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Young Sky Blues ready to pounce

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Up and coming Sydney FC coach Jimmy Van Weeren understands the important role he has in steering the future stars of the Sky Blues to hopeful A-League contracts as he prepares for a huge 2020 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season with his young brigade of talented players.

Van Weeren has managed to retain a number of his 2019 players with the likes of experienced NPL NSW Men’s youngsters Jordi Swibel, Benjamin Koop, Jaiden Kucharski, Marco Tilio, Ryan Teague, Thomas Fay and Callum Talbot all agreeing to terms with the club.

The club has promoted a number of their 20s and 18s players to its senior NPL squad in line with further developing their careers playing against senior NPL NSW Men’s opposition.

Under 20 players Jake Hollman, Calem Nieuwenhof, Aaron Gurd, Fletcher McFarlane, Scott Browning, Thomas Main, Adam Pavlesic and Levi Kaye have all earned themselves deals as have young under 18 players Cameron Peupion, Anton Mlinaric, Cameron Fong, Jayden Trenkoski.

Yinka Sunmola is the only fresh-faced youngster that has been recruited by Van Weeren outside of the club with the Sky Blues facing Mt Druitt Town Rangers at Popondetta Park on Sunday 1st of March (2pm) for their round 1 NPL NSW Men’s opener.

Sydney FC 2020: Yinka Sunmola, Jordi Swibel, Benjamin Koop, Jaiden Kucharski, Marco Tilio, Ryan Teague, Thomas Fay, Callum Talbot, Jake Hollman, Calem Nieuwenhof, Aaron Gurd, Fletcher McFarlane, Scott Browning, Thomas Main, Adam Pavlesic, Levi Kaye, Cameron Peupion, Anton Mlinaric, Cameron Fong, Jayden Trenkoski

No finals football for Sydney Olympic

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Reigning NPL NSW Men’s champions Sydney Olympic has narrowly missed out on a place in the finals despite a final round 3-1 win against Sydney FC at Lambert Park.

Two goals to Alex Sanchez and one to Jack Stewart was enough to silence the home side in what was a thrilling Round 22 contest.

Benjamin Koop found the back of the net in the 13th minute for Sydney FC but it proved to be nothing more than a stat line as Olympic claimed all three points.

The win was not enough to secure finals football for the Olympic, as a tight battle for fourth and fifth position was won by Sydney United and Marconi Stallions respectively.

Olympic had a brilliant start to the game, scoring twice within the first 10 minutes.

Stewart opened scoring for the visitors in the 5th minute, sliding a left-foot strike into the netting from the edge of the 18-yard box.

Sanchez doubled Olympic’s lead just minutes later, working his magic to charge through Sydney FC’s defence and send his shot out of reach of Thomas Heward-Belle in the 8th minute.

Despite a five-minute period of dominance for Sydney Olympic, Sydney FC were competitive against Olympic, utilising their technical ability to counteract Olympic’s experience and physicality.

The home side worked their way back into the game in the 13th minute, with Koop breaking free from Billy Patramanis to knock in a header from a Callum Talbot cross.

The teams continued to battle it out, with both sides having their share of chances, but it was Olympic who would score again in the 68th minute through Sanchez.

The Spaniard scored his second of the match, connecting with a cross from Jinya An to head home a third for the visitors.

Olympic coach Abbas Saad expressed his disappointment that his team weren’t going to be playing finals football this year.

“We’re disappointed but obviously very, very proud of the boy’s efforts,” he explained.

“We’ve beaten ourselves this year and that’s the disappointing factor, we could have done a lot better.

“It is what it is, we’ve beaten four of those top five teams that are going to be in the semi-finals.

“We felt if we could just get into the finals maybe we could show our true colours.”

Despite the loss, Sydney FC coach Jim Van Weeren was proud of the style of football his team was executing.

“The style of football the boys played, especially in the opposition half, and the combination play between boys was really special today,” he explained.

“There’s been some big learning moments in this comp.

“There’s some quality players and they can punish you for some mistakes, especially if you give the ball away in your half, as we saw today.”

