Croydon FC vs Sturt Lions
2:30 pm | Saturday 9 July | Jack Smith Park
Last Meeting: (9/4/22) Round Seven | Sturt Lions 0 v Croydon FC 4
Croydon FC has returned to winning ways after experiencing four consecutive losses which saw them drop out of the top six. The team secured a 1-0 victory over WT Birkalla last week as a clever indirect freekick which saw Peter Mercurio’s shot beat all WT Birkalla players to cross the line and give them the lead. Currently sitting outside the top six by one point, Croydon FC is in desperate need of another win they look to obtain a strong end to the season as they look to the RAA NPLSA Finals Series for the first time since 2020.
The last time Croydon FC faced Sturt Lions, they eased to victory as the team secured a 4-0 win. Dominating proceedings, Croydon FC contributed to their most polished performance of the season which saw Antoni Trimboli, Dion Kirk and Kristos Stefanopoulos all get their names on the scoresheet. However, since that win, Croydon FC has only won two further games out of their last ten.
Sturt Lions have also experienced a major drop in form which has seen them go their last four matches without a win while recording three losses. The team experienced their eighth defeat of the season last week as a strong Campbelltown City was able to make their late chance count and secure the 1-0 victory. This poor form from Sturt Lions has now seen them drop to ninth, however, although the poor form, the team remains only three points off the top six, meaning a spot in this season's Finals Series is not out of question.
Croydon FC line-up: 1. Gianni Tramontin, 2. John Panagaris, 3. Inthavanh Thongsisavat, 5. Luke Klimek (C), 6. Christopher Vivian, 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
Sturt Lions line-up: 1. James Klappers (GK), 2. Michael Marrone (C), 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, 14. Zack Gomez, 15. Akira Kobaishi, 16. Samuel Voigt, 17. Jonathan Fusco, 18. Toby Nelson, 19. Luke Fusco, 20. Mitchell Keens, 21. Michael Giorgines, 22. Jack Locke, 23. Isaac Jordaan
Coaches: Lino Fusco, Frank Tibaldi, Gregory Videon, Mirza Sljivo
Team Staff: Ivan Piovesan, Jakson Messent, Matthew Flounders
Cumberland United vs WT Birkalla
3:00 pm | Saturday 9 July | A.A Bailey Reserve
Last Meeting: (9/4/22) Round Seven, WT Birkalla 0 v Cumberland United 1
It’s desperate times for Cumberland United and WT Birkalla in Round 18, with three points being vital for both sides as they look to avoid relegation. Currently at the bottom of the RAA NPLSA, Cumberland United have a difficult task as they look to overcome a six-point gap to remain in the RAA NPLSA. Cumberland United are currently experiencing a poor run of form, which has seen them remain winless in their last seven games, including a 2-1 loss to Adelaide United FC last week. With the season gradually coming to an end, three points against their relegation rivals is a must for Cumberland United this week.
Cumberland United broke their six-game winless start to the season when they faced WT Birkalla in Round Seven action earlier in the season. The team secured a 1-0 victory that afternoon, with Sam Carmichael’s 31st-minute finish proving to be the decisive moment.
Currently four points behind Adelaide Olympic in tenth, WT Birkalla will be devasted not to have closed that gap after what has been a strong period of performances. After their 0-0 draw with Adelaide Olympic, WT Birkalla has faced back-to-back defeats, however, were unfortunate not to have received a point from either. The team faced a 2-1 loss to Campbelltown City two weeks ago where they conceded a 90th-minute header, with their latest loss coming against Croydon FC where they conceded from an indirect free kick. Three points are needed this round to keep their survival hopes alive and close the gap between them and Adelaide Olympic.
