Match of the Round
Adelaide Olympic vs Croydon FC
7:30 pm | Friday 29 April | VALO Football Centre
Last Meeting: (11/8/21) Round 14 | Adelaide Olympic 4 v Croydon FC 1
Life for Adelaide Olympic in 2022 hasn’t started well, with the team currently sitting in ninth. After just missing out on a top-six spot in 2021 which saw them only lose five games, Adelaide Olympic has now equaled their loss tally from the season before in on only eight games in 2022. This run has seen Adelaide Olympic record only two wins and a draw in their opening eight fixtures which have seen them record their lowest point tally after eight games since entering the RAA NPLSA in 2016.
To start the 2021 season, Adelaide Olympic had only recorded two wins in their opening eight games which saw them sit in ninth. However, their form gradually started to pick up as the team only experienced three defeats in their next fourteen games as they finished the season three points off from a final series spot in seventh. With fourteen games still to go, there is plenty of time for this experienced and exciting Adelaide Olympic side to turn their season around, with only six points separating them and sixth.
After picking up their second win of the season in Round Six as they comfortably beat South Adelaide 4-0, Adelaide Olympic is yet to record a point in their last two fixtures. The side has now experienced back-to-back defeats without scoring a goal with a 1-0 loss to Adelaide Comets and most recently a 3-0 loss to Campbelltown City.
The last time both teams met saw Adelaide Olympic secure a 4-1 win over Croydon FC at VALO Football Centre in Round 14 of the 2021 RAA NPLSA season, occurring during Croydon FC’s early season struggle which had seen them win only two of their opening fourteen games. However, since their last matchup, much has changed for that Croydon FC side. Since Round 14 of the 2021 RAA NPLSA season, Croydon FC has lost only three matches, only experiencing one defeat thus far in 2022.
Currently sitting in third, Croydon FC are enjoying a fantastic start to the season which has seen them record 15 points in eight games, already surpassing their points tally from Round 16 of the 2021 season, demonstrating a tremendous resurgence from the squad as they look to return to the RAA NPLSA Final Series.
After dropping points in Round Eight as they drew with South Adelaide 1-1, Croydon FC will be excited to attempt to close the three-point gap between themselves and the top two. Super-sub Peter Mercurio rescued a point for Croydon FC late in the second half, with his 87th-minute goal coming only two minutes into his introduction in the match. Croydon FC’s Round Nine showdown with Adelaide Olympic will be their fourth Friday night fixture of the season. Although not experiencing defeat in their last three Friday night matches, Croydon FC is yet to win in any of these three matches, recording a draw in each match. Croydon FC will be eager to break this trend as they look for their fifth win of the season.
Adelaide Olympic line-up: 1. Lewis Moss (GK), 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. Fausto Erba (C), 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
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: Mario Catalano, Joshua Avery
WT Birkalla vs MetroStars
2:30 pm | Saturday 30 April | Jack Smith Park
Last Meeting: (24/4/21) Round Two Australia Cup Preliminary Rounds, WT Birkalla 0 v MetroStars 2
Although their disappointing start to the season, WT Birkalla showed a glimpse of exciting things to come, with the recently promoted side being unfortunate to not record a win against the current league leaders and 2021 Champions Adelaide City away in Round Eight. WT Birkalla almost had the honor of providing Adelaide City with their first defeat of the season after Austin Ayoubi’s 87th-minute Goal of the Season contender gave his side a 1-0 lead against his former club with only a couple of minutes left to play. However, it was late heartbreak for WT Birkalla as Adelaide City equalised with only minutes to play, denying WT Birkalla their second win of the season. WT Birkalla has now scored only once in their last four league fixtures and is eager to regain their scoring form which saw them record seven in their three games early in the season.
