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Monge credits NPL for Victory move

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After returning from a tough overseas stint playing in the Greek Second Division, 22-year-old Fabian Monge took the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition by storm as he played a starring role in APIA Leichhardt FC’s 2023 Premiership win – so much so, he earned himself an A-League deal with Melbourne Victory.

The exciting midfielder proved to be a valuable signing for coach Franco Parisi as the former Australian Under 17, 20 and 23 representative played a pivotal role in APIA’s successful Premiership run.

Monge paid huge praise to the NPL NSW Men’s competition as the stepping stone to him earning a contract with Tony Popovic’s Melbourne Victory side for the 2023-24 A-League Men’s season.

“The NPL NSW Men’s competition was vital for me,” Monge stated to Football NSW.

“It gave me the opportunity to play first grade at a young age and when I came back home,
it gave me the opportunity to play regular minutes again and provided a pathway for me back into the A-League.”

It was an unforgettable season for Monge who paid tribute to his teammates at APIA following their Premiership success.

“It was a great season, obviously when you’re winning and playing well, football is always more enjoyable so to be able to do that this year with a top bunch of boys was an amazing feeling.”

Prior to signing with APIA in the NPL, Monge played for the Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney Olympic where it was there, the talented star gained more experience playing in the state’s top tier men’s competition.

Fast forward a few years and Monge is now playing for a spot in Popovic’s Victory squad, a move that came through following APIA’s round 29 clash against NWS Spirit FC.

“We had just finished a game against NWS Spirit FC and Franco (Parisi) pulled me aside and told me I was off to Melbourne to train with the Victory.

“I came down and was luckily enough to get offered a contract.”

In a club statement, Melbourne Victory’s Director of Football John Didulica was thrilled to have snapped up Monge.

“Prior to his recent success with APIA Leichhardt, Monge was a stand-out young talent in the Y-League and we are confident we are getting a player with quality and pedigree and one who can contribute to the team.”

Nicolaou praises NPL NSW Men’s pathway

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APIA Leichhardt FC’s Premiership winning star Yianni Nicolaou has credited the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition as one of the reasons why the versatile footballer picked up an A-League deal with Macarthur FC for the upcoming season.

The 23-year-old played a starring role in Franco Parisi’s Premiership winning APIA squad, so much so, his performances alerted Macarthur FC Head Coach Mile Sterjovski who snapped up the South West Sydney defender.

“The NPL NSW Men’s competition was so important for me as a footballer, Nicoalou stated to Football NSW.

“The league offers a highly competitive platform where players can test and hone their skills against quality players.

“Playing in this league has also provided me with exposure to coaches and professional clubs and I was lucky enough to sign an A-League contract through this league.

“With regards to winning the Premiership, we all knew that the first 30-week season in the NPL wasn’t going to be easy.

“I was absolutely delighted with our Premiership win.

“It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. I will remember this for the rest of my life and can confidently say there is no better feeling than achieving such an honour.”

Having been part of the Bulls youth setup, Nicolaou, prior to the 2022 and 2023 season where he donned the APIA jersey also played for the Marconi Stallions in NSW’s top tier league in 2018 and 2019.

His move to Macarthur came unexpectedly as the young gun was looking forward to a well-earned holiday in Japan that was until Sterjovski gave him a call following a massive year with APIA.

“Playing in the NPL NSW Men’s league provides great exposure for players such as myself. I was fortunate enough to be looked at by a few A-League clubs throughout the year.

“As soon as the season ended with APIA, I was fortunate enough to receive a call asking to join Macarthur FC. I am super grateful for this opportunity and looking forward to seeing where this takes me.”

Nicolaou made an impressive debut with the Bulls following a great display in the club’s opening AFC Cup Round 1 victory over Shan United.

APIA Leichhardt FC Crowned 2023 NPL NSW Men’s Premiers

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APIA Leichhardt were crowned 2023 Premiers of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition with a 2-1 win over St George City in front of a healthy crowd at their spiritual home, Lambert Park on Sunday. 

It was actually APIA Leichhardt back in 1987, under the guidance of the legendary Rale Rasic, that were crowned Premiers in the old National Soccer League’s only ever first-past-the-post title.

Thirty-six years later, the modern APIA Leichhardt, under the guidance of rookie coach Franco Parisi, have equalled the feat of the legendary 1987 team and it occurred too at the same venue – Lambert Park in Leichhardt where the sign still proudly reads The Home of Football in Australia and in front of a bumper crowd for the occasion.

