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APIA keep it consistent for 2020 season

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Reigning 2019 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Champions APIA Leichhardt Tigers have made minimal fuss in the off-season break as coach John Calleja has opted to stick with the same squad that earned his side the big prize at Bankwest Stadium when they defeated Sydney United 58 in the finale.  

After recently uncovering its new logo for the 2020 NPL NSW season going back to basics with a traditional style adding a modern twist to it, Calleja has stayed true to the squad that gave their faithful so much joy gifting them the Championship in Sydney’s Inner West.

Three new faces have thus far graced the pre-season pitches at the Tigers with former Rydalmere FC player Mitchell Gibbs, ex-Sydney FC youth product Patrick Scibilio and dangerous marksman and another FC and Sutherland Sharks product Jeremy Cox all penning deals with the club. The club may look towards signing one more well-known recruit to finalise its squad.

In the re-signing department, one name that sticks out again is that of iconic club legend and the NPL NSW Men’s maestro Franco Parisi who has stated his intent in playing another year with the 36-year-old hoping to make it back to back Championships.

The likes of 2019 players such as the Symons brothers Sean and Josh, Ivan Necevski, Luke Turnbull, Themba Muata Marlow, Paul Galimi, Sam McIllhatton, Adrian Ucchino, Corey Biczo, Michael Kouta, Chris Payne, Lachlan Hughes and Dom Nasrabadi will once again call Lambert Park while the club has announced that their 2019 mid-season signing, midfield bulldog Nick Stavroulakis, has been appointed assistant coach as well as a registered player for the 2020 season. One player that won’t be there in 2020 will be journeyman Tynan Diaz who will likely feature with NPL 2 NSW Men’s outfit Mounties Wanderers.

The club has also continued its push in promoting and developing their young up and coming players by rewarding Camil Abouchaya and Nick Azzone first grade contracts. The club in recent seasons has produced some fine young talent and both Abou and Azzone will hope to gain as much experience as possible in stamping their claims as future senior stars.

APIA will open its 2020 NPL NSW Men’s campaign with a clash against newly promoted side North Shore Mariners at Lambert Park on Saturday 29th of February.

APIA Leichhardt Tigers 2020: Sean Symons, Josh Symons, Franco Parisi, Nick Stavroulakis, Ivan Necevski, Luke Turnbull, Themba Muata Marlow, Paul Galimi, Sam McIllhatton, Adrian Ucchino, Corey Biczo, Michael Kouta, Chris Payne, Lachlan Hughes, Dom Nasrabadi, Mitchell Gibbs, Patrick Scibilio, Jeremy Cox, Camil Abouchaya, Nick Azzone.

Sean Symons adds ‘Robbie Slater medal’ to the trophy cabinet

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APIA Leichhardt Tigers star and former NPL NSW Men’s Player of the Year Sean Symons has revealed his side’s incredible championship triumph has been the greatest highlight in his football career to date.

The winger was crowned Robbie Slater Medal winner as man of the match in APIA’s 2-1 extra-time victory against Sydney United 58 at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday scoring the winning goal with a sublime lobbed finish.

The win was third time lucky for APIA who had suffered back to back grand final heartbreak after suffering defeats in the 2017 and 2018 deciders.

Symons, who played a key role in all of APIA’s grand final appearances, said while the win was a long time coming, it was vindication for all the sacrifice and hard work made by his Tigers teammates to achieve championship glory.

“This APIA team is an incredible group and to finally breakthrough after everything we’ve been through makes it extra special,” Symons said.

“We all just wanted the win so badly and there was no way we were going home as grand final losers for a third straight year.

“To be able to lift the trophy with the team in front of our fans is something I won’t ever forget.”

After a roller coaster 90 minutes, the match was on a knife edge with both sides battling to snatch a winner.

The flash point arrived only four minutes into extra-time with Symons the man on the spot to score the historic goal.

“I saw Manos rushing out from his goal and thought to myself as long as I get to the ball first I’ll be a good chance of scoring,” he said.

“Payney (APIA striker Chris Payne) put the ball into space after Franco (Parisi) won a key header so I just did everything I could to get in a good position

“Watching the ball hit the back of the net was an incredible feeling and from that point I was confident we were going to get the job done.”