Their opponents MetroStars will be happy to return to winning ways after their second-half comeback earned them a 3-2 win against Adelaide United FC, securing their first win in three games. After conceding twice in the first twelve minutes against Adelaide United FC, it looked like it was going to be a difficult day for MetroStars. However, it seems like coach Robbie Saraceno’s half-time team talk worked perfectly as MetroStars came out from the break firing, recording three goals to secure all three points. New signing Ren Nagamatsu broke his five-game goalless drought as he recorded his third and fourth goals of the season, as his deadly aerial abilities were on full display, while young attacker Ariath Piol recorded his third goal in two games to secure the win for his side. Currently sitting in fifth, MetroStars will be looking to jump back into the top three as they search for their fifth win of the season.
WT Birkalla line-up: 1. Charlie Yull, 2. George Mannion, 3. james polli, 4. Christopher Ashwood (C), 6. Anthony Quici, 7. Stefan Simic, 8. Jake Monaco, 9. Calvin Mbarga, 10. Austin Ayoubi, 11. jonathon d'arrigo, 12. Luca Trimboli, 15. Christian D'Angelo, 17. David Makridis, 19. Nathan Munro, 20. Nicholas Harpas (GK), 21. Nicholas Harpas, 24. Noah Benouzekri, 91. Yasmin Sudic
Coaches: Jason Trimboli, George Katsaneris, Carmine Lauriello
Team Staff: Roger Williamson, Henry Lambert
MetroStars line-up: 1. Isaac Carmody, 2. Connor O'rielly, 3. Luke Frangakis, 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, 23. Christian Esposito, 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 City vs Sturt Lions
3:00 pm | Saturday 30 April | Adelaide City Park
Last Meeting: (1/7/21) Round 15, Adelaide City 2 v Sturt Lions 0
Adelaide City’s lead at the top of the RAA NPLSA ladder took a minor roadblock after their Round Eight 1-1 draw with WT Birkalla ended their three-game win streak, as Adelaide Comets closed the gap to only one goal separating the two sides. Adelaide City was fortunate to retain their undefeated status in all competitions after Daniel Bressan’s 91st-minute strike secured a late point for his side. Although leaving it late to secure a point against WT Birkalla, Adelaide City remains the league’s premier attacking side scoring 21 goals in eight games. Their usually impenetrable defence has been tested in recent weeks though, conceding five in their last three games. Adelaide City will hope to secure their sixth win of the season as they aim to distance themselves from rivals Adelaide Comets at the top of the RAA NPLSA. Adelaide City will also be excited to see new signing and Solomon Islands international Mohammad “Ali” Mekawir’s talents, as he looks to make his second appearance for the club after his second-half introduction against WT Birkalla.
In Round Eight, Sturt Lions recorded their first win since their 4-3 comeback against Adelaide Olympic at the end of March as they beat Cumberland United 3-1. Currently, in sixth position, Sturt Lions have only lost once in their last five matches which see them sit only five points from the top two. Although a great start to the season, Sturt Lions have struggled defensively to start the season, currently holding the worst defensive record out of all the top six teams, conceding 17 in eight matches. Although the struggling defence, Strut Lion’s attack has been strong in front of goals, with Gonzalo Rodriguez and Tyreece Conway recording four goals each. Sturt Lions have struggled recently against Adelaide City, with Adelaide City winning all three encounters last season.
Adelaide City line-up: 4. Matthew Halliday, 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, 22. JUAN GUTIERREZ, 23. Jai King-Byrne, 27. Matthew Dawber, 33. Dakota Ochsenham (GK)
Coaches: Paul Pezos, George Tsonis
Team Staff: Fabian Garuccio, Nik Hagicostas, Luis Fernandez Astudillo
Sturt Lions line-up: 1. James Klappers (GK), 2. Michael Marrone, 3. Daniel Guastella, 4. Jacob Atkinson, 5. Lachlan Duffy, 6. Toby Nelson, 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. Jack Dawson, 19. Luke Fusco, 20. Brandon Centofanti, 21. Jed Gauci, 22. Valentino Esposito, 23. Jack Locke
Coaches: Lino Fusco, Frank Tibaldi, Gregory Videon
Team Staff: Ivan Piovesan, Michael Margaritis, Jakson Messent, Matthew Flounders
South Adelaide vs Cumberland United
3:00 pm | Saturday 30 April | O’Sullivans Beach Sports & Community Centre
Last Meeting: (7/8/21) Round 16, Cumberland United 0 v South Adelaide 4
After four consecutive losses, South Adelaide recorded their first points since Round Three as they drew with third place Croydon FC 1-1. In recording their first points since the start of March, South Adelaide was able to score their first goal after being goalless for three games, with Jack Rudge’s first-half goal almost securing all three points for his side before Croydon FC’s 87th-minute goal denied them their fourth win of the season. After scoring fourteen goals in their first four games this season, South Adelaide will hope to regain their early goal scoring form as they face Cumberland United who has conceded 19 in eight matches, with Jonathan Rideout looking for his sixth goal of the season after being without one for his last four matches.
