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Redemption on the mind of Vlastelica

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Sydney United 58’s towering defender Adrian Vlastelica knows how it feels and the pain that comes with losing a Grand Final.

Having had such a tremendous run in 2019, Sydney United 58 fell short at the last hurdle bowing out to eventual Grand Final winners APIA Leichhardt FC at Bankwest Stadium.

It is that feeling alone that the 25-year-old hopes to not revisit when the skipper sets his sights on spoiling 2020 Premiers Rockdale Ilinden’s party this Sunday in this year’s Grand Final at Marconi Stadium.

“Of course the pain of losing any final is always tough to take and I know how much it would mean to the club to lift the Championship trophy once more.

“I think it will be huge for not only the players and staff but our loyal supporters who turn up in large numbers week in week out home and away should we get that successful result this Sunday.

“Also, having not won the NPL NSW Men’s Grand Final since 2006 and coming so close last year, it would be a huge achievement for everyone involved.”

Ultra-proud of his club colours, Vlastelica has thoroughly enjoyed taking the captain’s armband week in week out in an NPL year that’s seen so much drama and excitement.

“It’s been an honour to do this week in week out.

“The job has been made easy with all the experience and top-quality players we have in our squad it must be said.

“Hopefully we can finish the job off and get the result on Sunday.”

The former Hurstville Zagreb junior was at his commanding best when he and his troops dug in deep to record a memorable 3-1 Semi-Final victory over the Wollongong Wolves last Sunday, setting up a Grand Final date with Rockdale Illinden.

“We knew going into that match that we had a good record against Wollongong.

“Like last season, we managed to beat them at this stage of the competition, so the confidence was there to get the result again.

“We had a game plan and we stuck to that, played our style of football and a few moments of quality helped get the result that sent us through.”

Sunday’s opponents Rockdale Ilinden have really come of age during the 2020 rebooted season.

Coach Steve Zoric has been instrumental in Rockdale’s success but Vlastelica, although respecting his opposition, understands that his side will give it their all in bringing that elusive Championship trophy back to the King Tom Club on Sunday night.

“Rockdale have been very consistent this year and a tough side to beat.

“It will be a tough game as every final is.

“We played out a 2-2 draw less than a month ago so come Sunday we will have our game plan and hopefully come away with the win.

“You can expect us to play our attacking free flowing football as we have all season.

“I think it will be a great game to watch with two quality sides going at it.

“Last year’s final gives us extra motivation to get it over the line come Sunday you can be sure of that.”

Don’t forget you can catch all the drama and excitement of this crucial NPL NSW Men’s Grand-Final clash exclusive only to NPL.TV, download the APP or register online today.

The mobile apps are available for iOS and Android mobile devices and allow for connectivity to TV’s via Apple TV and Chromecast.

Download the NPL.TV app:

To access the premium digital pass offer, head to the Subscription page on the NPL.TV website.

Young gun Casella ready for crowning moment

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It’s been an unforgettable National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season for 20-year-old entertaining attacker midfielder Jaden Casella who has had a breakout season for the 2020 Premiers and is sure to be one to watch out for at this Sunday’s epic Grand Final against Sydney United 58 held at Marconi Stadium.

The former Sutherland Sharks and Western Sydney Wanderers youth star has sent many chins wagging with his performances in the Red and Black this year following his move back to Sydney after the young gun spent some time with Spanish outfit Mislata CF before COVID hit and that paved the way to signing with Rockdale.

“It turned out to be a great season for me.

“Due to COVID, I had to come back from playing overseas in Spain and was fortunate enough to have been given the chance to restart the football season with Rockdale Ilinden which has been a great experience.

“The boys have had a very eye-catching season and it has just been great being a part of it all.”

Casella, who managed to score three goals this year, became one of Steve Zoric’s game changers with the youngster rising to the challenge and occasion with the aim of playing as many matches as possible during the rebooted season.

“I knew from the beginning that there would be a lot of pressure on the coaches in regards to choosing the squad.

“That in itself was going to be a challenge to start matches as all the boys put in 110% at training.

“However this motivated me more to work hard and to do my best to be noticed.”

And notice they did, part of Rockdale’s memorable 2020 season saw the club lift its first piece of NPL NSW Men’s silverware, something Casella was very proud to have been a part of.

“I never doubted the boys into having such a great season.

“Despite the shorter rounds and changes to the competition, we took this league very seriously and constantly pushed each other to play the best we can.

“I think personally looking back at it all, that is why we got to the position we are in today, but it is always a great feeling to win a Premiership.”

There were no signs of a Premiership hangover as Rockdale asserted its authority from the get go knocking out rivals Sydney Olympic 3-0 last Saturday evening in the crucial semi-final clash that booked their ticket to the big dance with Casella scoring the third and final goal of the match.

