Category: Front Page, Mens
Super League preview
Croydon v MetroStars
Devine Super League First Semi-Final
When: Saturday, September 8th. Kick off 2:30pm
Where: Polonia Park, Essex Crescent, CROYDON PARK
Teams:
Croydon: Luke Shoen (GK), Jack Reynolds, Dion Gazettas, Anthony Boccacio, Shaun McGreevy, Michael Papacharalambous (C), Frank Violi, Alamayo Kebede, Chris Pepe, Daniel Scordo, Nathan Farrell, Konrad Koznik, Daniel Ryles, Luke Air, Lewis May, Kristian Penna (RGK)
MetroStars: Daniel Godley (GK), David Menechella, Lee Robertson (C), Michael D'Aloisio, Steven Grelli, Tony Hatzis, Scott Tunbridge, James Yong, Michael Matricciani, Andrew Ciarla, Frank Monterosso, Adam Van Dommele, Perry Mitris, Rocky Callisto, Stef Cali, Joseph Polisena, Michael Rende (RGK)
Form:
Croydon: W W W
Round 16: Enfield City 2-3 Croydon, Rushworth Reserve
Round 17: Croydon 1-0 Adelaide Comets, Polonia Parka
Round 18: Raiders 1-3 Croydon, Croatian Sports Centre
MetroStars: W W W
Round 18: MetroStars 3-1 Western Strikers, TK Shutter Reserve
Coca-Cola Federation Cup Final: Para Hills 0-3 MetroStars, Hindmarsh Stadium
Qualifying Final: Adelaide Blue Eagles 0-2 MetroStars, Marden Sports Complex
Preview:
A spot in the Grand Final is up for grabs for the winner between Croydon and MetroStars at Polonia Park on Saturday, as they meet in the Devine Super League First Semi-Final.
The minor premiers return to action for the first time since their Round 18 victory over Raiders. The 3-1 win was Croydon’s fifth in succession.
Despite going nearly three weeks since their last competitive fixture, captain Michael Papacharalambous does not believe the Kings momentum will halt.
“I don’t think it will affect us too much, we are all pumped and ready for the Finals. The guys are feeling good and training is still intense,” said Papacharalambous.
“We will be without Luke Klimek but Lewis May might be back. They are two important players but those who have come in have done a great job.”
“We know this is a huge game but we go in with the same mindset as always. We feel we can match MetroStars as we showed with our last performance against them.”
MetroStars overcame Adelaide Blue Eagles 2-0 last week in the Qualifying Final to earn this chance at sealing a spot in the decider.
Coach Rick Cerracchio notes their fourth win in a row came after a strong performance and he expects the same will be required to topple the Kings.
“It was very strong and consistent all round from the guys and also clinical. We knew we had to be good,” stated the tactician.
“We go into this match very confident and feel less pressure given Croydon are minor premiers. Considering we were written off about eight weeks ago we go in with no expectations and you could say we are the underdogs.”
“It will be a tough game, they are organised and fit and it will be very competitive. We have more experience at this level and think we can match up well to them.”
Adelaide Blue Eagles v Adelaide City
Devine Super League Second Semi-Final
When: Sunday, September 9th. Kick off 2:30pm
Where: Marden Sports Complex, Lower Portrush Road, MARDEN
Teams:
Adelaide Blue Eagles: Gino De Lucia (GK) (C), Christopher Atsikbasis, Christopher Annicchiarico, Dean Kenrick, Stefan Barletta, Damien Crettenden, Jace Cummins, Damien Di Mella, Fortunato Filletti, Francesco Marafioti, Evan Kounavelis, Mitch Nicholson, Harris Vukic, Chad Bugeja, Hayden Walter, Matthew Charalambous, Hugh Cardle (RGK)
Adelaide City: Alex Sunasky, Anthony Costa, Jonathan Negus, Joseph Costa, Joel Alwright, Matthew Mullen, Matthew Halliday, Nick Budin, Nicholas Bucco, Patrick Deruvo, Paul Blefari, Paul Radice, Ricardo Da Silva, Stephen Jackson, Tom Guttormsn, Luke Ostbye (GK), Fabian Garrucio ( RGK)
Form:
Adelaide Blue Eagles: W W L
Round 17: Campbelltown 0-3 Adelaide Blue Eagles, Steve Woodcock Sports Centre
Round 18: Adelaide Blue Eagles 2-0 Adelaide City, Marden Sports Complex
Qualifying Final: Adelaide Blue Eagles 0-2 MetroStars, Marden Sports Complex
Adelaide City: D L W
Round 17: Adelaide City 2-2 Raiders, Adelaide City Park
Round 18: Adelaide Blue Eagles 2-0 Adelaide City, Marden Sports Complex
Elimination Final: Adelaide City 2-0 Raiders, Adelaide City Park
Preview:
There are no second chances for Adelaide Blue Eagles and Adelaide City after this Sunday as the pair collides in the Second Semi-Final at Marden Sports Complex.
Blue Eagles suffered their first defeat since early July in last week’s Qualifying Final, ensuring their remaining fixtures all carry the threat of elimination.
Despite the defeat, attacker Evan Kounavelis claims they are not worried about a potential straight-sets Finals exit and remain confident of their chances this season.
“Last week we were flat. MetroStars did well to restrict our time on the ball and we could not get going,” said Kounavelis.
“However, we are confident we can get through this week and can go on to win the championship. In a game we know we can’t lose, you’ll see a Finals-hardened team give their best.”
“We beat Adelaide City recently and drew earlier in the season so feel we have a slight edge, even if in the Finals it doesn’t count for too much.”
Adelaide City eliminated Raiders last weekend after a 2-0 win, their first success since their Round 16 triumph over Adelaide Comets.
Defender Matthew Mullen missed the first Finals encounter but believes the win has given the black and whites a great deal of confidence.
“I thought we dominated the game and deserved our result. It was good to see Nick Budin back, his experience helps us a lot,” said Mullen.
“You could say we go in as underdogs considering we lost against Blue Eagles a few weeks ago, but after the win last week we are feeling confident and believe we are getting back to our best.”
“Last time they beat us in most areas of the park. So we have been working on our individual battles and also our defending from set pieces, which needs improving.”