Cumberland United will be desperate to return to winning ways after losing to Sturt Lions 3-1 in Round Eight. After picking up their first win of the season against WT Birkalla in Round Seven, Cumberland was devasted not to continue that form into their showdown with Sturt Lions. Now with six losses in their opening eight games, Cumberland United will be desperate to record another win to help remove themselves from the bottom of the RAA NPLSA ladder. Cumberland United are yet to score more than once in any of their opening eight matches, currently holding the worst attacking record of five goals. The club will be hoping that current leading goal scorers Sam Carmichael and Harry Thannhauser who both have two goals each, can continue to find the back of the net, as they look to knock off South Adelaide this Saturday.
South Adelaide line-up: 1. Ryan Veitch (GK), 4. Robert Parker, 6. Liam Wooding, 7. Melad Ahmad, 8. Brett Rayner, 9. Ryan Wood, 10. Jonathon Rideout, 11. Alexander Rideout, 13. Jai Conroy, 14. Donovan Pollock, 15. Jackson Stephens, 18. Jack Rudge, 24. Daniel Evans, 40. Taine Muscroft
Coaches: Andrew Calderbank, Matthew Huntley, Fraser McLean
Team Staff: Benjamin Mcdougall, Jacqueline Wingate
Cumberland United line-up: Levi Wilson, 1. Luke Schoen (GK), 2. Jack Schoen, 4. Tom Dittmar, 5. Sam Carmichael, 7. Rocco Visconte, 8. Harry Thannhauser, 10. Daniel Ryles, 11. Charlie Ince, 14. Cohan Morris, 18. Wesley Weetra, 19. Lansana Smith, 20. Stavros Bakopanos, 22. Minsung Park, 24. Amir Ibrahim, 27. Harry Thomas, 35. Thomas Visser
Adelaide Comets vs Campbelltown City
3:00 pm | Saturday 30 April | State Centre for Football
Last Meeting: (14/8/21) Round 17, Campbelltown City 2 v Adelaide Comets 0
In recent history, Campbelltown City has continuously got the better of Adelaide Comets, winning both the 2019 & 2020 RAA NPLSA Grand Finals, while holding a 100% record against their opponents in 2021. In their last 10 meetings, Campbelltown City has only lost once, with their most recent loss coming in the 2020 Final Series which saw Adelaide Comets win 3-0 to book a place in that season’s Grand Final. However, Campbelltown City’s last league defeat against Adelaide Comets came in Round 21 of the 2019 RAA NPLSA season.
Campbelltown City’s current run of great form continued in Round Eight as they recorded their fourth win in five games as they knocked off Adelaide Olympic with a 3-0 win. After missing star striker Marc Marino with injury in Round Eight, the returning Joshua Barresi made his first start for the club since the 2020 Grand Final and marked his starting return with his first goal of the season. Alex Mullen was then able to secure his sixth and seventh goal of the league season as his double secured the three points. Improving each week under new coach Michael Matricciani, Campbelltown City continues to climb the RAA NPLSA ladder as they seek to close the gap to one point between them and Adelaide Comets in second.
Although their struggling record against Campbelltown City in recent history, Adelaide Comets is currently in a great position to record another three points this season. Currently sitting in second, Adelaide Comets are level on points with leaders Adelaide City as they have recorded five wins and three draws in their opening eight games. Adelaide Comets currently holds the best defensive record, only conceding four in eight games, while holding a strong attacking output. In their last outing, Adelaide Comets came from behind to record a 2-1 win against FK Beograd with young attacker Nikolas Ikonomopoulos recording his fourth goal of the season, while Thomas Briscoe netted his second of the season to secure the win.
