Season 2013 has proven the rise of Rockdale City Suns as the side from Ilinden Sports Centre has thrown caution to the wind, and reaped some great reward in the process.
Under the expert tutelage of coach Branko Culina, the club has sealed not only its first ever semi-final appearance, though its maiden grand final qualification.
The football philosophy exercised by Culina has been the insistence of young talent in his teams. Mixed with some of the most experienced campaigners in the competition, the former A-League boss has fashioned a side that is one win away from a first ever piece of silverware.
One of the most consistent young performers for the Suns in 2013 has been left-sided defender Giorgio Speranza. The Suns number 3 has played a big role for his side, though it has certainly been hard work along the way.
“The season has been great for us, we did have a bit of a bumpy start, though we managed to get through that phase and go on a long undefeated run,” commented Speranza.
The Suns have made little noise since its promotion to Football NSW’s top flight in 2010, though this campaign has proven a massive wave as the likes of Marconi Stallions, Sutherland Sharks and Sydney United 58 FC can all testify.
“There really is a great belief amongst the entire team. This group of players is a fabulous one that has gelled very well together; and this goes beyond what happens on the park, we are good friends off it too, I think that is why we have managed to do well.”
Speranza’s start to the season was by far an unfortunate one, where the left-sided defender, who has a playing style resembling the great former Italian National team captain Paolo Maldini, was forced to watch his team from the sideline as he returned from injury.
“I personally did have a difficult start with an injury that kept me out initially. Of course it is hard to watch your teammates play while you are watching from the sideline, though the support of the boys kept me focused.”
Despite Speranza making his return to fitness, he had a tough battle claiming his spot in the starting lineup back.
“Thanks to some great physio work, a lot of hard training, I was ready to make my return, though as is the case at any club in the world, you need to fight for your spot and that is what I had to do.
“It was a challenging moment, one that I managed to eventually overcome when I got my chance again in the starting lineup, though it really is important to maintain that intensity because there are some great players in this squad and everyone needs to keep a high level of performance if they want to be playing each week.”
Speranza’s showing against Sydney United 58 FC, where he helped his side secure a shot at the grand final, was solid and the 22-year old is confident his side can go one more match to secure a historic Minor Premiership win for Rockdale City.
“To be honest, we were happy with our start where we wanted to press them early and not allow them to play. The way things went though, with the penalty for them, we lost our way a little.
“In saying that, we dug deep especially in the second-half after our coach looked to instill more confidence at half-time,” added Speranza.
“In the second-half, when they equalised, our heads did drop a little, though once more it is about the high level of respect and belief we all have in one another that allowed us to give extra-time a big shot and finally reach the win in the shootout.”
Rockdale City has recorded two draws in the regular season encounters against Bonnyrigg – the White Eagles triumphed in the Waratah Cup quarter-final – setting up the scene for a very tight encounter between the League’s best attack and best defence.
“Bonnyrigg is a great side. They are very direct, very physical and have a fine group of skillful players. I think we can match them in every position, we do need to play to our full potential though, that will be the key to having a shot at winning the match,” continued Speranza.
The older of the Speranza brothers, younger brother Roberto too has played his part in the Suns campaign this season, is confident that the mix of youth and experience can cause a major upset on Sunday.
“I am confident that we do have the players to do the job, it will just be a matter of settling down quickly and playing our game.
“Our midfield is integral to our chances. If our midfield is on top, the whole team does well. Paul Reid and Brendan Gan in the middle with Idriss El Hafiane or Sam Munro alongside them have a lot of quality about them, and they have been great this season.
“Add Cardozo and the likes of Askin (Oygur) and Paul (Kohler)… these guys are real role models for the rest of the team and the younger boys have all been able to learn a lot, and feel more comfortable on the pitch, especially at the final end of the season.”
The 22-year old continues to show maturity beyond his young years, and despite the excitement of an upcoming grand final, and possessing the ability to look forward to a long prosperous football career still, Speranza is one-hundred percent focused on Sunday’s grand final.
“To be honest, I am concentrating on this season for now. We have made the grand final, so all the focus is on this upcoming match. We will see about beyond this season later on, we are just focused on making all the fans happy by collecting a first ever grand final win,” Speranza concluded.