The pacy winger wasn’t the only Symons family member to put in a stellar performance for APIA with his brother Josh Symons making an incredible return from a hamstring injury suffered only a week before the grand final to play a huge role in the decider.

The chance to share Championship success with his brother made the result even sweeter for Sean.

“It was an incredible effort from Josh to fightback from injury and he had an incredible game for us at the back,” Symons said.

“To have him out there on grand final day and then to lift the trophy together was a great moment.”

“I’m looking forward to a bit of a break in the off-season but next season hopefully we can come back and do it all over again.”

 

Championship finally comes home to APIA Leichhardt Tigers

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APIA Leichhardt Tigers have ended nearly three years of championship heartache with an incredible 2-1 extra-time grand final win against Sydney United 58 in front of over 6,500 spectators at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday.

A sensational lob in the first period of extra time from Tigers captain and Man of the Match Sean Symons sealed victory after a gruelling and at times physical opening 90 minutes.

After suffering heartbreaking back to back grand final defeats in 2017 and 2018, the Lambert Park based club earned the title they so desperately wanted to win with a tireless 120 minute performance.

Defender Paul Galimi helped APIA to a perfect start with a towering header from an Adrian Ucchino assist midway through the first half.

United 58 refused to give up and Matthew Bilic helped his side back to level pegging with a desperation finish in the 57th minute.

With the game deadlocked after 90 minutes extra-time was needed and it was Symons who proved to be the difference with his goal enough to secure a historic title for APIA.

It was a cagey start to the contest with neither side looking to take any early risks.

United 58 keeper Tom Manos was forced to make a desperation save 15 minutes in when Payne pinched the ball inside the area but it was smothered by the quick thinking custodian.

The wet pitch conditions made both sides unable to play their usual slick passing style of football with the game becoming a physical grind through the middle of the park

APIA finally found the breakthrough in the 28th minute.

Set-piece master Adrian Ucchino delivered a looping cross into the box from the western sideline with Galimi flying high above his make to nod the ball into the top left corner over the outstretched arms of United keeper Manos.

The tough tackling defender was full of adrenaline as he celebrated his goal with the legion of Galimi fans that turned up at Bankwest Stadium.

Sydney United 58 were denied what they felt was a clear penalty 10 minutes from the interval when Peter Simonoski went down in the box after tangling with a defender.

Referee Ben Abraham had other ideas and waved the penalty shout away as APIA clung onto their 1-0 lead at the break.

A rare run into his own penalty area from Payne kept his former side from making a perfect start to the second stanza.

The striker was able to block a driving shot from Tariq Maia on the goal line before clearing it to safety.

However, The Reds were not to be denied and only a few moments later they levelled the score thanks to a determined finish from Bilic.

A low cross from Simonoski skidded across the penalty area avoiding the APIA defence and onto the outstretched leg of the United winger to direct it into the back of the net.

That sparked massive celebrations with the United 58 faithful who turned out in great numbers to support their beloved side. Chants of ‘Croatia, Croatia’ started to get more momentum as the former NSL giants pushed for a winner.

The physical nature of the match began to take its toll with both United 58 and APIA forced to make changes after players went down hurt.

Towering defender Themba Muata-Marlow was proving to be a hard man to beat for United winning everything sent his way.

Despite the efforts of both sides the game finished locked at 1-1 with another 30 minutes needed to find a winner.

It was a tense start to extra-time but It took APIA only four minutes to turn the game in their favour.

A hopeful flick on from Payne found his captain Symons running in space who then chipped Manos from 25 yards out with a brilliantly placed lob.

The Tigers found a second wind after the goal limiting a desperate United sides chances in the closing stages of the opening period of extra time.

United finally found their way to goal just after the restart with a Patrick Antelmi header remarkably cleared off the line by Ucchino much to the dismay of the thousands watching in attendance.

APIA was defending relentlessly and their opponents rarely looked like they were going to threaten.

United 58 Josh Macdonald found space in the 112th minute and was about to pull the trigger before experienced campaigner and sub Nick Stavroulakis used all his experience and thwarted danger by poking a toe and smashing it out of the pitch.

It was heart and mouth stuff.

A final push from United 58 never truly came as the Tigers clung on for the historic victory.

A jubilant APIA coach John Calleja was lost for words after the triumph such was the enormity of the win for his club.

“This is the greatest feeling and it means so much to these players and to this club,” he said.