“The Semi-Final against Sydney Olympic was our best performance of the season.

“Yes it is always good to get on the score-sheet but what was so great about that match is that every single player had a great performance and we all worked together to grab a well-deserved spot into this Sunday’s Grand Final.”

Standing in Casella and the club’s way will be iconic Australian club Sydney United 58 who will pose a major threat with Anthony Crea’s men looking to spoiling Rockdale’s party.

“This Sunday’s Final will be a tough match – of course it’s the biggest game of the year for both teams, Sydney United 58 obviously have had a great season as well so it won’t be easy.

“The last time we played each other was in round 10 where we grabbed a point away from home but this Sunday I am more than confident that we will pull off another 5-star performance hopefully to see us lift the trophy for the club and our fans.”

Don’t forget you can catch all the drama and excitement of this crucial NPL NSW Men’s Grand-Final clash exclusive only to NPL.TV, download the APP or register online today.

The mobile apps are available for iOS and Android mobile devices and allow for connectivity to TV’s via Apple TV and Chromecast.

Download the NPL.TV app:

To access the premium digital pass offer, head to the Subscription page on the NPL.TV website.

Sydney United 58 break Wolves hearts again and advance to Grand Final

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Sydney United 58 have secured their second Grand Final berth in as many years with a 3-1 victory against Wollongong Wolves in a drama-filled clash at Albert Butler Memorial Park and have setup a date with Rockdale Illinden for the 2020 Championship at Marconi Stadium next Sunday. 

In a repeat of the same game last season, United 58 was too good on the road as they once again denied Wollongong a place in the decider

It was a chaotic clash with both teams reduced to 10-men just before half-time after two separate off the ball incidents from United 58’s Patrick Antelmi and Thomas James of the Wolves.

A brilliant strike from Glen Trifiro and a clinical finish from Matt Sim in the second stanza was the difference with United 58 now set for a winner takes all clash against fierce rivals Rockdale Ilinden in next week’s decider.

Sydney United 58 didn’t hold back as they took the contest to Wollongong right from the opening whistle.

The visitors earlier pressure paid off when they were awarded a penalty after Matt Sim’s shot from the edge of the box was blocked by the arm of Wollongong defender Nikola Djordjevic.

Striker Antelmi made sure of the opportunity blasting the ball into the back of the net from the spot to give United 58 a 1-0 lead after only 15 minutes.

Despite falling behind the home side were not to be written off and found an equaliser through Marcus Beattie ten minutes from the break to level the score at 1-1.

The pressure was rising as the match closed in on half-time with the difficult conditions and physical play getting players on edge.

Tensions boiled over in the 38th minute with the game exploding into chaos after dirty play off the ball by Antelmi and Wollongong’s Thomas James caused an all in-brawl.

The moment of madness proved costly for both sides with referee Michael Weiner brandishing a straight red card for both strikers that reduced the two teams to ten-men going into the interval.

Wollongong raced out of the block after the break with Okada driving the home side’s attack forward.

The home side was desperate for an equaliser but struggled to find the finishing touch required.

A moment of brilliance from Trifiro gave the visitors the lead in the 74th minute when the midfield fired a rocket into the top left corner from the edge of the penalty box.

The Wolves pushed ahead in search of an equaliser with their season on the line.

But again the United 58 counter-attack was too much with Sim finding the back of the net after a brilliant cutting pass in behind the backline to stretch the visitors lead to 3-1 with only minutes left in the match.

It proved to be the final blow for United 58 with the final whistle confirming their place in the grand final and the end to Wollongong’s season.

In the day’s earlier match Blacktown City confirmed their place in the U20’s grand final with a 3-1 win against Western Sydney Wanderers.

They will take on Sydney FC in next week’s U20’s grand final.

Rockdale Ilinden book ticket to 2020 NPL NSW Men’s Grand Final

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Newly crowned 2020 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Premiers Rockdale Ilinden booked its Grand Final ticket to Marconi Stadium for the ‘Big Dance’ after a devastating display defeating Sydney Olympic 3-0 at the Ilinden Sports Centre on Saturday night.

Steve Zoric’s men brought their season form into the crucial semi-final clash as they proved far too hungry for their opponents whose defensive errors ended up being their downfall.

Rockdale kicked things off with a great opening goal in the 29th minute thanks to a stunning Michael Neil strike. It was some decent build up play from the Ilinden back-line that saw Banri Kanaizumi launch a long ball forward that saw Patrick Savor expertly nod it through to a rampaging Neill who ripped the leather off the ball with a venomous strike sending the home fans into raptures.

Neill then turned the game on its head with two minutes remaining before the break after picking up a loose ball and playing a lovely one-two, was brought down in the box by Olympic’s Jason Madonis.

Referee Katie Patterson had no hesitation but awarded the penalty which was expertly dispatched by Japanese import Tomoki Wada.

