashe Madanha, 52. Giuseppe Bovalina, 54. Panagiotis Kikianis, 55. Ethan Alagich, 58. Musa Toure, 62. Fabian Talladira, 63. Patrick Mcgregor, 66. Nestor Irankunda, 77. Asad Kasumovic, 97. Luka Jovanovic, 99. Sotiri Phillis
Coaches: Airton Andrioli, Elvis Markov, Vlado Blazeka, Joe Verringer
Team Staff: Jonathan Norodom, Katrina Smith

Cumberland United line-up: Charlie Ince, 2. Jack Schoen, 4. Tom Dittmar, 5. Sam Carmichael, 7. Rocco Visconte, 8. Harry Thannhauser, 9. Yuya Taguchi, 14. Cohan Morris, 16. Brayden Micallef, 19. Lansana Smith, 20. Stavros Bakopanos, 22. Minsung Park, 24. Amir Ibrahim, 35. Thomas Visser, 40. Peter Tsitsinaris

 

State League One

State League One

League leaders Modbury Jets look to continue their dominance and distance themselves from all competitors as they face current second-place, West Adelaide, at West Beach Parks Football Centre. West Adelaide is currently Modbury Jets' closest adversaries, with the team currently sitting four points off the current top side. In Round 16, West Adelaide secured a 5-1 win over Port Adelaide which saw Karl Phelps score a double, Ricardo Da Silva and Nicolas Andre both grabbed goals each, while new signing Ryan Wood scored on debut. Currently, on a five-game winning streak, West Adelaide will be eager to make it six in a row as they look to close the gap to only one point. A win for Modbury Jets this weekend will see the club take a seven-point lead at the top of State League One, as they search for automatic promotion with only five games to go. After their disappointing display against Para Hills Knights in Round 15, Modbury Jets bounced back perfectly with a 5-1 win over Adelaide Croatia Raiders which was Cooper Wegener and Hamish Mccabe both secured doubles, while Liam Mccabe further increased the lead in the second half. Both teams played out a tightly contested encounter last time they met in Round Six, which saw West Adelaide become the first team to take points off the league leaders as they drew 1-1. Chris Christofilos took the lead in the encounter in the 35th minute with Hamish Mccabe finding the equaliser for his team from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute.

It’s a must-win game for Adelaide Croatia Raiders in Round 17 as they search to remain in the current top six, however, face a difficult challenge as they face the top two hopefuls Adelaide Blue Eagles. Adelaide Croatia Raiders are currently experiencing a difficult run of form which has seen the team win only one of their last four games while having only won two of their last seven matches. Adelaide Croatia Raiders are currently on the back of a 5-1 loss to league leaders Modbury Jets, with Donatien Niyonkuru’s 14th-minute goal not proving enough for their team. There are currently four teams that are now within three points of overtaking Adelaide Croatia Raiders, meaning it’s extremely important for three points this round. Their opponents Adelaide Blue Eagles have now returned to their very best after two consecutive wins where they scored nine goals in two games. This included a 4-1 win over top-four rivals Para Hills Knights which saw Josef Kogoj, Kyle Markham and Dante Isla Cacciavillani all secure goals, while new signing Clement Ebahece Waoci scored on debut. Currently four points behind second-place West Adelaide, we could potentially see Adelaide Blue Eagles close that gap to within one game if they win and West Adelaide are to drop points.

State League One football continues as Adelaide University SC faces Fulham United FC at APEX Football Stadium, Adelaide Victory travels to Ramsay Park to face Playford City, Para Hills Knights face Eastern United while Adelaide Hills face Port Adelaide at the Hawks Nest Saturday night.

 

State League Two

State League Two

Vipers FC looks to close their three-point gap from the current league leaders as they take on Modbury Vista at St Clair Oval. Since their Round Two loss to first-placed Adelaide Cobras, Vipers FC is yet to lose a game in league competition with the team currently on a 14-game unbeaten run. A major contributor to Vipers FC’s great success has been their tremendous defensive performances over the last couple of weeks, which has seen them concede only one goal in their last seven games. It took a Matheus Borges Rodrigues 87th-minute goal to secure the victory last week when they faced the league's bottom side Gawler Eagles FC at home. This week’s opponents Modbury Vista are looking to build upon their fantastic performance against Mount Barker United SC where they won 6-0 midweek. Their win over Mount Barker United SC has seen the side go within four points of a place in the top six, with a win over Vipers FC giving them great hope heading into the final five games of the season. Modbury Vista has been great going forward this season with the team holding the second-best attacking record in the competition with 33 goals scored, however, the team has struggled defensively which has seen them concede the second-most in the competition, with 36 conceded. With only five games to go following the competition in Round 17, three points are valuable for both clubs' ambition this season.

In other State League Two action sees Western Strikers battle Mount Barker United SC, league leaders Adelaide Cobras face Noarlunga United, Gawler Eagles FC travels to Smith Partners Stadium to face Pontian Eagles SC, while Cove FC will face Salisbury United and Northern Demons host Seaford Rangers.