“I saw during the week just how driven the boys were to win this game and it showed out there today.

“It wasn’t the prettiest game of football but it came down to determination and resilience which I felt our players demonstrated in spades.

“This team has been through a lot and to finally achieve what we have set out to do for so long is a truly incredible feeling.

A sombre Sydney United 58 coach Miro Vlastelica rued what could’ve been with his side suffering going down after gallant effort to take the game into extra-time.

“That’s football, sometimes it’s cruel and we learnt that today.” Vlastelica said.

“I felt we dominated large sections of the match tonight but in the end we paid the price for conceding two soft goals.

“It hurts but we can be proud of this season and the incredible effort it took to make it to the grand final.”

Match Stats

APIA Leichhardt Tigers: 2 (Galimi 28’, Symons 95’)

Sydney United 58: 1   (Bilic 57’)

Saturday, 31 August 2019

Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta

Referee: Ben Abraham

Assistant Referees: A Giev & B Wright

Fourth official: K Ams

APIA Leichhardt Tigers: 1. Ivan Necevski, 3. Paul Galimi (21. Michael Kouta 73’), 4. Josh Symons, 6. Chris Payne (14 Lachlan Hughes 119’), 7. Tynan Diaz, 8. Corey Biczo (19. Dominon Nasrabadi 119’), 10. Franco Parisi (23. Nick Stavroulakis 102’), 12. Sam McIllhatton, 15. Themba Muata-Marlow, 16. Sean Symons, 18. Adrian Ucchino

Substitutes not used: 22. Luke Turnbull,

Yellow cards: McIllhatton 35’  

Red cards:

Sydney United 58: 21. Thomas Manos, 4. Adrian Vlastelica, 7. Peter Simonoski (19. Joshua McDonald 76’), 8. Matthew Sim, 9. Patrick Antelmi, 12. Liam Rose, 14. Tomislav Uskok, 15. Tariq Maia, 17. Matthew Bilic 5. Anthony Tomelic 90′, 20. Cristian Gonzalez (3. Jordan Roberts 82’), 22. Yianni Fragogiannis.

Substitutes not used: 1. Daniel Sadaka, 6. Petar Markovic,

Yellow cards: Maia 44’, McDonald 105′

Red cards:

 

Grand Final Player Ratings 

APIA LEICHHARDT TIGERS

1 IVAN NECEVSKI 6.5/10

Ever reliable but not overworked but there when the team required. Cool head when called upon.

3 PAUL GALIMI 7.5/10

Netted the opening goal of the game but didn’t desert his defensive duties. Was a workhorse and battled bravely albeit with injury which he succumbed to in the second half.

4 JOSHUA SYMONS 7/10

Dependable and strong in the tackle and once again proved that he is one of APIA’s most consistent defender. Another player who was carrying an injury into the final, he battled well and won his battles.

6 CHRIS PAYNE 7/10

Worked hard and always a threat up front for little reward scoring wise but set up the pass for the winner. Threw himself at everything but missed that elusive goal against his former club.

7 TYNAN DIAZ 7.5/10

Put in his usual seamless performance, helped out in attack when overlapping down the right flank and used all his experience with a good performance for the Tigers.

8 COREY BICZO 7/10

Industrious, willing to chase and hustle throughout. Never gave up and gave his all from the start till the end.

10 FRANCO PARISI 6.5/10

A quiet performance from the mercurial maestro but a vital cog in the well oiled APIA machine.

12 SAM MCILLHATTON 8/10

Enthusiastic outing but picked up a caution in the 35’ for a rash challenge. That did not deter the hard working midfielder who clocked up the kilometres, breaking up play and was a constant pest for APIA.

15 THEMBA MUATA-MARLOW 8/10

The pick of APIA’s back-four. Solid, thorough and completely at ease on the big stage.

16 SEAN SYMONS 9/10 MOTM

Patrolling the left flank, broke up countless attacks in making himself busy. Scored five minutes into extra-time when lobbing  Manos. The former NPL NSW Men’s Player of the Year really rose to the occasion and showed to many why he still is one of the best in the business.

18 ADRIAN UCCHINO 8/10

Toiled away, made himself busy through the middle and supporting the attack. Cleared off the line in second-half stoppage time that all but won the match for his side.