It is always an exciting encounter when these two teams meet, with their Saturday afternoon encounter planning to be no different. Can Adelaide Comets continue their undefeated start to the season, or can Campbelltown City continue their great run of form and close the gap at the top of the RAA NPLSA?
Adelaide Comets line-up: 1. Julian Torresan (GK), 3. Christian Kourlas, 4. Wian Soontiens, 5. Adam Le Cornu, 6. Francesco Pangallo, 7. Dylan Smith, 8. Ryan Yates, 9. Ryan Cook, 10. Anthony Mavrolambados, 11. Thomas Briscoe, 12. Ross Hatzi, 14. Nathan Andijanto, 16. Stelios Zacharakis, 17. Marco Grelli, 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, Andreas Wiens
Team Staff: Evangelo Katsambis, Emma Gericke, Ilias Tsakiris
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, 23. Jake Halliday
Coaches: Michael Matricciani, Adrian DAloia, brenton hiern, Edward Scalzi
Team Staff: Agelo Kapnistis, Liam Oates, Corey Artone
Adelaide United FC vs FK Beograd
2:30 pm | Sunday 1 May | State Centre for Football
We have Sunday afternoon football to excite fans as Adelaide United FC and FK Beograd face each other for the first time at the State Centre for Football.
In their opening eight games, Adelaide United FC has experienced six losses, with only two wins. Adelaide United FC was devasted that they couldn’t capitalize on what was a strong first-half performance against MetroStars in Round Eight as they entered the break with a 2-0 lead, with Asad Kasumovic recording his first goal for the club. However, Adelaide United FC’s continuous defensive woes were on full display as they conceded three second-half goals as they lost 3-2, taking their tally to 26 goals conceded for the season. Three points are vital for Adelaide United FC in Round Nine if they want to remove themselves from the bottom two heading into the halfway point of the season.
After a strong performance against Adelaide Comets in Round Eight, FK Beograd will be devasted to have not secured three points. After taking the lead just after the start of the second half through Paul Radice, things began to look down as the goal scorer was shown a red card. Although holding onto the lead until the 75th minute, a two-minute Adelaide Comets double sunk FK Beograd’s spirits as they lost the game 2-1. Although losing two out of their last three games, FK Beograd’s start to the season has been strong, with the club currently three points away from a place in the top six. Scoring in every game thus far besides their opening round defeat, FK Beograd will be hoping to continue this trend as they face a currently struggling defensive side.
Adelaide United FC line-up: Musa Toure, Nestor Irankunda, Louis D’Arrigo, 1. Steven Hall, 19. Yaya Dukuly, 37. Jonny Yull, 40. Ethan Cox (GK), 44. Arbi Mollas, 45. Noah Mcnamara, 52. Giuseppe Bovalina, 53. Kane Vidmar, 55. Ethan Alagich, 62. Fabian Talladira, 77. Asad Kasumovic, 81. Mohamed Bility, 83. Jok Akuien, 97. Luka Jovanovic
Coaches: Airton Andrioli, Elvis Markov, Vlado Blazeka, Joe Verringer
Team Staff: Will Mockridge, Jonathan Norodom, Katrina Smith
FK Beograd line-up: Maksim Ivanic, 3. Brodie Barrow, 4. Andrej Simic, 5. Jacob Butler-Bowdon, 8. Christian Sotira, 9. Joshua Mori, 10. Thomas Love, 11. Evan Kounavelis, 12. Antonios Natsiopoulos, 13. Deale Chamberlain (GK), 15. Massimo Falco, 16. Ninko Beric, 18. Stanisa Velinov, 19. Filimon Asefa, 20. Jordan Pudler (C), 21. Nikola Jokic, 22. Akok Arok, 23. Cooper Nunn
Coaches: Damian Mori, Scott Parr
Team Staff: Constantinos Tsaconas, Stevo Nikolic
State League One
State League One football continues in Round Nine with five exciting matchups in Round Nine. We take a quick look at some of the exciting matches this weekend.