Match Stats

Sydney FC 1 (Benjamin Koop 13’)

Sydney Olympic FC 3 (Jack Stewart 5’, Alex Sanchez 8’, 68’)

Sunday, 11 August 2019.

Lambert Park, Leichhardt 

Referee: D. Stack

Assistant Referees: J. Bell and M. Staples

Fourth Official: L. Jones

Sydney FC: 1. Thomas Heward-Belle, 2. Fletcher Mcfarlane (12. Calem Nieuwenhof 45’), 3. Benjamin Van Meurs, 5. Patrick Scibilio, 6. Harry Van Der Saag (9. Hamish Lamberton 82’), 8. Joel King, 11. Luke Ivanovic, 13. Jordan Swibel, 15. Ryan Teague (16. Paolo Bonanni 82’), 17. Callum Talbot, 18. Benjamin Koop

Substitutes Not Used: 4. Mitchell Mattison, 30. Matteo Scali

Yellow Cards: Calem Nieuwenhof 90’

Red Cards: Nil

Sydney Olympic FC: 1. Paul Henderson, 3. Riley Woodcock, 6. Nikola Kuleski, 8. Jason Madonis, 9. Radovan Pavicevic (22. Michael Gaitatzis 79’), 10. Harris Gaitatzis, 11. Jinya An, 12. Zachary Mackenzie, 14. Alejandro Sanchez, 17. Jack Stewart (2. Thomas Whiteside 88’), 25. Dimi Petratos (19. Darcy Burgess 66’), 26. Billy Patramanis,

Substitutes Not Used: 20. Ezequiel Consoni, 33. Nikolas Tsattalios

Yellow Cards: Riley Woodcock 38’

Red Cards: Nil

Player Ratings have now been hidden due to the second half of the season commencing.

By National Premier Leagues NSW reporter Madeline Riley (@madelineriley23)

 

 

Sky Blues no match for ruthless Sharks

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Sutherland Sharks have snapped a three game losing streak with an emphatic 4-0 win against Sydney FC at Lambert Park on Saturday.

It was a brilliant performance from the Sharks as former Sky Blues stars Charles Lokolingoy and Jeremy Cox both scored a brace against their former side.

It was one way traffic from the start as the visitors made the most of their attacking dominance to go into halftime 3-0 thanks to a Cox double and a 45th minute finish from Lokolingoy.

Sydney FC fought their way back into the contest after the interval but it wasn’t enough with Lokolingoy claiming his second and Sutherland’s fourth of the match.

A late flurry from the home side gave fans hope of a consolation goal yet it never eventuated as the Sharks held on for the 4-0 win.

Sutherland meant business from the opening whistle and wasted no time before taking the game to the Young Sky Blues.

Teenage shot stopper Matteo Scali was forced to make back to back saves early on denying chances from Lokolingoy and Bai Antoniou.

However, it wasn’t enough for Sydney FC as Cox fired the Sharks into the lead after 11 minutes with a crisp finish from just inside the penalty area.

Benjamin Koop went inches away from equalising for the homes side with a deft chip which hit the crossbar before being cleaned up by keeper Bouzanis

A cheeky back-heel from Cox nearly doubled his tally but it was once again saved by Sydney’s young keeper

But once again Cox couldn’t be stopped as he claimed his second of the match with a brilliant half volley into the top corner of the net to make it 2-0 for Sutherland.

In the dying Seconds the Sharks made it 3-0 with Lokolingoy heading home from close range.

Sutherland had a point to prove and continued their attacking onslaught from the opening whistle of the second half.

Cox was denied his hat trick by Scali but the striker was injured during the play and was forced off the pitch.

The exit of Cox didn’t harm the Sharks attack with Lokolingoy claiming his second goal of the match when he fired home from close range after 65 minutes.

It was one way traffic with the Young Sky Blues struggling to keep pace with their more experienced opponents.

Lokolingoy went inches away from a hat-trick in the 75th minute with a header which sailed past the outstretched arms of the keeper but wide of the post.

With the result all but settled, the final ten minutes of the match were a slow procession with both sides seemingly waiting for the final whistle.

Sutherland would have one final half-chance in added time but they weren’t able to extend their advantage finishing the match 4-0 victors.