-By Joseph Carlucci
Archives for September 2013
Bonnyrigg White Eagles to take on Rockdale City Suns in IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 Grand Final
The Bonnyrigg White Eagles will take on the Rockdale City Suns in the inaugural 2013 IGA National Premier Leagues NSW Mens 1 Grand Final to be held at Penrith Stadium on Sunday 15th of September.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles secured an intense penalty shootout victory over Sydney United 58 FC last Sunday winning 5-3 on penalties while the Suns rocketed through to its first Grand Final after defeating Mark Rudan’s men 4-3 on penalties today after the match ended 2-2.
More information on ticket sales will be available tomorrow.
IGA National Premier Leagues NSW Mens 1 Grand Finals 2013
Sunday 15 September 2013
Penrith Stadium – Ransley St, Penrith
1st Grade: Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Rockdale City Suns, kick off at 4:00pm
20’s: Marconi Stallions v APIA Leichhardt Tigers, Kick off at 1:30pm
18’s: Sydney United 58 FC v Blacktown Spartans, kick off at 11am.
16’s: APIA Leichhardt Tigers v Sydney Olympic, kick off at 9am.
Suns melt Reds to secure historic Grand Final
Rockdale City Suns endured its third 120’ minutes of finals football to eliminate Premiers Sydney United 58 FC and secure a spot in the grand final.
A dramatic afternoon of football was brought to an end by a tension-packed penalty-shootout where Rockdale City triumphed 4-3 on penalties after the two sides were locked at 2-2 at the conclusion of 90’ minutes.
Luka Glavas had the Reds ahead in the first-half via the penalty-spot before Alec Urosevski made restored parity immediately after the half-time interval. Nikola Taneski made it 2-1 to the Suns from the penalty-spot though Matthew Bilic forced the encounter into extra-time with a 94’ minute equaliser.
The afternoon started brightly for Sydney United 58 FC, even before the kickoff, as captain Luka Glavas accepted the Premiership trophy in-front of the Reds supporters, after the side sealed the title on the final day of the competition.
The Reds were without the suspended Ben Jurman for the encounter, meanwhile the Suns were dealt a major blow with Richard Cardozo forced to pull out after failing a late fitness test.
Cardozo, who has been instrumental in the side’s run through to the finals series was ruled out after rolling his ankle in the final minutes of the Suns’ Friday evening training session, resulting in the striker’s exclusion from the encounter.
The opening stages saw both sides look to hold onto the ball and get a feel for the match, trading possession in the middle of the park.
Glen Trifiro’s expert free-kick delivery on 8’ minutes had Diego Barcena on quick alert. The Suns goalkeeper was ever ready, rushing off his line to comfortably punch the ball away to safety.
For the Suns, Paul Reid and Brendan Gan then combined exquisitely well to release Seiya Kawamura down the right, though the right-sided attacking right back, only just, failed to get to the ball.
In the 11’ minute an exquisite first touch by Alec Urosevski saw the striker turn into the penalty-area before going to ground. Despite the protests of a few of the Rockdale City players, referee Mr. Kris Griffiths-Jones order for play to continue.
At the other end, Yuchi Yamauchi made his way into the referee’s book after going down inside the area. The referee branded the Reds number 8 a yellow card for his efforts.
Yamauchi was rewarded in the 17’ minute however, when he was grounded on the right byline. The referee this time had no doubt, despite the mild protests of the Suns players. Captain Glavas was as cool as ever, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom left-hand corner, sending Barcena the wrong way to open the scoring.
Rockdale City’s response was instant and the side very nearly found an equaliser from a set-piece on 21’ minutes. Kawamura’s curling free-kick from the edge of the penalty-area packed a massive punch though was too central as Liam Reddy made a comfortable save.
The Suns maintained the pressure in the front third in the 24’ minute as Brendan Gan and Nikola Taneski combined exceptionally well to release Urosevski inside the penalty-area. The striker took his effort first time, though failed to get any real purchase on the ball as Reddy made a very comfortable save down to his left.