SUBS

14 LACHLAN HUGHES N/A

Subbed on in 120’ (6.Chris Payne)

19 DOMINION NASRABANDI N/A

Subbed on in 120’ (8.Corey Biczo)

21 MICHAEL KOUTA 5/10

Subbed on in 74’ (3.Paul Galimi)

23 NICK STAVROULAKIS 5/10

Subbed on in 102’ (10.Franco Parisi). Stavroulakis made a key interception deep into the second half of extra time that spurred APIA to victory.

 

SYDNEY UNITED 58

21 THOMAS MANOS 6/10

Made a couple of point blank saves but powerless for the opening goal. Acquitted himself well but left hopelessly stranded for the winning APIA goal.

4 ADRIAN VLASTELICA 7.5/10

Steady, resolute and polished performance from the tall stopper.

7 PETER SIMONOSKI 6.5/10

Busy, hard working. Subbed in the 76’ minute to be replaced by Josh Macdonald which was a shock to many as he looked dangers in patches and looked likely to score.

8 MATTHEW SIM 7.5/10

Always a threat, hustling throughout the match, made key runs and was great with his distribution.

9 PATRICK ANTELMI 6.5/10

Eager early into the match but drifted when man-marked. Threw his weight behind a few opportunities for the lethal marksman but failed to get that goal.

12 LIAM ROSE 8.5/10

Great hold-up and link play Rose was one of the best on the park. Certainly found his form late in the second half of the season and the Grand Final showed yet again that there is life in the former Australian youth international.

14 TOMISLAV USKOK 7/10

Sturdy performance if not glamorous. Did what needed to be done for his side.

15 TARIQ MAIA 7/10

Picked up a caution in the 43’ minute however his bustling style was a constant threat.

17 MATTHEW BILIC 7.5/10

Pulled his side back into the contest when finding the net in the 57’ but forced from the field in the final minute of the match through injury, replaced by Anthony Tomelic. Was energetic and made darting runs constantly on his end.

20 CRISTIAN GONZALEZ 6.5/10

Great work rate and prepared to roll up the sleeves and chase lost causes. Subbed off in the 83’ for Jordan Roberts.

22 YIANNI FRAGOGIANNIS 7/10

Strong performance at right-back, particularly in the early stages of the match. His distribution and tackles were excellent.

SUBS

3 JORDAN ROBERTS 5/10

Subbed on in the 83’ (20.Christian Gonzalez).

5 ANTHONY TOMELIC 5/10

Subbed on in 89’ minute due to injury for goalscorer Matthew Bilic.

19 JOSHUA MCDONALD 5/10

76’ sub (7.Peter Simonoski), picked up a caution at the end of the first period of extra-time.

From United 58 to APIA, Stavroulakis looking to lift trophy with Tigers

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Nick Stavroulakis may be the only man who has represented both APIA Leichhardt and Sydney United 58 this season, but his allegiance will be firmly with the Tigers come Saturday night’s Grand Final between the two clubs at Bankwest Stadium.

The 34-year-old is looking to contribute his hefty experience to maximise the club’s chances of ensuring that third time is indeed a charm when it comes to Grand Final appearances.

After five seasons and over 100 appearances for United 58, where he was their Club Captain, the combative midfielder unexpectedly traded Edensor Park for Lambert Park back in May.

“It was something that I did not think was going to happen,” Stavroulakis recalled.

“But as they say, when one door closes another one opens, and I’m blessed to be at another great club like APIA.

“Franco Parisi has been trying to get me over for a while now, and he was my ‘agent’ in making the move happen.

“After he called me, the decision was made straight away.”

The 34-year-old has relished his fresh surroundings and recalled how he was immediately introduced to the special culture cultivated by the Tigers in recent years.

“I wanted to go somewhere I would be challenged again, and I always believed we would make the last day here at APIA,” he reflected.

“They’re a good bunch of very talented boys, and a squad who stick together so well.

“Everyone’s close mates on and off the pitch and that allows the boys to play for each other and pull together in the circumstances where that is needed.

“Dave D’Apuzzo, John Calleja and the committee have been unbelievable in making it an easy transition for me.”

As APIA approach their third consecutive Grand Final, Stavroulakis is looking forward to the fourth of his glimmering career.

He has lifted his fair share of silverware with the Sutherland Sharks and Sydney United 58, winning a total of nine trophies including the NPL NSW Men’s Premiership, TAFE Waratah Cup, NPL Finals Series and a solitary Championship title as skipper of the Sharks back in 2009.

