Match of the Round
Adelaide United FC vs South Adelaide
3:00 pm | Saturday 4 June | State Centre for Football
Last Meeting: (26/2/22) Round Two | South Adelaide 6 v Adelaide United FC 0
This week’s Match of the Round will see top-six hopefuls South Adelaide and Adelaide United FC face off at the State Centre for Football.
Adelaide United FC is searching for revenge after their devasting loss to their opponents in Round Two. There was nothing to celebrate for Adelaide United FC on that day as they were blown off the field by an incredible South Adelaide performance as they lost 6-0. Since that encounter the young squad has continued to improve each week as they search for a place within the top six, however, have struggled with results, losing seven of their opening 12 games.
Adelaide United FC currently sits in ninth with a record of four wins, one draw and seven losses in twelve games, which has been a massive downfall from this point last season as they were sitting in fourth. Goals are guaranteed when Adelaide United FC play, with the team holding the second best-attacking record in the competition, while they currently hold the worst defensive record with 33 goals already conceded.
After experiencing a great run of two wins against FK Beograd and Adelaide Comets, Adelaide United FC looked destined to earn a place within the top six. However, they have recently dropped off in form recording a loss to the bottom side WT Birkalla and a 1-1 draw with Sturt Lions in Round 12. Luka Jovanovic was Adelaide United FC's saviour once again as his 74th-minute goal secured the equaliser, also earning him his seventh goal of the season against Sturt Lions. Adelaide United FC are currently only two points off the top six, with a win over South Adelaide would see them overtake them, however, a loss could come costly with only three points separating them and the bottom two.
After spending four weeks without a win between Round Four and Seven, South Adelaide has begun to regain their form losing only one out of their last five games. During this period, South Adelaide has taken points off first place Adelaide City, top six hunters Croydon FC and FK Beograd and beating current fourth place MetroStars which has seen them jump back into the top six.
In their last fixture, South Adelaide drew with FK Beograd 1-1, recording their third draw of the season with Jonathon Rideout’s first-half goals securing the point for the club. Rideout’s return to the score sheet has been vital in his team's change in fortunes, with the attacker scoring three in their last four. However, the club will be without the star striker in this upcoming fixture as he serves a suspension for five yellow cards.
When South Adelaide met Adelaide United FC at the beginning of this season, they dominated proceeding to secure a 6-0 win which demonstrated the club's incredible attacking prowess. During this meeting, Jonathon Rideout secured a double, while Declan Gray, Jackson Stephens, Jack Ellis and Melad Ahmad all secured goals. Since that encounter, South Adelaide has only scored more than twice on three occasions, remaining goalless three separate times. South Adelaide is now looking to cement their place in the top six and close the three-point gap between them and Croydon FC in fifth.
Adelaide United FC line-up: Musa Toure, 37. Jonny Yull, 40. Ethan Cox (GK), 44. Arbi Mollas, 51. Panashe Madanha, 52. Giuseppe Bovalina, 53. Kane Vidmar, 54. Panagiotis Kikianis, 55. Ethan Alagich, 66. Nestor Irankunda, 77. Asad Kasumovic, 97. Luka Jovanovic
Coaches: Airton Andrioli, Elvis Markov, Vlado Blazeka, Joe Verringer
Team Staff: Jonathan Norodom, Katrina Smith
South Adelaide line-up: 1. Ryan Veitch (GK), 4. Robert Parker (C), 6. Liam Wooding, 8. Brett Rayner, 11. Alexander Rideout, 13. Jai Conroy, 14. Donovan Pollock, 15. Jackson Stephens, 16. Declan Finney, 18. Jack Rudge, 40. Taine Muscroft
Coaches: Anthony Rideout, Matthew Huntley, Christopher Reed, Fraser McLean
Team Staff: Ronnie Sills, Daniel Milovanovic, Jacqueline Wingate
Sturt Lions vs WT Birkalla
3:00 pm | Saturday 4 June | Karinya Reserve
Last Meeting: (26/2/22) Round Two | WT Birkalla 3 v Sturt Lions 0
Sturt Lions search for their first win in four matches as they face WT Birkalla at Karinya Reserve. Since their 3-1 win over Cumberland United in Round Eight, Sturt Lions have loss two and drawn two, while they have conceded eight and only scored three. This bad run of form has seen them drop down to eighth, missing out on the top six on goal difference. However, their form has begun to improve in the last few weeks, recording back-to-back draws against Adelaide United FC and FK Beograd. In their last fixture, Sturt Lions missed their opportunity to record their first win at their new stadium Karinya Reserve, as Jacob Atkinson’s 12th-minute goal was cancelled out by a late Adelaide United FC equaliser. A win for Sturt Lions could potentially see them jump back into the top six and could close the three-point gap between themselves and Croydon FC in fifth.