Sydney United looked to grab a hold of possession in the middle of the park with Trifiro and Paric seeing a lot of the ball. Mileski’s constant threat running off the midfielders too was a nuisance for the Suns who needed to remain alert on the counterattack.
The Reds number 18 displayed his fine array of skill in the 34’ minute when he turned his marker twice with a marvellous shimmy to sell his marker before his shot on goal was thwarted by the retreating Suns defence.
Rockdale re-enforced its focus in the front third with Taneski showing his exquisite touches when releasing Brendan Gan down the right; the ball, however, carried a little too much pace.
On the stroke of half-time Glavas went extremely close to doubling its lead. A tremendous pass into the path of the striker, by Trifiro, saw the Reds number 11 wiggle his way into some space before attempting an audacious chip over the goalkeeper; the ball finished only inches wide of the mark.
Following the interval, Rockdale City found its equaliser. It was a marvellous piece of individual brilliance by Urosevski who won the ball inside the Reds half before creating the room he needed to unleash a venomous left foot drive that finished in the roof of the net.
Sydney United 58 FC’s response was instant as the side created consecutive chances on 51’ minutes. Trifiro again showed his fine array of talent on the edge of the penalty-area before, only just, failing to pick out a teammate with a chipped pass to the back post, before Mileski dribbled his way into the penalty-area and shot on goal, denied by a last-ditch tackle.
Mileski went close again in the 55’ minute when latching onto a cross from the right, at the back post. Under immense pressure from his marker, Mileski attempted to get a shot on target, though failed to force Barcena into a save.
The Suns looked to counter in the 58’ minute, led superbly by Giorgio Speranza who made a monster run down the left before releasing Urosevski. Rockdale City had some numbers in good position, though Haydar was well-positioned to thwart any hope of a goal for Branko Culina’s men.
In the 63’ minute, Yamauchi had a look-in on goal though he failed to hit the target after taking a first touch.
Immediately down the other end, Gan played Taneski in on goal though the striker was thwarted by Sherlock who made a timely intervention.
The resulting corner saw the Reds partially clear the ball as Reid picked up the scraps and blast on goal. The ball ricocheted into the path of Gan who drove a second attempt on goal, denied by a fine Reddy save.
Rockdale City took the lead in the 75’ minute from the penalty-spot. Taneski calmly slotted home after substitute Toufic Alameddine won the Suns a penalty, in a similar spot to that of the first half for the Reds.
Reds coach Mark Rudan made an immediate change to his formation introducing Matthew Bilic and Mirjan Pavlovic to add more firepower in the front part of the pitch.
Sydney United 58 FC had a chance shortly after when Trifiro won a free-kick on the edge of the penalty-area, though the chance amounted to nothing as the Rockdale City wall stood strong.
The Reds continued to press and went close in the 88’ minute when an Ante Tomic free-kick from the right found the head of Pavlovic who could only divert over the crossbar.
Substitute Bilic was in the action again in the 2’ minute of injury-time as he forced Barcena into a tremendous reflex save.
Bilic was to go one step better in the 4’ minute of injury time as he latched onto Trifiro’s set-piece delivery from the right, sending his glancing header past Barcena, and the crowded Suns’ goalmouth, to send the match into a dramatic extra time period.
Prior to the start of the additional 30’ minutes, Suns coach Branko Culina was sent to the stands after exchanging some words with the referee, leaving Rockdale City without its coach for the extra time period.
The Reds started the stronger of the two sides as Trifiro combined with Bilic in the first clear chance of extra time. The neat ball by Trifiro sent Bilic clear, the ‘super sub’ denied on the edge of the penalty-area by Barcena who was quick off his line.
1’ minute later and it was Barcena again who denied the Reds. Pavlovic’s exceptional show of strength and power saw the striker drill a diagonal effort hard and low, denied by a world class Barcena save down to his left.
Sydney United continued to press and went close via a Trifiro free-kick before Speranza showed maturity beyond his years with a well-timed clearance under immense pressure from Bilic and Mileski moments later.
Rockdale’s response arrived via a set-piece of its own. Urosevski lined up the attempt from about 25-yards, failing to trouble Reddy though, who made a comfortable save.