Modbury Jets will look to continue their reign of terror amongst all opponents as they take on Adelaide Victory at Rushworth Reserve. Adelaide Victory is currently the best defensive side in the competition, only conceding six goals in seven games, however, this will be tested this weekend as they face the best-attacking team Modbury Jets who have scored 30 goals in only eight games. Many teams have not been able to find a way to beat Adelaide Victory, as they have only experienced one defeat, though, Adelaide Victory hasn’t found that final goal to take them to victory, currently holding only one win and five draws which see them sit in seventh. Modbury Jets have continued to increase their lead at the top of State League One as they sit six points clear from second with only eight games played. During this period Modbury Jets have won seven games and drawn only one, remaining undefeated heading into Round Nine. Modbury Jets were concerned their unbeaten run was coming to an end in Round Eight as Port Adelaide led 2-1 up until the 63rd minute until Modbury Jet’s plethora of attacking options prevailed, culminating with a 5-2 win for the league leaders. Can Adelaide Victory be the first team to serve Modbury Jets their first loss of the season?
We are treated to an exciting top-six showdown as fifth place Adelaide Croatia Raiders host fourth-place Playford City on Saturday afternoon at Croatian Sports Centre. Adelaide Croatia Raiders have had a mixed start to life under new coach Phil Stubbins as they head into Round Nine with three wins, three losses and two draws. The team felt their third defeat of the season last week, as Fulham United FC came from behind to win 2-1. A win for Adelaide Croatia Raiders will see them jump Playford City and secure fourth place. Similar to Adelaide Croatia Raiders, Playford City has experienced a rollercoaster start to the season, winning four and losing three of their opening seven games. Playford City pulled off a great result in Round Eight as they dealt Para Hills Knights only their second loss of the season as captain Daniel Ryan’s 44th-minute goal secured the three points in a 2-1 win. A win for both clubs is important in their ambitions of promotion in 2022.
State League One football continues as Port Adelaide faces Adelaide Blue Eagles at Ngarrpadla (Taperoo Reserve), while Adelaide University SC travels to The Paddocks to take on Para Hills Knights and West Adelaide and Fulham United FC do battle at West Beach Parks Football Centre. Adelaide Hills vs Eastern United have both been postponed due to a COVID outbreak.
State League Two
After regaining the top spot in State League Two, Adelaide Cobras will look to extend their lead as they face Mount Barker United SC at Pro Paint & Panel Oval – Weigall Oval. Adelaide Cobras returned to winning ways beating Salisbury United 2-1, as Perry Mitris double earnt his side the three points to overtake their Round Eight opponents at the top of State League Two. Currently, the league’s best defensive side with only nine goals conceded, Adelaide Cobras currently hold the worst attacking record out of the top seven teams of the league, scoring only fourteen. Their opponent Mount Barker United SC’s great start to the season has quickly declined as they are now five games without a win. After losing three in a row, Mount Barker United SC earnt their first point since Round Four as they drew 2-2 with Noarlunga United after a 92nd minute Alex Twartz goal saved his side from their fourth defeat of the season.
Northern Demons and Salisbury United look to return to winning ways after both clubs faced defeat in Round Eight. After experiencing a run of three consecutive wins, Northern Demons faced their third defeat of the season as they lost 2-1 to Vipers FC. Attacker Yiannis Nestoras will look to return to his goalscoring ways after he was kept goalless for the first time since Round One. Salisbury United are eager to return to the top of the ladder after experiencing their first defeat of the season to Adelaide Cobras as they lost 2-1. Currently, the league’s premier attacking side with 20 goals scored in only eight games, Salisbury United will look to return their tremendous goal-scoring performance after being held to one goal for only the second time this season.
In other State League Two action sees Western Strikers battle Seaford Rangers, Pontian Eagles SC host the inform Vipers FC at Smith Partners Stadium, Modbury Vista travels to Southern Soccer Facility to face the undefeated Cove FC and Noarlunga United face Gawler Eagles FC at Wilfred Taylor Reserve.