In their earlier encounter this season, WT Birkalla recorded one of their only two wins thus far as they secured a 3-0 result. Sturt Lions contributed to this result with an early own goal, giving WT Birkalla the lead in the first half, while defender James Polli and Jonathon D’Arrigo both contributed to goals, however, both players are yet to score since that performance.
WT Birkalla has been on a bad run of form since that result, losing six and drawing three, with their only other win since coming in Round 11 as they beat Adelaide United FC 2-1. However, that win did not spark any run of good form, as the team lost against Adelaide Comets 4-1 in their last fixture. Ethan Stevenson’s 76th-minute goal was unable to spark any comeback with the team already down 3-0. Stevenson’s introduction to the first team is beginning to pay off, with the young attacker scoring twice in his three appearances this season. WT Birkalla will be hoping that Stevenson can continue this goal scoring form as they search for a source of goals as the team remains the lowest-scoring team in the competition. WT Birkalla will hope to change their run of three losses in their last four as they aim to remove themselves from the bottom of the RAA NPLSA. Currently, at the bottom of the league with nine points, a win for WT Birkalla could potentially see them remove themselves with only one point separating themselves and tenth. Since Round Six, WT Birkalla has only left the bottom two on one occasion after Round Eight, however, immediately returned the next round. Could we see WT Birkalla beat Sturt Lions for the second time this season and secure their third win?
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, 13. William Plush, 14. Zack Gomez, 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
Coaches: Lino Fusco, Frank Tibaldi, Gregory Videon
Team Staff: Ivan Piovesan, Jakson Messent, Matthew Flounders
WT Birkalla line-up: 3. james polli, 4. Christopher Ashwood (C), 6. Anthony Quici, 7. Stefan Simic, 9. Calvin Mbarga, 10. Austin Ayoubi, 11. jonathon d'arrigo, 13. Ethan Stevenson, 14. Mason Ayoubi, 17. David Makridis, 19. Nathan Munro, 20. Nicholas Harpas (GK), 21. Nicholas Harpas, 38. Joseph Tascione, 91. Yasmin Sudic
Coaches: Jason Trimboli, George Katsaneris, Carmine Lauriello
Team Staff: Roger Williamson, Henry Lambert
FK Beograd vs Adelaide Olympic
3:00 pm | Saturday 4 June | Frank Mitchell Park
Last Meeting: (25/2/22) Round Two, Adelaide Olympic 4 v FK Beograd 2
FK Beograd and Adelaide Olympic faceoff in what should be a great encounter at Frank Mitchell Park Saturday afternoon.
Although staying undefeated in their last three games, FK Beograd has dropped valuable points in their last two matchups as they have recorded back-to-back 1-1 draws with Sturt Lions and South Adelaide. In their last matchup, Stanisa Velinov secured his first goal of the season as his 11th-minute finish gave his side the 1-0 lead, however that was wiped out as South Adelaide scored soon after to secure a 1-1 draw. Currently sitting in seventh, a win could see FK Beograd re-enter the league’s top six while potentially closing the three-point gap between themselves and Croydon FC.
In their last meeting in Round Two, Adelaide Olympic recorded a 4-2 win as they scored three in the second half to remove FK Beograd’s 2-1 lead. FK Beograd took an early lead as Paul Radice scored in the first six minutes; however, this was shortly cancelled out as Jason Konstandopoulos scored the equaliser, but this was short-lived as a new striker Ninko Beric scored before halftime to restore their lead. Adelaide Olympic took over in the second half with Fausto Erba, Panagiotis Manidakis and Ioannis Simosis all scoring to secure the team’s first win of the season.
Adelaide Olympic’s start to the 2022 season has been fairly disappointing with the team currently sitting in tenth, only out of the bottom two on goal difference. The team has now lost five of their last six games and is currently on a three-game losing streak which has seen them concede seven and only score two. The team experienced their second 2-0 defeat in two weeks last week as MetroStars secured the win, with Adelaide Olympic recording their eighth defeat of the season. Currently five points off the top six, a win could prove extremely valuable, however, another loss could potentially see the time drop into the bottom two if Cumberland United and WT Birkalla record points.