The second-half of extra time started with the Suns on the right foot, and it was from Speranza’s left foot that an opening arrived. The speedy left-sided defender got forward for Rockdale, using his pace to run to the byline before centering into a crowded area as the chance went begging.
It was end-to-end action that followed as both sides pressed for a winner.
Urosevski and Alameddine were very lively for Rockdale City, making a number of runs to receive the ball from Reid who was at his brilliant best, dictating play.
Sydney United carved out, arguably, the best chance of the period in the 114’ minute when Sherlock got forward down the right. The right-sided defender’s cutback at the byline picked out Pavlovic who drove first-time on goal, denied only by a remarkable reflex save by Barcena, much to the disbelief of the home supporters.
4’ minutes from the end, at the other end, a quick Reid free-kick played over the Reds defence picked out the perfect run of Urosevski who saw his lunging attempt finish over the crossbar.
30’’ seconds later and Reid again created problems for Sydney United. His long-range attempt was swerving in the air, beating Reddy in the Reds goal though not the post as the Suns supporters this time had their hands on their heads in disbelief.
With both sets of players feeling the 120’ minutes in their legs, it would come down to the penalty-shootout to decide the encounter.
Penalty shootout sequence:
Pavlovic – cheeky chip down the middle GOAL
Urosevski – drilled down into the bottom right corner GOAL
Trifiro – drive into the bottom left-hand corner GOAL
Murayama – bottom right-hand corner GOAL
Tomic – bottom right-hand corner GOAL
Alameddine – bottom left-hand corner, hit with enough power to beat Reddy who guessed correctly GOAL
Speer – saved by Barcena to the goalkeeper’s right
Talevski – saved by Reddy, powerful drive to the goalkeeper’s left
Bilic – saved by Barcena, saved to his right
Taneski – to the goalkeeper’s right GOAL
Match Stats
Sydney United 58 FC 2 (Luka Glavas 18’ (pen), Matthew Bilic 90’+4’ )
Rockdale City Suns 2 (Alec Urosevski 46’, Nikola Taneski 76’ (pen) )
Penalty shootout: 4-3 to Rockdale City Suns.
Sunday 8th of September, 2013
Sydney United Sports Centre
Referee: Kris Griffiths-Jones
Assistant Referees: Nick Backo and Thomas Lee
Fourth Official: Adam Susz
Sydney United 58 FC: 29.Liam Reddy; 2.Mitchell Speer, 4.Nathan Sherlock, 6.Mitchell Stamatellis, 8.Yuchi Yamauchi (19.Matthew Bilic 76’), 9.Robert Mileski, 11.Luka Glavas (C) (7.Mirjan Pavlovic 76’), 16.Stjepan Paric (15.Anthony Tomelic 78’), 18.Glen Trifiro, 20.Ibrahim Haydar, 23.Ante Tomic
Substitutes Not Used: 41.Jordan Jennings; 5.Callum O’Connell
Yellow Cards: Yuchi Yamauchi 15’, Ibrahim Haydar 68’
Red Cards: Nil
Rockdale City Suns: 1.Diego Barcena; 3.Giorgio Speranza, 5.Paul Reid, 6.Takuya Murayama, 7.Brendan Gan (11.David Talevski 87’), 8.Paul Kohler, 9.Alec Urosevski, 13.Sam Munro (12.Idris El Hafiane 69’), 14.Nikola Taneski, 18.Seiya Kawamura (17.Toufic Alameddine 63’) 23.Askin Oygur (C)
Substitutes Not Used: 22.Aaron Liddell; 20.Themba Muata-Marlon
Yellow Cards: Idris El Hafiane 84’, Diego Barcena 88’
Red Cards: Nil
-By Joseph Carlucci
Bonnyrigg to call on Tomasevic experience
Bonnyrigg White Eagles defender Vuko Tomasevic will relish the opportunity to play in the IGA National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 1 Grand Final.
The former Central Coast Mariners defender spent two and a half years in the UK working as a physiotherapist before returning to the White Eagles this season.
Tomasevic is excited to be a part of the Grand Final this year and cannot wit to run onto the field.
“I was overseas for two and a half years which was something my wife and I always wanted to do,’’ he said.