This was APIA’s day but take nothing away from a gallant St George City who, as a newly promoted club, have taken the league by storm with their magnificent play throughout 2023 with a fifth place finish and full credit to the squad guided superbly by Mirko Jurilj.

The game itself was a truly fitting way to end the season. After a high-tempo start the first opportunity arrived in the 12th minute when a free-kick from just outside the box by Jason Romero sailed narrowly over the crossbar.

A few minute later another free-kick to APIA from an almost identical position was taken by Michael Kouta but he couldn’t get his left-foot attempt past St George’s Jack Kenny.

It was ‘keeper Kenny who was then instrumental in the opening goal of the encounter. His long ball forward to Franco Maya in the 22nd minute saw his teammate gallop towards goal and keep his cool before slotting the ball under goalkeeper Ivan Necevski.

In the 25th minute APIA Leichhardt should really have equalised when Romero fed a great ball to Jack Armson who in turn forced a wonderful save from Kenny.

However, from the ensuing corner APIA Leichhardt did indeed equalise. The corner reached Joshua Symons who with wonderful header hit the back of the net.

St George City were reduced to ten players when Dominic Cox received his marching orders in the 31st minute for a second yellow card after an aggressive challenge on Armson, having received his first yellow a quarter of an hour earlier and the visitors were forced to play for an hour with a numerical disadvantage.

In the 43rd minute a long corner by Armson reached Adrian Ucchino outside the box and the APIA captain, with a tremendous long drive, forced Kenny into another great save to turn the ball away for a corner.

In stoppage time though at the end of the first half APIA deservedly scored again. Armson received a lovely ball and then made his way forward before finding Sean Symons on the edge of the box and, like his brother previously, he slotted home perfectly to give the Leichhardt-based team the lead.

The first half still wasn’t over as Jack Stewart did some lovely work on the right flank before unleashing a rocket that hit the crossbar and it certainly could have been APIA’s third there and then.

To the reprieve of all and sundry referee Kurt Ams’ whistle to signal the end of the amazing first stanza of play came shortly afterwards as both teams drew breath at the break.

The first opportunity of the second half belonged to in APIA in the 55th minute when an Armson corner reached Dakota Askew who danced around Marley Peterson before firing into the side netting.

A few minutes later Maya went down in the box under the challenge of Paul Galimi but referee Arms waved play on, despite the visitors’ request for a penalty.

In the 68th minute a long-range volley by Pedro Ferrari wasn’t that far off the target in what could been an audacious goal for St George City.

In the 71st minute APIA responded: Romero did some excellent work in the box to find Rory Jordan who blasted the ball onto the post.

In the 82nd minute Jordan brought out the best in goalkeeper Kenny who was forced to save down low in two attempts to prevent APIA going further ahead.

In stoppage time Maya for St George City blasted a powerful left-footed shot from just outside box over the crossbar in the last real hurrah for the encounter.

Post-game APIA Leichhardt coach Franco Parisi couldn’t have been prouder of his team this season.

“It started a long time ago with this group of players and to achieve what we have is amazing,” he said.

“We talked about it last November and here we are at the end of August where we can celebrate.

“It was about every session we had as a group, every talk we had as a group and it was all for this moment. Thankfully too we have the bonus of the Australia Cup match on Wednesday with this special group of players.

“I am superb super-proud of this team but behind the scenes there are a lot of good people who do a lot of good things for this club. We can now celebrate and enjoy this moment.”

His counterpart Mirko Jurilj of St George City  was also praiseworthy of his team for a great season.

“It has been a very good season,” he said. “The boys put in a good effort throughout the season as I am pretty demanding, so they know about it during the year but it has been a very effort overall.”

Match Stats

APIA LEICHHARDT 2 (J. Symons 26’, S. Symons 45’+2)

ST GEORGE CITY 1 (Maya 22’)

Sunday 27th August 2023

Lambert Park Leichhardt

Referee: Kurt Ams
Assistant Referees: Luke Chapman and Arinath Gobinath

Fourth Official: Hayden Michlmayr

APIA LEICHHARDT: 1. Ivan Necevski, 3. Paul Galimi, 4. Joshua Symons (15. Themba Muata-Marlow 46’), 7. Jack Stewart (17. Rory Jordan 46’), 9. Jason Romero (30. Alex Denmead 72’), 14. Jack Armson, 16. Sean Symons (6. Anthony Sparacino 62’), 18. Adrian Uccchino (38. Yianni Nicolaou 62’), 21. Michael Kouta, 23. Dakota Askew, 98. Franco Farinella.