FK Beograd line-up: 6. Paul Radice, 9. Joshua Mori, 10. Thomas Love, 11. Evan Kounavelis, 12. Antonios Natsiopoulos, 13. Deale Chamberlain (GK), 14. Isaac Mullen, 15. Massimo Falco, 16. Ninko Beric, 17. Chahine Noujaim, 18. Stanisa Velinov, 19. Filimon Asefa, 20. Jordan Pudler, 22. Akok Arok, 23. Cooper Nunn
Coaches: Damian Mori, Joshua Smith, Scott Parr
Team Staff: Constantinos Tsaconas, Sachin Prakash Kumar
Adelaide Olympic line-up: 1. Lewis Moss, 2. Kosta Styliadis, 3. Paul Wilson, 5. Adam Leombruno, 6. Kristin Konstandopoulos, 7. Jason Konstandopoulos, 8. Damian Ljujic, 9. Christos Pounendis, 11. Tito Bontor, 12. George Katsigiannis, 15. Michael Cittadini, 20. Clifford Maina, 24. Panagiotis Manidakis, 44. Ioannis Simosis
Coaches: Yianni Stamatelopoulos, George Konstandopoulos, Bill Nastou
Team Staff: Robert Muscio, Marcus Gentile, Sumin Kim, Pal Prengaj
Adelaide City vs Croydon FC
5:00 pm | Saturday 4 June | Adelaide City Park
Last Meeting: (25/2/22) Round Two, Croydon FC 0 v Adelaide City 0
Adelaide City looks to increase their four-point lead at the top of the RAA NPLSA, however, face a difficult challenge as they come up against the only side to keep them scoreless in Croydon FC.
Equalling West Adelaide’s 2015 record of twelve games without a defeat, Adelaide City is searching to beat this with a win or draw against Croydon FC in Round 13. Adelaide City has continued to perform at the highest level this season which was showcased in their 2-0 win over then second place Campbelltown City away last Friday night. Aladin Irabona opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute against Campbelltown City before Kur Kur secured the win with his ninth goal of the season in the 82nd minute. The side also secured a spot in this season's Australia Cup Qualifying Finals as they beat Salisbury United 4-1 Tuesday night, remaining the only RAA NPLSA team still in the competition. The team continues to be strong in defence, conceding only nine goals in twelve games, while being the first team this season to keep Campbelltown City scoreless.
Croydon FC looks to become the first team to defeat Adelaide City this season while they search to build upon last week's win. After going four weeks without a win and three consecutive defeats, Croydon FC secured a valuable 3-0 win which has helped them remain three points clear within the top six. In their victory, Sebastian Goode secured his second goal in three weeks, while Patrick Caraccia and Dion Kirk both returned to the scoresheet helping their side to three points. When both teams met at the start of the season, it seemed like they were unable to break each other down, with the game finishing 0-0, which is the only time this year that Adelaide City has not scored in a game. Currently, four points off fourth A win could be extremely valuable in their hopes of securing a top-six finish.
Adelaide City line-up: 4. Matthew Halliday (C), 5. Zakariah Waters, 6. Bradley Corbo, 7. Daniel Bressan, 10. Nicholas Bucco, 11. Kur Kur, 14. Aladin Irabona, 17. Thomas Brown, 19. Vianne Kurikwimana, 20. Charlie Devereux, 23. Jai King-Byrne, 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
Croydon Kings line-up: 1. Gianni Tramontin, 2. John Panagaris, 3. Raffaele De Lucia, 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
Adelaide Comets vs Cumberland United
5:15 pm | Saturday 4 June | State Centre for Football
Last Meeting: (25/2/22) Round Two, Cumberland United 1 v Adelaide Comets 1
After regaining their top two status after Round 12, Adelaide Comets looks to continue this as they search to close the four-point gap between them and Adelaide City in first. They must first overcome Cumberland United who they drew with early in the season. After two consecutive losses, Adelaide Comets have returned to winning ways, securing back-to-back wins including their 4-1 win over WT Birkalla last Saturday. In their win over WT Birkalla, Augustus Williams secured his first goal since Round Four to open scoring, Nathan Andijanto secured his first of the season, Thomas Briscoe secured his fourth, while Allan Welsh also secured his fourth as he converted his penalty in the 93rd minute. Adelaide Comets will search to make it three wins in a row for the first time this season as they look to cement their top two status.
Cumberland United’s only point up until Round Seven came against Adelaide Comets in Round Two, as Sam Carmichael redeemed his own goal by scoring in the 50th minute to secure the 1-1 draw. After experiencing a run of three wins in four matches, which saw the side remove themselves from the bottom of the RAA NPLSA, Cumberland United have returned to losing ways, recording losses in their last two outings. In their most recent fixture, they were kept goalless as Croydon FC secured a 3-0 win, which marked the first time since Round Six that Cumberland United didn’t record at least one goal. The team currently holds the second-worst defensive record in the competition with 30 goals conceded and must withhold a strong Adelaide Comets attack that scored four in their last fixture. Currently, off the bottom spot by one point, three points would be extremely valuable for Cumberland United at this point in the season.