“So basically I had all that time away from football. I went for jogs regularly and thought I stayed fit but it is very different to being match fit.
“When I returned the club asked me to come back again so I did.
“It did take me a while to get back into the swing of things, get my fitness right and by the start of the second round I was starting to it will be great to play in the Grand Final.
“I’ve heard the boys went down last year after dominating the league so hopefully we can overturn that.’’
After playing his junior football with the Marconi Stallions and later making his national league debut for the same in 1997, Tomasevic has been a stellar footballer.
Stints for the Northern Spirit and Central Coast Mariners followed with seasons for APIA Leichhardt Tigers and Bonnyrigg White Eagles intertwined.
But it is the White Eagles who Tomasevic holds close to his heart.
“The club does mean a lot to me,’’ he said.
“There is a great bunch of people who run the club including the board.
“I’ve got Serbian background as well so in terms of a family aspect it is great to give back to the community.
“But it isn’t only that, the club along with Marconi are probably the closes you will get to the professional standard, I feel both clubs do things very well.’’
At 33 years of age several people have questioned when Tomasevic will hang up the boots.
Having already inadvertently helped out as a physiotherapist for the club a career around the trap of football could beckon.
But Tomasevic maintains he hasn’t made his decision yet.
“It happened a few times where I would help out on the physio side but Brian Brown put a stop to that pretty early in the season,’’ he said.
“The club do want me to stay on for another season but I haven’t made my decision yet.
“Either way I would love to remain involved in the club.’’
The veteran’s focus though remains on the grand final and with his regular centre back partner Nikola Zonjic suspended the White Eagles will call on his experience to lead the line.
“I’m really excited with the grand final coming closer,’’ he said.
“For a lot of the younger boys this could be the stepping stone they need to get to the next level.
I’ll try to lead by example as much as I can and minimise the occasions as much as possible to keep things simple.’’
-By Chris Georges
Younis: Bonnyrigg eager for redemption
Bonnyrigg White Eagles striker Robert Younis is eager to repay the club’s officials and fans with an IGA National Premier League NSW Men’s 1 championship.
The club lines up for their second Grand Final in a row this Sunday at Penrith Stadium.
Younis admitted losing to the Marconi Stallions in the 2012 grand final was a source of motivation for the White Eagles in this year’s campaign and said he cannot wait to get onto the pitch to make things right.
“I have to say Bonnyrigg is one of the best clubs in terms of the committee and the passion of the fans,’’ Younis said.
“They’ve done a lot for us players and it is time for us to repay the club.
“George (Mandic) sent a text to us last week to tell us to watch the video highlights of him celebrating after we beat Sydney United to reach the Grand Final.
“We all had a bit of a laugh tut that is what the passion of these supporters is about.
“Hopefully we can go out and do one better than last year.’’
The former Adelaide United striker has scored 18 goals so far this season with four in the finals series to date.
Despite the impressive goals scoring record, Younis said hitting the back of the net in the Grand Final would top off his season.
“I’m disappointed I didn’t win the golden boot but there is always next year,’’ he said.
“But to be honest I would rather score the winner in the grand final than win the golden boot.
“Before last season I hadn’t made it into a grand final for about 15 years.
“The atmosphere in a grand final is amazing and the buzz in the dressing room and around is very exciting.
“Grand final day is just something else – it is what you play for all year.
“To get there is an achievement in itself but to win it is just something else.’’
That’s exactly what Younis and the White Eagles have been planning to do all season.
Bonnyrigg started their season on fire leading the competition for several weeks.
But a string of poor results half way through the year saw them finish in third position.
After defeating the Sutherland Sharks and Sydney United 58 FC to reach the grand final their confidence is again sky high.
But Younis believes keeping the team grounded is important with just days left before the game.
“I think we have to treat it like just another game,’’ he said.
“Last year the nerves for the better of us. We had a couple of weeks off after winning the premiership and I think that left us behind the eight ball as well.
“We had the last week off this year but the training sessions have been intense and have kept us moving a lot before we taper off later on in the week.
“We can’t let the nerves get the better of us at all and hopefully we go in there and do one better and bring the trophy back for our club and fans.’’
-By Chris Georges