Substitutes not used: 12. Anthony Bouzanis.

Yellow Cards: Ucchino 43’, Askew 67’, Sparacino 86’

Red Cards: Nil

ST GEORGE CITY: 12. Jack Kenny, 2. Pedro Ferrari, 3. Daniel Alessi, 4. Brendan Hooper, 8. Dominic Cox, 11. Kosta Petratos, 14. Dean Pelekanos, 23. Franco Maya, 24. Alex Kyriacou (7. Nathan Roberts 77’), 70 Maki Petratos (10. Paolo Mitry 82’), 99.Matthew Keremelevski (9. Marley Peterson 42’).

Substitutes not used: 16. Mohammed Khamis, 25. Andrew Vlahadamis, 61. Jayden Pham

Yellow Cards: Cox 16’, Peterson 42’

Red Cards: Cox 31’

Player Ratings

3 – Jack Armson (AL)

2 – Dakota Askew (AL)

1 – Jack Kenny (StG)

By National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s reporter Joe Russo

 

 

Champagne put on ice for APIA as Spirit stun league leaders

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APIA Leichhardt FC’s Premiership celebrations were put on ice for one more week as NWS Spirit FC, the comeback kings of the NPL NSW Men’s competition, stunned Franco Parisi’s troops with a 2-1 victory at their spiritual home Christie Park on Saturday evening. 

Following kick-off, APIA knew that mathematically they still needed to register a point even though they had a far superior goal difference to Rockdale Ilinden who all but saw their Premiership dreams shattered on Friday evening following a 2-2 draw with Sydney FC.

Things got off to the best start possible as Jason Romero opened the scoring in ten minutes before Matt Cahill equalized just before the break. With scores locked, former APIA player Peter Kekeris stunned his former employers with a well taken goal that completed yet another thrilling comeback for David Perkovic’s men.

The opening chance of the game went the way of the hosts inside three minutes. Cahill beating the offside trap, taking it towards goal before an Ivan Necevski save denied him the opener.

APIA were the side who settled first and they only needed two chances to open the scoring. Sean Symons testing the keeper with a left footed effort from the edge of the area in the 7th minute which saw Christopher Marques make a save down to his left.

Before they took the lead three minutes later. A turnover in midfield allowed Rory Jordan to pick the ball up – he then released a piercing ball to Romero who made no mistake with a trademark finish.

Another chance soon followed for APIA.

Romero released Michael Kouta for an effort on the volley which went wide of the right post in the 18th minute.

A key moment in the match came on the half hour when another mistake from the NWS Spirit FC in possession wasn’t punished by APIA as Jack Armson, who has been in great form this year, was unable to get it past Marques with a shot just outside the area.

NWS Spirit FC started to ease into the match soon after that moment and equalized with only their second chance of the match.

Kota Odakura sent in a ball from the right wing which was matched with an impeccable diving header via Cahill in the 32nd minute and it was game on.

It was turning into a thrilling contest, Spirit then had the opportunity to take the lead soon after. Richie Darko was unable to find the target from a position around the penalty spot.

Like the first half, Spirit had the first big chance of the second. Cahill holding the ball up superbly before squeezing it inside with Necevski drawing a sharp save in the 52nd minute.

Cahill almost set up Richie Darko four minutes later, but was denied by Anthony Sparacino with an important touch.

While APIA had their first chance of the half just past the hour, Fabian Monge and Sean Symons had a couple of half chances in succession.

The momentum swung the way of the visitors, Jordan took the ball down the byline before feeding Kouta who was again denied by Marques in the 68th minute.

Both defensive units were holding their own as the match looked destined for a draw but as has been in the case on several occasions at Christie Park, drama soon unfolded in the dying stages of the match.

Following a free-kick, Armson saw his effort saved by Marques in the 83rd minute as APIA pushed for a winner.

It thrilling circumstances it was NWS Spirit FC who produced the magic as Kekeris smashed home his effort into the bottom left corner giving his side the three points and a massive scalp in the competition league leaders.

APIA then pushed for an equaliser and created two good headed chances at the death. Both Armson and Themba Muata-Marlow denied by superb saves from Marques in injury time.

Post game, NWS Spirit FC head coach David Perkovic was pleased with his team’s effort to that brought down the league’s best outfit.

