Koop Double Inspires Manly United To Seven-Game Unbeaten Run

Manly United continued their impressive late-season resurgence, extending their unbeaten run to seven matches after a dominant 4-0 victory over relegation threatened Sydney Olympic at Cromer Park on Friday night.

The result moves Manly to within one point of the NPL Men’s NSW Top Six, while Sydney Olympic’s battle against relegation continues after another difficult night.

Benjamin Koop was the star of the second half, scoring twice in quick succession to break the game open after a competitive opening period before Manly added a fourth goal late to seal a convincing victory.

Manly started brightly, with Kakeru Ono forcing Sydney Olympic goalkeeper Filip Kurto into an early save from a direct free-kick in the second minute before Darcy Burgess fired over the crossbar shortly after.

Olympic responded strongly, showing they were ready for the fight. In the eighth minute, Mackenzie Syron was forced into action, denying Kaan Nizam after Sebastian Kukucka played him through before Adam Bugarija tested the goalkeeper from distance moments later.

Syron was again called upon in the 18th minute when Burgess’ free-kick fell kindly to Jasper Chipman, who sent his effort over the crossbar.

However, Burgess continued to influence the contest and eventually broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute. His initial free-kick was punched away by Kurto, but Burgess reacted quickest, with his follow-up effort taking a significant deflection before finding the back of the net.

Manly almost doubled their advantage four minutes later when Burgess found himself in a similar position, but Kurto produced a brilliant diving save to keep Olympic within touching distance.

The visitors continued to push for an equaliser, with Panayioti Armenakas’ free-kick in the 33rd minute forcing Syron into another desperate save.

However, the second half belonged to Manly.

Within seconds of the restart, their one-goal lead became two through Koop. After Kurto made an initial save, Koop was perfectly positioned to react and fire home from close range.

The forward struck again minutes later, finishing at the far post after Cai Evans delivered a superb ball across the face of goal to make it 3-0.

Olympic continued to search for a way back into the contest, with Syron denying Nizam once again in the 58th minute before tipping Seth Clark’s follow-up effort over the crossbar.

Nizam continued to threaten and was denied by Syron again in the 62nd minute as Manly’s goalkeeper produced another important intervention.

Despite Olympic’s pressure, Manly sealed the result in the 78th minute. Kurto pushed Stephan De Robillard’s effort into the path of Aston Hulme, who calmly converted into an empty net to complete the 4-0 victory.

After the match, double goalscorer Benjamin Koop reflected on Manly’s turnaround and the belief within the squad.

“The club is in a positive spot at the moment. We’ve turned it around after a slow start to the season and the younger lads coming through have really proven their value.

“Now Cromer Park is a fortress and things are really ticking. Tonight was a great confidence booster for both myself and the team.”

Koop highlighted the culture and discipline that has helped drive Manly’s resurgence.

“We’ve been building all season towards this. We’re a very disciplined side and have forged a good culture.

“The trust is also there no matter what age you are and we’re playing from the very first minute right through to the last. We’re also winning our fifty-fifties.”

Reflecting on his own journey, Koop said he was determined to continue building confidence and remain available for selection.

“Personally, I’ve been battling through injuries the last five years and I’m aiming to get through uninjured and build my confidence.

“For the club overall, we’ve been near the bottom the last few seasons, but now the young boys are finally shining and taking their opportunities with both hands. Our eyes are firmly on securing a finals berth right now.”

Match Stats

Manly United 4 (Darcy Burgess 23’, Benjamin Koop 46’, 48’, Aston Hulme 78’)

Sydney Olympic 0

Friday 24 July, 2026

Cromer Park

Referee: Matthew Staples

Assistant Referees: Patrick Teleki and Benjamin Hutchison

Fourth Official: Mia Velarde

Manly United: (3.Matthew O’Donoghue 73’), 4.Jesse Piriz, 5.Aaron O’Driscoll, 6.Saxon Hillyer, 7.Stephan De Robillard, 8.Kakeru Ono, 9.Benjamin Koop, 10.Darcy Burgess, (11.Ayumu Kimura 79’), 18.Luke Nieuwenhof, 19.Cai Evans, (24.Toby Bakewell 79’), (28.Aston Hulme 73’), (29.Douglas John 56’), 33.Jasper Chipman, 99.Mackenzie Syron

Substitutes not used: 15.Max Martinello, 21.Harry Turner

Yellow cards: Darcy Burgess 33’, Luke Nieuwenhof 43’

Red cards: None

Sydney Olympic: 3.Samuel Bosnjak, 4.Joshua Hong, 6.Jok Akuien, 7.Seth Clark, 8.Kaan Nizam, 10.Panayioti Armenakas, 12.Zac Zoricich, (14.Jacob Tresoglavic 68’), 16.Bailey Callaghan, (18.Daniel Wong 45’), 20.Filip Kurto, 21.Adam Bugarija, 23.Sebastian Kukucka, (24.Faraz Rahimi 75’), (35.Peter Grozos 56’)

Substitutes not used: 1.Josip Orlovic, 11.Giorgos Louca, 33.Maxamillion Luburic

Yellow Cards: None

Red cards: None

*Player Ratings have now been hidden until the remainder of the NPL Men’s NSW season.

-By Tobias Canning