Cumberland United line-up: Harry Thannhauser, 1. Luke Schoen (GK), 2. Jack Schoen, 4. Tom Dittmar, 5. Sam Carmichael, 7. Rocco Visconte, 9. Yuya Taguchi, 14. Cohan Morris, 16. Brayden Micallef, 20. Stavros Bakopanos, 22. Minsung Park, 24. Amir Ibrahim, 27. Harry Thomas, 35. Thomas Visser
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, 11. jonathon d'arrigo, 13. Ethan Stevenson, 15. Christian D'Angelo, 17. David Makridis, 20. Nicholas Harpas (GK), 27. 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
Campbelltown City vs South Adelaide
3:00 pm | Saturday 9 July | Steve Woodcock Sports Centre
Last Meeting: (9/4/22) Round Seven, South Adelaide 0 v Campbelltown City 1
Campbelltown City looks to continue their red-hot form which has seen them win all their last four games. Alex Mullen’s return to the squad has been met with relief from the Campbelltown City squad, with the star midfielder proving vital once again as his 85th-minute finish against Sturt Lions provided his team with the 1-0 victory and their eleventh win of the season. That win marked their fourth win by a one-goal deficit in a row and has also seen the climb to third and are now only three points off the top spot. With a top-two spot in sight, Campbelltown City is eager to make it five consecutive wins for the second time this season.
It was another close encounter between Campbelltown City and South Adelaide the last time they met, with Campbelltown City securing a 1-0 win. Alex Mullen was once again the saviour for his side, as he converted from the penalty spot in the 64th minute.
South Adelaide will be devasted not to have secured three points last week as they blew a 3-1 lead over Adelaide Olympic to draw the game 3-3. The team took an early lead with Alex Rideout showing his quality in front of goals as he scored twice in the opening 30 minutes, while Jonathon Rideout continued his great goal-scoring run as he converted his twelfth of the season. Currently, only three points separate South Adelaide and the top six, with the team eager to make their second consecutive appearance in the Finals Series.
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, 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 line-up: 1. Ryan Veitch (GK), 2. Michael Goode, 4. Robert Parker (C), 6. Liam Wooding, 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, 36. George Mannion
Coaches: Anthony Rideout, Daniel Milovanovic, Christopher Reed
Team Staff: Gary Craggs, Jacqueline Wingate
Adelaide City vs Adelaide United FC
5:00 pm | Saturday 9 July | Adelaide City Park
Last Meeting: (9/4/22) Round Seven, Adelaide United FC 2 v Adelaide City 4
After dominating throughout in entirety of the season, Adelaide City has now gone two weeks without a victory for the first time this year. After facing their first defeat of the season against MetroStars, Adelaide City was unable to bounce back to winning ways as they drew 1-1 with FK Beograd last week. After conceding early in the encounter, Nicholas Bucco came to the rescue as his incredible long-range strike put his side level while providing them with a point. Joseph Costa will miss the next match after he received two yellows in their last match. Currently, only two points separate Adelaide City and second-placed Adelaide Comets, while only three separate them from Campbelltown City, meaning three points are vital for them in Round 18.
A ten-men Adelaide City squad won comfortably last time they met Adelaide United FC with a 4-2 victory. Adelaide City took an early lead with Daniel Bressan, Ayom Ayom Majok and Thomas Brown all scoring within the opening 30 minutes, while Adelaide United FC fought back with Yaya Dukuly converting from the spot. Aladin Irabona further increased their lead in the 74th, while Fabian Talladira got one back for Adelaide United FC with an 83rd-minute goal, however, it was not enough.
Adelaide United FC is currently experiencing a great run of form which has seen them jump into the top six after three wins in their last five games. These runs continued last week with a 2-1 victory over Cumberland United, where star players Luka Jovanovic and Panashe Madanha both contributed with goals. With numerous teams still in contention for a top-six spot, Adelaide United’s Finals Series spot is will be under threat if they are unable to secure three points against the league leaders this weekend.