Adelaide Comets line-up: 1. Julian Torresan, 3. Ross Hatzi, 5. Adam Le Cornu, 6. Boris Glushkov, 7. Dylan Smith, 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, 77. Augustus Williams
Coaches: Barney Smith, John Falidis, Peter Eleftherakis
Team Staff: Evangelo Katsambis, Andrew Furner, Emma Gericke, Andreas Wiens, Ilias Tsakiris
Cumberland United line-up: Jack Schoen, 1. Luke Schoen (GK), 4. Tom Dittmar, 5. Sam Carmichael, 7. Rocco Visconte, 8. Harry Thannhauser, 9. Yuya Taguchi, 14. Cohan Morris, 15. Mohamed Hameid, 16. Brayden Micallef, 20. Stavros Bakopanos, 22. Minsung Park, 24. Amir Ibrahim, 27. Harry Thomas, 35. Thomas Visser
MetroStars vs Campbelltown City
5:15 pm | Saturday 4 June | TK Shutter Reserve
Last Meeting: (25/2/22) Round Two, Campbelltown City 2 v MetroStars 3
It’s third vs fourth as Campbelltown City travels to TK Shutter Reserve to take on MetroStars. Currently, one point behind their opponents in third, MetroStars is eager to re-enter to top three after Round 13 with a big win. MetroStars have been almost perfect over the last month, winning four out of their last five games, and losing only once against South Adelaide. In their last fixture, Justin Davis was the star of the show in his 300th senior match as he scored twice to lead MetroStars to a 2-0. Now only two points away from the second spot, MetroStars will be looking to close that gap or jump into the top two at the competition of this upcoming round.
MetroStars secured a 3-2 win over Campbelltown City when they met at the start of the season at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre. Ren Nagamatsu announced himself to the league in this encounter securing two goals through headers at the start of the first and second half, while Jackson Walls continued his great start to life at MetroStars securing his second goal in two weeks. While Campbelltown City showed glimpses of their undeniable quality as Alex Mullen scored from the penalty spot in the 14th minute, while Yohei Matsumoto secured his first goal since his return to the club, however, his late finish was not enough to spark any comeback.
Campbelltown City is looking to return to winning ways after losing their first two games since their last meeting with MetroStars in Round Two. Last Friday night Campbelltown City lost their top two clashes with Adelaide City 2-0 which has ultimately seen them drop to third, now five points off the top spot. Things got worse for Campbelltown City as they missed the opportunity in participating in the Australia Cup SA Qualifying Finals as they lost to State League One Side Eastern United. Jake Halliday’s first-half goal was not enough for his side to secure the win as Eastern United scored twice late, securing the 2-1 win with a last-minute penalty. After missing out on a spot in the Australia Cup and now five points behind first, Campbelltown City will be looking to redeem themselves with a win over MetroStars to distance themselves within the top three.
MetroStars will be hosting a Past Players match against Campbelltown City prior to the RAA NPLSA match between both clubs.
MetroStars line-up: 1. Isaac Carmody, 2. Connor O'rielly, 4. Justin Davis, 5. Timothy Henderson, 6. Paul Blefari, 7. Hamish Gow, 8. Rocky Callisto, 10. Anthony Solagna (C), 11. Ariath Piol, 12. Alessio Melisi, 14. Philip Cash, 16. Francesco Schimizzi, 19. Cooper O'donnell, 20. Luke Ostbye (GK), 21. Cameron Woodfin, 22. Jackson Walls, 23. Christian Esposito, 26. Ren Nagamatsu
Coaches: Robert Saraceno, Nicholas Bouzalas, Adam Van Dommele, Michael Rende
Team Staff: Giorgio Capoccia, Joseph Polisena, Patrick Pike, George Laoutaris
Campbelltown City line-up: 1. Alexander Woodlands (GK), 2. Shaun Harvey (C), 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, 18. Yohei Matsumoto, 19. Joshua Barresi, 20. Matthew Centofanti, 21. Jordan Maricic
Coaches: Michael Matricciani, Adrian DAloia, Brenton Hiern, Edward Scalzi
Team Staff: Agelo Kapnistis, Liam Oates, Corey Artone
State League One
It’s a top-six clash that we’re treated to as Round 13 of State League One kicks off as Adelaide Croatia Raiders host West Adelaide at Croatian Sports Centre. Adelaide Croatia Raiders have been unbeatable over the last month, winning two and drawing two, including a massive 3-0 win over Adelaide Victory in the last round. Clement Ebahece Waoci has been in red hot form over the last five games, scoring six goals, while the team now hold the second-best attacking record in the competition. Three points away from West Adelaide in third, a win for Adelaide Croatia Raiders will see them overtake their opponents and possibly see them jump to third if Para Hills Knights are to drop points. However, West Adelaide is no easy opponent, with this week’s away side in great spirits after knocking off than second-place Para Hills Knights 4-1, becoming the first team to score more than two goals against them this season. After starting the season with five goals in five games, young attacker Peter Katsambis has returned to the score sheet with two goals in last week's win. Ricardo Da Silva has also continued his great run of form, scoring his seventh of the season in their win over Para Hills Knights. Currently, seven points from the first place a win for West Adelaide is vital in their ambitions of automatic promotion. When both teams met at the start of the season, West Adelaide secured a 4-2 victory.