It was a hammer blow for the Blues who went into the half knowing they needed a herculean effort in the second to get back into the match.

It wasn’t to be for Ante Juric’s men as it was Game, Set and Match in the 57th minute when young gun Jaden Casella pounced on yet another defensive blunder by Olympic.

Benjamin Van Meurs gave a poor ball away which was picked up by the elusive Amaury Gauthier. The ace marksman slipped Casella through who did well to finish a crafty move and it was then and there the hosts realised they’d be playing at next Sunday’s NPL NSW Men’s Grand Final.

The day’s earlier match in the Grade 20s Semi-Final saw Sydney FC prove too strong for Rockdale Illinden coming home with a 3-1 victory.

A brace from 16-year-old sensation Aiden Mostofi and Anton Milnaric cancelled out Nathan Manno’s goal that sent the Sky Blues into next Sunday’s Grade 20 Grand Final.

Zoric confident his troops will be at the ‘Big Dance’

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Newly crowned National Premier League NSW Men’s Premiers Rockdale Illinden have had a rebooted season to remember for the ages as the club scooped its first ever piece of NPL silverware.

Leading the charge in Rockdale’s stunning season has been debutant senior coach Steve Zoric who too was elated with how his first season as first team coach unfolded.

After winning the 2020 NPL NSW Men’s Premiership in thrilling circumstances on the final day of play against the North Shore Mariners last weekend, the former Rockdale youth coach has set his sights firmly on their massive semi-final clash against staunch rivals Sydney Olympic this Saturday evening at the Ilinden Sports Centre.

“This weekend I am expecting a blockbuster match with both teams filled with quality across the park.

“Sydney Olympic are a very experienced and accomplished squad with a lot of fire power in the front third.

“My thoughts are that this game will be won on the team that is defensively stronger on the day keeping in mind that midfield control will also contribute to who will be successful in getting to the Grand Final.

“Even though this will go down to the wire, I have great confidence in that we have shown enough ability and character to win this game and earn a spot in the main dance.”

One player that has certainly turned it on has been the club’s legendary marksman Alec Urosevski.

Originally, Urosevski was set to miss out on the rebooted season after stating he wanted to concentrate on his family baking business but couldn’t resist the temptation in helping his boys out in what has been a big year for the ex-Sydney FC Youth player.

Zoric who played youth football with Sydney United during the NSL as well as playing in the NPL with Manly Warringah Dolphins, Macarthur Rams and the Suns, paid tribute to his prolific goalscorer and the important role he played with the nucleus of the entire Rockdale squad.

“The greatest thing about Uro and the entire squad is that they are beautiful human beings that are humble. All the experienced players along with Uro are very nurturing for the younger players coming through.

“The dressing room is fantastic and players like Uro are key to providing a family type environment within it.

“Uro has had a very difficult year due to COVID-19 affecting the family business and difficulty in balancing the business, family and football.

“Initially, Urosevski could not commit 100% due to the added load in working the business and having a young family but his passion for football, club and community ensured that he would again take part which he has been instrumental to the clubs success this season.

“As a coach, it’s has been an honour to work with a player of his ability and drive to always, even with his achievements, in improving his game. He is a coach’s delight.

“His presence in the dressing room and on the park is phenomenal.”

The ambitious 46-year-old coach stated that it was the club’s push in creating a legacy in late 2019 that boosted the team’s drive to win every match at all costs even when the football lockdown took shape.

“When we commenced this journey in late 2019 during pre-season, we all always spoke about creating a legacy at the club.

“Legacy and giving the Club and Community the Premiership which it deserves was the main motivation.

“It was a perfect mixture of players and coaching staff that have come together in really being motivated to produce something special for the club.

“The main principles that we focused on to deliver this Legacy were Defensively, Possession and Mental Fitness.

“Defensively, we needed to ensure that we improved defensively as a team and ensured that our transition into defence was quick and structured.

“Possession, that we maintain possession and stay structure during this phase of play for long periods of time as a measure to prevent counter attacks

“Mental Fitness, we focused in this area so that we slowly build a culture of a winning mentality which has been on display during the last three weeks in closing out the Premiership

“In addition, we have started instilling our philosophy, but the most pleasing aspect is that we still have much more improvement and there is still a long way to go in fulfilling this philosophy.

“The squad is still in a development phase which is putting the club in a positive position for the future.”

Don’t forget you can catch all the drama and excitement of this crucial NPL NSW Men’s Semi-Final clash exclusive only to NPL.TV, download the APP or register online today.

The mobile apps are available for iOS and Android mobile devices and allow for connectivity to TV’s via Apple TV and Chromecast.

Download the NPL.TV app:

To access the premium digital pass offer, head to the Subscription page on the NPL.TV website.