Adelaide City line-up: 4. Matthew Halliday (C), 5. Zakariah Waters, 6. Bradley Corbo, 10. Nicholas Bucco, 11. Charlie Devereux, 14. Aladin Irabona, 17. Thomas Brown, 19. Vianne Kurikwimana, 22. JUAN GUTIERREZ, 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
Adelaide United FC line-up: 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, 77. Asad Kasumovic, 92. Nestor Irankunda, 97. Luka Jovanovic
Coaches: Airton Andrioli, Elvis Markov, Vlado Blazeka, Joe Verringer
Team Staff: Jonathan Norodom, Katrina Smith
Adelaide Olympic vs Adelaide Comets
6:00 pm | Saturday 9 July | APEX Football Stadium
Last Meeting: (12/4/22) Round Seven, Adelaide Comets 1 v Adelaide Olympic 0
Adelaide Olympic’s fight for survival is looking to be a success with the team currently on a run of five games without a defeat. In their last fixture, Adelaide Olympic fought back once again to earn a point as goals by Kristin Konstandopoulos, Jason Konstandopoulos and Christos Pounendis provided them with a result to see them go four points away from the relegation zone. With a decent gap between themselves and the bottom two, Adelaide Olympic are eager to further increase this while attempting to make a late push for a place amongst the top six.
An own goal was all that could separate Adelaide Comets and Adelaide Olympic last time they met. A 35th-minute Adelaide Olympic own goal provided Adelaide Comets with a 1-0 victory, with the result keeping Adelaide Comets in the race for the top spot.
Adelaide Comets is currently experiencing a great run of six victories in their last seven games. This run continued as they beat top two rivals MetroStars with a 1-0 win last week as Jaiden found the back of the net in the 37th minute after an impressive Augustus Williams run. With that victory, Adelaide Comets have remained in second, while have now closed the gap between themselves and first-placed Adelaide City to two points. Adelaide Comets are eager to secure their third consecutive Premiership while attempting to repeat their heroics from last year where they turned a nine-point deficit at this point last year to be crowned Premiers.
Adelaide Olympic line-up: 1. Lewis Moss, 3. Paul Wilson, 4. Benkert Abdija, 5. Adam Leombruno, 6. Kristin Konstandopoulos, 7. Jason Konstandopoulos, 9. Christos Pounendis, 10. Dylan D'Agostino, 11. Tito Bontor, 14. Tzoi Tsarkani, 15. Michael Cittadini, 20. Clifford Maina, 44. Ioannis Simosis
Coaches: Yianni Stamatelopoulos, George Konstandopoulos, Bill Nastou
Team Staff: Robert Muscio, Marcus Gentile, Sumin Kim
Adelaide Comets line-up: 1. Julian Torresan, 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 vs FK Beograd
6:00 pm | Saturday 9 July | TK Shutter Reserve
Last Meeting: (9/4/22) Round Seven, FK Beograd 3 v MetroStars 2
After the devastation of losing their first game since Round 11, MetroStars will be desperate to return to winning ways as they look to keep their top two ambitions alive. Facing a 1-0 defeat to Adelaide Comets last week, MetroStars have now fallen to fourth and are now four points off the second spot with five games to go. MetroStars have continued to impress throughout this season with numerous important wins against fellow top-four rivals. With the season gradually coming to an end and the Finals Series on the horizon, MetroStars will be looking to produce a strong end to the season to obtain great form heading into it.
FK Beograd fought back from two goals down last time they faced MetroStars to secure a 3-2 victory. Ariath Piol was the star for MetroStars in the first half securing a double to give his side a 2-0 lead heading into the break. However, FK Beograd attacker Joshua Mori would haunt his former side as he scored a hattrick, with his last coming in the 85th minute to secure the three points for his side.
Joshua Mori has not looked back since that performance, with the attacker scoring a further nine goals in ten games to take his season tally to 13 and lead the league in goals. The attacker’s form has seen his side experience an incredible run which has earnt them a place amongst the top six. Mori continued his incredible run as his 25th-minute goal last week gave his side a 1-0 lead over league leaders Adelaide City while earning him another nomination for Goal of the Week. Although finishing the game with a 1-1, that point has turned out to be valuable with the team now two points clear within the top six in fifth, however, must continue their winning ways with numerous teams looking to break into the Finals Series places.
