United 58 Stay Perfect with Derby Win Over Rockdale Ilinden

Sydney United 58 extended their flawless start to the season, making it eight wins from eight with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Rockdale Ilinden in a fiery Round 8 clash at Ilinden Sports Centre.

As expected, there was no shortage of intensity in this fierce rivalry, with both sides bringing physicality, passion, and edge from the opening whistle.

Despite a tight and often scrappy first half, the contest burst to life after the break, with Michael Glassock and Faroh Koko delivering the decisive blows to keep United 58’s perfect record intact.

Rockdale threatened early, registering the first real chance in the 6th minute when Lochlan Constable’s deflected strike forced a sharp low save from Adam Pavlesic. There were immediate appeals for a penalty in the build-up after the ball appeared to strike a United 58 defender’s arm, but play was waved on.

The tone was set soon after, with heavy challenges flying in from both sides. Referee Thomas Dale was quick to assert control, issuing early cautions to Carlos De Oliveira and Harry McCarthy as tensions simmered in a typically heated encounter.

United 58 looked dangerous on the counter, and in the 16th minute Michael Krslovic thought he had broken through one-on-one, only for the offside flag to deny him. The visitors continued to sit deep and absorb pressure, executing their game plan with discipline while waiting for opportunities to strike on the break.

Krslovic’s pace remained a constant threat, and midway through the half he capitalised on a defensive lapse to surge toward goal, only for Reo Kunimoto to recover brilliantly with a perfectly timed challenge on the edge of the area.

Despite Rockdale enjoying more possession, clear-cut chances were limited. Faroh Koko came closest for United 58 around the half-hour mark, seeing one effort blocked before slipping at the crucial moment on his second attempt. Frustration began to creep into the match as both midfields battled relentlessly, disrupting rhythm and flow.

Late in the half, Rockdale pushed forward through Brendan Cholakian, who fired narrowly wide before sending a dipping effort just over the bar. At the other end, Tomoki Wada’s dangerous set-piece delivery nearly found Glassock, with the ball striking the post before another offside call halted play.

The first half ended goalless, but the tension inside the ground suggested the breakthrough was only a matter of time.

United 58 wasted no time after the restart.

Just four minutes into the second half, Wada delivered a pinpoint corner that was met perfectly by Glassock, who powered home a header to give the visitors the lead and ignite celebrations among the travelling support.

The game opened up dramatically from there. Cholakian and substitute Adrian Vlastelica clashed off the ball in a flashpoint moment that resulted in a booking after consultation with the assistant referee, further fuelling the already heated atmosphere.

Rockdale responded with urgency, and Cholakian produced a clever run on the hour mark before finding Giorgio Speranza, whose effort was well saved by Pavlesic. It was end-to-end football, with both sides throwing everything into the contest.

The decisive moment came in the 65th minute, and it was a moment of pure quality.

A perfectly weighted ball over the top found Koko in stride, and the forward showed exceptional composure to remain onside before delicately lobbing the ball over the advancing Levi Kaye. It was a finish full of confidence and class, doubling United 58’s advantage and putting them firmly in control.

With a two-goal cushion, the visitors remained compact and disciplined, while Rockdale pushed forward in search of a way back into the game. Cholakian continued to lead the charge, forcing another save from Pavlesic, but the breakthrough remained elusive.

Late drama arrived deep into stoppage time when Moudi Najjar pounced on a loose ball inside the area and blasted home a consolation goal, briefly setting up a nervy finish. However, United 58 held firm to see out the result.

In the end, it was a performance that perfectly reflected their season so far—resilient, controlled, and clinical when it mattered most. After weathering a tense first half, United 58 exploded into life after the break, securing another vital three points and maintaining their perfect run.

Eight matches, eight wins—Sydney United 58’s remarkable start rolls on, and they continue to set the pace at the top of the table.

Match Stats

Rockdale Ilinden 1 (Moudi Najjar 90+5’)

Sydney Utd 58 2 (Michael Glassock 49’, Faroh Koko 65’)

Ilinden Sports Centre, Rockdale Saturday, 28th March 2026

Referee: Thomas Dale

Assistants: Amber Morris & Alessandro Llana Fourth Official: Joshua Kerfton

Rockdale Ilinden: 1. Levi Kaye, 2. Hunter Elliott (3. Lachlan Griffiths 67’), 4. Reo Kunimoto, 5. Giorgio Speranza, 6. Isaac Danzo, 7. Ollie Wiggin (19. Dean Jovcevski 84’), 9. Moudi Najjar, 10. Brendan Cholakian (8. Jerry Skotadis 78′), 11. Lochlan Constable (66. Mathieu Cordier 78′), 22. Harry McCarthy (17. Mohamed Adam 67’), 26. Harry van der Saag

Subs Not Used: 16. Michael Marcevski, 21. Ronan Mulgrew,

Yellow Cards: Harry McCarthy 11’, Brendan Cholakian 57’, Mathieu Cordier 79’, Lachlan Griffiths 90+1’

Red Cards: Nil

Sydney United 58: 1. Adam Pavlesic, 3. Bailey Rule, 6. Dylan Rose, 8.Tomoki Wada (15. Adrian Knez 85’), 10. Carlos De Oliveira, 14. Liam McGing (4. Adrian Vlastelica 46’), 16. Anthony Krilic (21. Koya Nakano 46’), 17. Michael Glassock, 19. Michael Krslovic (9. Kyle Cimenti 64’), 23. Mason Wells, 44. Faroh Koko  (40. Jonathan Gavanas 74’)

Subs not used: 30. Joshua Azzi, 41. Adrian-Jamie Bazina

Yellow Cards: Carlos De Oliveira 10’, Dylan Rose 50’, Jonathan Gravanas 89’

Red Cards: Nil

Player Ratings

3 – Michael Glassock (SU58)

2 – Adam Pavlesic (SU58)

1 –Brendan Cholakian (RI)

By NPL NSW Men’s Reporter Micky Brock