“To go 1-0 down and win 2-1 against the league leaders is a great testament to the whole squad and not just the players who were out there tonight.

“APIA are a good squad and there’s a reason they’re on top of the ladder, but we were quite aggressive on and off the ball.”

On the performance of Matthew Cahill, Perkovic was proud of his marksman.

“I was really happy with his response after missing a chance early. His positioning for the goal was perfect to finish off a good Kota Odakura cross.”

A beaten APIA head coach Franco Parisi credited their opposition.

“Look they are a strong side at home, they stayed in the game and scored more than us on the night.

“We are looking forward to next weekend.

“We’re excited to return home where we will be taking on a good side.

“We’ve enjoyed the season and we’re looking to bring it home in front of our fans.”

APIA will wrap up the Premiership when they face St George City at Lambert Park next Sunday at 3pm with a bumper crowd expected to celebrate the trophy win for the Inner West giants.

Match Stats

NWS Spirit FC 2 (Matthew Cahill 32’, Peter Kekeris 85’)

Apia Leichhardt FC 1 (Jason Romero 10’

Saturday 19 August 2023

Christie Park, Macquarie Park

Referee: Adrian Arndt

Assistant Referees: Matthew Harris & Cameron Wright

Fourth Official: Liam Smith

NWS Spirit FC: 1. Christopher Marques, 2. Anthony Younis, 3. Musashi Kokubo, 4. Kota Odakura, 6. Corey Kavanagh, 7. Richard Darko, 11. Ollie Wiggin (20. Jared Lum 72’), 13. Simon Nicholas, 17. Matthew Cahill (10. Peter Kekeris 80’), 19. Daniel Mitwali, 21. Luiz Lobo (16. Kyle Shaw 89’).

Substitutes Not Used: 12. Jacob Madden, 14. Dylan Craus, 15. Paul Ketsetis.

Yellow Cards:

Red Cards: Nil

Apia Leichhardt FC: 1. Ivan Necevski, 6. Anthony Sparacino, 9. Jason Romero, 14. Jack Armson, 15. Themba Muata-Marlow, 16. Sean Symons, 17. Rory Jordan, 18. Adrian Ucchino (98. Franco Farinella 78’), 19. Fabian Monge, 21. Michael Kouta, 38. Yianni Nicolaou,

Substitutes Not Used: 12. Anthony Bouzanis, 3. Paul Galimi, 4. Joshua Symons, 7. Jack Stewart, 23. Dakota Askew.

Yellow Cards: Nicolaou

Red Cards: Nil 

Player Ratings:

3 – Matthew Cahill (NWS)

2 – Christopher Marques (NWS)

1 – Rory Jordan (Apia)

By Justin Smith (@smiththejustin).

APIA move closer to Premiership with clinical win over Sky Blues

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APIA Leichhardt have secured a clinical 3-0 win over Sydney FC to boost their NPL NSW Men’s Premiership chances, remaining four points ahead of Rockdale Ilinden with just two matches remaining.

Sydney FC’s ultra-young side, filled with sixteen and seventeen year-olds, performed admirably against the league leaders in the first fifteen minutes, winning individual duals and not allowing APIA to take control of the match.

In the 17th minute, the home side had the first real opportunity to open the scoring, however, with Jack Armson latching onto a loose ball after a mistake in the defensive line, driving forwards at the backtracking defenders but then seeing his lashed shot unable to find the target.

Less than a minute later, Jack Stewart forced himself into a dangerous position and looked to curl an effort into the bottom-right corner from just inside the box, but the shot went wide.

APIA, coming off the back of a Wednesday night Australia Cup victory over Goulburn Valley Suns in Victoria, were growing well into the match, playing some aesthetic football through midfield and out wide to progress the ball up the pitch.

Their quick combination play, technical control and ability to recognise space made for striking viewing, while Sydney were showing quality of their own, with both the players and staff adapting impressively to a depleted squad as a result of the senior side’s Australia Cup clash.

In the 27th minute, a clever drive inside from Sean Symons saw his eventual shot clatter awkwardly off the post, before Jack Armson stung the palms of Gus Hoefsloot and forced a strong save from the young Sydney goalkeeper.

Rory Jordan opened the scoring for the league leaders in stunning style in the 32nd minute, finishing off an alluring APIA move.

The home side retained the ball impressively after a throw-in and switched side on multiple occasions, before a tidy touch and pass from Anthony Sparacino found Armson in a pocket of space in between the lines.

