Over the weekend, football fans were treated to another exciting installment of the WNPL/NPL All-Stars vs Adelaide United. The All-Star teams were selected based on coaches' votes for the 2025 Team of the Year, with top-up players chosen by the respective All-Star coaches to round out the squads.
The matches served as a celebration of South Australian football, bringing together the local football community, Adelaide United, and the National Premier Leagues South Australia in a spirited showcase of talent.
Despite challenging weather conditions, strong crowds turned out and were thoroughly entertained, as Adelaide United's A-League Men’s and Women’s teams faced off against the Apex Steel WNPL and RAA NPLSA All-Stars, respectively. The women’s match kicked off on Saturday, 20th September at 12pm, followed by the men’s fixture at 2pm. With donations collected and proceeds going towards Variety SA - the Children's Charity.
Women’s Match Recap
The women’s encounter began with early dominance from Adelaide United, who found the back of the net twice with goals in the 4th and 7th minute. A lack of cohesion from the WNPL All-Stars, understandable given unfamiliar combinations and players in unfamiliar roles, may have contributed to the early lapse.
However, as the match progressed, the WNPL All-Stars settled into the contest and began to challenge the Adelaide United defence, with several promising opportunities testing the keeper.
Their persistence paid off late, as in the 91st minute, a long ball into the box from Lexie Knox was expertly headed down by Niina Yamada, finding an unmarked Maria “Cote” Rojas, who rifled a shot into the top corner to give the All-Stars a deserved goal.
Despite the late surge, Adelaide United held on for a 2-1 victory. It was a resilient effort from the WNPL All-Stars, who showed they could compete with one of the top teams in the A-League Women’s competition.
Standout performers for the WNPL All-Stars included Lexie Knox, Kira Glinz, Maria Rojas, and Niina Yamada.
Men’s Match Recap
Following the women’s match, the NPL All-Stars took on Adelaide United’s A-League Men’s side in what proved to be a thrilling and high-quality contest.
From the opening whistle, both teams played with intensity and purpose, creating an end-to-end spectacle for the fans. The first half ended 0-0, but not without its chances, as both sides threatened to break the deadlock.
The second half brought fresh legs and more attacking flair. In the 72nd minute, Adelaide United finally opened the scoring through none other than Craig Goodwin, who curled in one of his trademark free kicks to put the Reds in front.
But the All-Stars responded swiftly. Just four minutes later, a beautifully worked team move was finished clinically by All-Stars captain Diego Oliveira, making it 1-1.
Momentum shifted in the All-Stars’ favour, and in the 78th minute, a turnover in midfield sparked a dangerous counterattack. A loose pass was intercepted by Noah Smith, who surged forward and delivered a ball across the box. A deflection off United’s Kasumovic saw the All-Stars take a 2-1 lead.
Victory seemed within reach for the All-Stars, but Adelaide United found a last-gasp equaliser in the 91st minute through one of their rising stars, sending the match to penalties.
In the shootout, both teams displayed composure, but a crucial save from the Adelaide United keeper denied Noah Smith, giving the Reds the edge and the win.
Outstanding performances for the NPL All-Stars came from Diego Oliveira, Luis Lawrie-Lattanzio, Noah McNamara, and Cody Oestreich.
The All-Stars vs Adelaide United fixtures once again proved to be a valuable platform for local talent to shine against elite opposition. From late drama and highlight-reel goals to passionate performances and crowd-pleasing football, the weekend was a celebration of the strength and depth of South Australian football.