MetroStars line-up: Christian Esposito, Timothy Henderson, Ren Nagamatsu, 1. Isaac Carmody, 2. Connor O'rielly, 4. Justin Davis, 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, 27. Jackson Fortunatow
Coaches: Robert Saraceno, Nicholas Bouzalas, Adam Van Dommele, Michael Rende
Team Staff: Giorgio Capoccia, Patrick Pike, Joseph Polisena, George Laoutaris
FK Beograd line-up: 2. Brian Kaltak, 5. Jacob Butler-Bowdon, 6. Paul Radice, 7. Yusuf Ahmed, 9. Joshua Mori, 10. Thomas Love, 12. Antonios Natsiopoulos, 13. Deale Chamberlain (GK), 15. Massimo Falco, 16. Ninko Beric, 18. Stanisa Velinov, 19. Filimon Asefa, 22. Akok Arok, 23. Cooper Nunn
Coaches: Damian Mori, Joshua Smith, Scott Parr
Team Staff: Constantinos Tsaconas, Sachin Prakash Kumar
State League One
It’s another top-four encounter as Adelaide Blue Eagles face West Adelaide at Marden Sports Complex Saturday afternoon. Adelaide Blue Eagles have now fallen three points below third place after they were beaten by Adelaide Croatia Raiders 1-0 last week, marking their second defeat in the last four games. That result also marked their first goalless result since Round Three this year, which was a downgrade from the nine goals scored across the previous two games. A win is needed this round to keep their top two hopes alive. West Adelaide is searching to keep their seven-game unbeaten run alive as they look to further increase their distance inside the top two. The team were unfortunate not to close the gap to one point between themselves and Modbury Jets last week as they drew 1-1 in their top two clash with Ricardo Da Silva securing a goal within the opening three minutes. With Para Hills Knights only two points away in third and Modbury Jets looking to further increase their lead and gain automatic promotion, West Adelaide is in desperate need of three points in this week’s clash to keep their ambitions alive.
Eastern United and Adelaide Croatia Raiders face off Saturday afternoon in a clash that could potentially shape this season’s top six race. Currently sitting in ninth, Eastern United have dropped in form over the last month which has seen them win only two of their last seven games. This drop of form was highlighted in the team's 3-1 loss to Para Hills Knights last week, where the team was unable to capitalise on a ten men opposition, with their only goal of the game coming from an own goal. Currently only one point off the top six, Eastern United has a great opportunity to enter the top six for the first time since Round Five. Their opponents Adelaide Croatia Raiders will enter this match in great spirits after their impressive 1-0 win over top-four side Adelaide Blue Eagles, with new signing John Solari recording a clean sheet on debut. With their victory last week, Adelaide Croatia Raiders gained great breathing room inside the top six as they now sit three points clear from dropping outside the Finals Series spots, however, must continue their winning ways as numerous teams fight to overtake them.
State League One football continues as Adelaide Victory faces Port Adelaide at Rushworth Reserve, Para Hills Knights travel to West Beach Park Football Centre to face Fulham United FC, Playford City face Adelaide University SC while league leaders Modbury Jets face current bottom side Adelaide Hills at Smith Partners Stadium.
State League Two
Adelaide Cobras are eager to increase their lead at the top of State League Two while Northern Demons look to jump into the top six. With only five rounds to go, Adelaide Cobras are in a prime position to make their stay in State League Two only one season as they lead the pack by three points. The team got off to an impressive start as Romain Toscano and Andrew Orphanou gave their side a 2-0 lead within the opening eleven minutes, which lead to their 2-1 win over Noarlunga United. Although the great form, Adelaide Cobras will be without their ever-reliable stars Daniel Scorsonell and Romain Toscano and who are set for a week on the sideline after accumulating too many yellow cards. Their opponents Northern Demons will be looking to return to winning ways after they faced their first defeat since Round 13 last week as they lost 2-0 to Seaford Rangers. Currently sitting outside the top six by three points, Northern Demons will be looking to close that gap to provide themselves with a good opportunity of making the Finals heading into the final four games of the season.
In other State League Two action sees Modbury Vista and Pontian Eagles SC kick-off Round 18 on Friday night, current bottom side Gawler Eagles FC face an inform Western Strikers, Mount Barker United SC travels to Southern Soccer Facility to face Cove FC, while Salisbury United will face Noarlunga United and Seaford Rangers host Vipers FC.