The decisive attacking midfielder turned and poked through a perfectly weighted pass to Jordan, who had made a run inside from the left-flank.

Jordan beat Hosfloot to the ball, and chipped the ball into the back of the net with precision and poise to give APIA a crucial lead in the context of the title race.

Three minutes into the first half, Jordan looked to double his and his side’s tally, powering a shot at Hosfloot from an acute angle and forcing a good save from the Sydney goalkeeper.

Jordan was proving a consistent threat for APIA; upon winning back possession deep in the attacking half, he strode forwards and looked to chip the ball into the back of the net but struck the crossbar with his audacious effort.

In the 66th minute, the menacing Jordan did grab his second goal, lashing a ferocious, accurate volley off the far post and into the back of the net.

Some good holdup play from substitute Jason Romero saw his pass find the overlapping run of right-back Yianni Nicolaou, who then swung a cross to the back post.

Jordan picked the ball out of the air beautifully and converted with ease to double APIA’s lead and his tally for the night.

Two minutes later, a dangerous run and cross from Ben Gibson saw the ball roll precariously across goal, as it somehow missed the foot of Bailey Callaghan to halve the deficit.

In the 79th minute, Sydney had the chance to claw a goal back once more, but were prevented by a fantastic Themba Muata-Marlow interception.

A clever, angled ball in behind from Oscar Fryer found the onrushing Ben Gibson in the box, but the forward was beaten to the ball by the APIA central defender to limit the intense danger for the home side.

In the 81st minute, Sydney’s hope of a late comeback was reduced, with Hoefsloot being sent off for preventing a goalscoring opportunity after handballing the ball just outside the box, with Romero rushing onto a Sean Symons through ball.

Due to having made all substitution windows, right-back Morrie Kamara took the reigns in goal, and off the resulting freekick, Romero added to a mid-week Australia Cup brace with a clinical finish into the bottom left-hand corner from just outside the box.

APIA coach Franco Parisi was pleased with his side’s overall performance, with a win next week would guaranteeing them Champions.

“An important three points and it was lovely to come away without conceding in what was a tough eight days with three very important matches for the club.

“I’m totally proud of all the players, it was a squad effort with some individual moments of brilliance but in general the entire squad and club has really dug in most when it counts, and today was a fantastic performance.

“We look forward to NWS Spirit next week and we know their qualities at their home ground – they’ve proven to be one of the sides to beat at their home territory with some incredible last minute winners.

“But tonight, I’m very proud of the effort – the boys have dug deep and I’m proud of the three-points – the must-have three-points – and the clean sheet to make it a complete week.”

Match Stats 

APIA Leichhardt FC 3 (Jordan 32’, 66’, Romero 83’)

Sydney FC 0

Sunday 13 August, 2023

Lambert Park

Referee: Craig Fisher

Assistant Referees: Aaron Bloch and Logan Jones

Fourth Official: Amber Morris

APIA Leichhardt FC: 1. Ivan Necevski, 6. Anthony Sparacino, 7. Jack Stewart (9. Jason Romero 60’), 14. Jack Armson (98. Franco Farinella 74’), 15. Themba Muata-Marlow (3. Paul Galimi 84’), 16. Sean Symons, 17. Rory Jordan (23. Dakota Askew 74’), 18. Adrian Ucchino (C) (4. Joshua Symons 84’), 19. Fabian Monge, 21. Michael Kouta, 38. Yianni Nicolaou

Substitutes Not Used: 12. Anthony Bouzanis,

Yellow Cards: N/A

Red Cards: N/A

Sydney FC: 1. Gus Hoefsloot, 4. Aden Green (14. Ayouk Mow 59’), 12. Lachlan Middleton (24. Jared Middleton 59’), 15. Dylan Rose, 16. Joseph Calusic (C), 22. Morrie Kamara, 27. Wataru Kamijo (7. Ben Gibson 45’), 28. Meliwethu Nkomo (34. Max Buratto 78’), 32. Oscar Fryer, 36. Jacob Brazete (21. Louis Agosti 45’), 37. Bailey Callaghan

Substitutes Not Used: 40. Alexander Zaverdinos

Yellow Cards: Green 22’, Rose 52’

Red Cards: Hoefsloot 81’

Player ratings:

3 – Rory Jordan (APIA)

2 – Themba Muata-Marlow (APIA)

1 – Fabian Monge (APIA)

By Jack George (@JackGeorge0004)