A decade on, Stavroulakis now strongly considers the significance of respecting the magnitude of the occasion come Grand Final day.

“Grand finals are a different occasion,” he said.

“People say you can approach it as a normal game, but you can’t – there’s much more to it.

“You’ve only got one opportunity to raise that trophy, and you might not be the best team on the day, but with a bit of luck you can come up trumps and that’s all that matters.

“Finals aren’t there to be played, they’re there to be won.”

Building upon his on-field contributions, Stavroulakis has lent a helping hand to APIA’s coaching staff off the pitch.

Having recently completed his FFA Coaching ‘B’ Licence, Stavroulakis has assisted coach John Calleja and assistant David D’Apuzzo in their pre-match analysis of opponents.

And as APIA prepare to face an extremely familiar foe this Saturday, his insights may well prove decisive.

However, Stavroulakis enforced that the majority of the focus must remain on APIA’s preparation than that of the other outfit vying for the Championship.

“Post-football I am looking to take up a coaching role somewhere, and I have enjoyed assisting Johnny and Davey in analysing all of our opposition,” he revealed.

“I’ve assisted in dissecting how we can nullify each oppositions’ strengths, and how we can use our own strengths to exploit their weaknesses.

“It obviously helps this weekend that I was at United for a long time and know each player’s traits very well!

“I have played a bit of a part in terms of our build-up to the game but at the same time we’re looking at ourselves more than anyone else.”

As for any lingering loyalties garnered towards his old club, Stavroulakis assured that these will all be out of the equation come Saturday.

“The day I left the doors at United was the day that era finished for me,” he revealed.

“I know that I will always have great memories with the club and will always have a special place for the fans at SUS.

“You can’t dwell on the past though, as unfortunately football is a business now.

“I’ve already played against them (United 58) in my second game for APIA which was really emotional, but now I have to focus on my team and my teammates.

“APIA have welcomed me with open arms from day one and I can’t thank this group enough.

“We’re now looking to get the job done, and hopefully come Saturday night we’re celebrating lifting the trophy.

“My game plan has always been that I always play for the name on the jersey and come Grand Final day if I am needed, I will my all for the APIA badge.

“A lot of the boys and staff have had two bites of the cherry and not come up trumps yet, and I want nothing more than for them to experience that special feeling of winning it.”

By National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Reporter Chris Curulli (Twitter handle @ChrisCurulli)

Young gun McIlhatton buzzing for the big dance

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APIA Leichhardt Tigers’ Sam McIlhatton cannot wait for his first taste of Grand Final action at Bankwest Stadium this Saturday night.

After skippering Sydney FC’s National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s side last season, the dynamic midfielder made the shift to APIA prior to the 2019 campaign.

Since then, the 2018 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Team of the Season member has firmly established himself as one of the first names on John Calleja’s team sheet.

McIlhatton is one of the favourites to claim APIA’s Player of the Year Award; a testament to his stellar maiden campaign with the club.

The 21-year-old is relishing his time at the club and revealed he has treasured linking up with their experienced squad.

“The decision to move came because my time was up at Sydney FC and I had to find another club fairly quickly,” McIllhatton recalled.

“This season’s been extremely enjoyable, playing with all of the older guys at APIA.”

One of the more seasoned professionals who recently joined the squad is Nick Stavroulakis, a battling central-midfielder of similar mould to McIllhatton.

Stavroulakis was full of praise for the youngster.

“Sam is a robust player who can run up-and-down all day,” the 34-year-old said.

“We play in the same position and have had to deal with the same issues in terms of our stature on the pitch.

“But once you start doing what you do best, people forget about the height factor.

“He is a top kid, who asks all of the right questions at the right moments.

“His game has come along in leaps and bounds over the last few months.”

Heading into his maiden experience of the big stage, McIllhatton is primed for the occasion.

“We’re just approaching it like any other game,” the youngster said.

“Everyone’s excited, it’s my first Grand Final so I’m really looking forward to it.

“Hopefully I can continue doing what I’ve been doing throughout the season.

“I’m just going to do my job and try and help the team in any way I can.

“We do have plenty of experience in the Grand Final, so hopefully third time lucky!”

By National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Reporter Chris Curulli (Twitter handle @ChrisCurulli)