Another top six matchup is upon us as league leaders Modbury Jets travel to Ramsay Park to play Playford City. Current sixth place Playford City has had a mixed start to the season which has seen them win six and lose six in their opening twelve games. After struggling in a 3-1 loss to current bottom side Adelaide Hills in Round 11, Playford City bounced back in great fashion, beating Port Adelaide as Dylan Ryan’s long-range Goal of the Week secured the 1-0 win. Currently four points clear for seventh, a win could see Playford City secure their top-six status for weeks to come. Though face an incredibly tough challenge as they face Modbury Jets who beat them 5-0 in Round Two. After two weeks without a win, Modbury Jets' search for the Premiership is back on track after securing back-to-back wins, including a 6-3 win over Fulham United in Round 12. Modbury Jets continue to impress going forward each week, already scoring 44 goals in twelve games, almost beating last seasons league leaders WT Birkalla’s 45 goals from last season. However, the team has struggled defensively recently, conceding nine goals in their last three games, while being without a clean sheet since Round Five. Though Modbury Jets won’t be fazed as their great form has seen them hold a six-point lead at the top of State League One and are excited with the prospect of expanding this.
State League One football continues as Para Hills Knights face Adelaide Hills at The Paddocks, while Port Adelaide travels to APEX Football Stadium to take on Adelaide University SC, Fulham United takes on Adelaide Blue Eagles and Eastern United battle with Adelaide Victory at State Centre for Football Sunday afternoon.
State League Two
Vipers FC looks to continue their unbeaten run as they take on league leaders Adelaide Cobras at St Clair Oval. Including their fairy-tale run into the Qualifying Finals of the Australia Cup, Vipers FC has been unbeatable since their Round Two loss against Adelaide Cobras. In their last five league fixtures, Vipers FC has been almost perfect, winning four and drawing just once, which has seen them keep three clean sheets in the last three games. Lucas Candeloro has been in great form in recent weeks, scoring five goals in his last five games, including their Australia Cup matches, where he scored the winner to secure three 1-0 wins in this period. A win will close the four-point gap between them and Adelaide Cobras to one point. Adelaide Cobras will be in great confidence heading into this matchup, sitting two points clear on top of State League Two, while being the only team this season to beat Vipers FC. The league leaders have been in incredible form in their last five games, winning four and drawing once. In their last fixture, Adelaide Cobras fought back from 2-0 down to draw with Seaford Rangers 2-2 as Perry Mitris secured a double to take his tally up to nine goals for the season. A win for Adelaide Cobras will increase their lead at the top of State League Two and set them up perfectly in their ambitions for promotion in the final eight matches.
It’s fourth vs fifth as Western Strikers host Cove FC at the State Centre for Football Saturday night. Currently sitting in fifth, Western Strikers has been in unbeatable form in recent weeks, drawing once and winning three, including two wins in their last two fixtures, including a 2-0 win over Northern Demons. Giorgio Karakitsios has been in great form during this period, scoring three goals in their last four games. A win will see Western Strikers jump into fourth, overtaking Cove FC. After starting the season without a loss in their opening nine games, Cove FC faced back-to-back defeats in Round Ten and Eleven which saw them drop to fourth. However, they look to have regained their form, beating Pontian Eagles SC 3-1 in Round 12 as David Thornton scored twice late to secure the win including one in the 93rd minute. Currently, three points away from Vipers FC in third, a win could see them close that gap if Vipers FC is to lose.
In other State League Two action sees Pontian Eagles SC battle Noarlunga United, Gawler Eagles FC host Northern Demons at Karbeethan Reserve, and Salisbury United travels to Karingal Reserve to face Seaford Rangers. While Modbury Vista vs Mount Barker United SC has been postponed.