Sharks coach Terry Palapanis said the win was proof of what his side was capable of.

“We really performed well today. It’s disappointing we weren’t able to bring this level the last few weeks but its always good to get a big win,” he said.

“Charles and Coxy were clinical today and that’s what it takes to be successful in this league by making the most of your chances.

“We’ve got one more game to go so hopefully we can have a repeat of this performance next week against Rockdale.”

Sydney FC coach Jim van Weeren rued what was a tough outing for his inexperienced squad.

“It’s been a massive week for some of the boys who just returned yesterday after playing against PSG with the first team in China. Having to back up a few days later proved to be a bit much,” he said.

“We were just missing that little bit extra tonight.

“It’s been a long season but hopefully we can finish off on a high note in the final round next week.

Match Stats

Sydney FC 0

Sutherland Sharks 4 ( Cox 12′, 41’, Lokolingoy 45′, 65’)

Saturday, 3 August 2019

Lambert Park, Leichhardt

Sydney FC: 30. Matteo Scali, 3. Benjamin van Meurs, 5. Patrick Scibilio, 6. Harry van der Saag, 9. Hamish Lamberton, 12. Calem Nieuwenhof, 13.Jordan Swibel  15. Ryan Teague, 16. Paolo Bonnani 4. (Mitchell Mattison 74′),  17. Callum Talbot (2. Fletcher Mcfarlane 54’), 18. Benjamin Koop,

Substitutes not used:  14. Aaron Gurd, 78. Nectarios Triantis, 72. Philip Gigliotti

Yellow cards: Swibel 79′

Red cards:

Sutherland Sharks: 1. Anthony Bouzanis, 2. Quentin Cheng (19. Harry Sutherland 79′), 4. Patrick O’Shea, 7. Bai Antoniou, 8. Matteo Poljak, 9. Jeremy Cox (32. Alexander Lopez 47’), 10. Raul Beneit Romero, 12. Blair Brown (25. Brodie Clarkson 66’), 14. Charles Lokolingoy, 21. Tarik Ercan, 22. Jerry Skodatis

Substitutes not used:  18. Mitchell Evans,  , 24. Dominic Brischetto

Yellow Cards: Skodatis 52’ Ercan 75′

Red Cards:

Young Sky Blues stars rub shoulders with World’s Best

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What a whirlwind week it was for young Sydney FC stars Harry Van Der Saag, Ryan Teague and Jordi Swibel as the Sky Blues rising National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s stars rubbed shoulders with some of the world’s best footballers that included French star Kylian Mpabbe when they took on PSG on Tuesday 30th of July in a friendly clash in China.

One week these three young lads were playing NPL NSW Men’s competition, the next they’re marking the world’s best.

Van Der Saag in particular was on cloud nine, as the young gun defender made a starting debut and had the task of marking Mpabbe.

Teague and Swibel also gained match time as second half substitutes and it was certainly a moment each youngster will never forget.

As for the shirt swapping, that was the talk of the team post-match with Van Der Saag snaring Mpabbe’s prized jersey while Teague got Spanish international Ander Herrera’s kit and Swibel took French World Cup defender Layvin Kurzawa’s jersey.

Not a bad week for the boys who have returned to reality and will face the Sutherland Sharks this Saturday at Lambert Park in round 21 of the NPL NSW Men’s competition.

APIA pegged back by youthful FC

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A dramatic injury time penalty has helped an under-strength Sydney FC side claim a shock 2-2 draw against APIA Leichhardt Tigers to put a halt to their Premiership hopes at Lambert Park on Saturday.

It was a thrilling contest as APIA tried to keep their good form up ahead of the finals and Sydney FC, missing six players to Sydney FC’s traveling squad to China, were looking to make an upset.

Sydney FC took the lead thanks to a fantastic finish by Jaiden Kucharski after 28 minutes with APIA Leichardt going down against the run of play.

APIA Leichhardt Tigers levelled things up after the restart with Chris Payne’s 19th goal of the season.

Ivan Necevski’s double penalty save burst momentum for APIA as Biczo nipped in to score the Tigers’ second with just over ten minutes to go.

The match ended in penalty drama with Benjamin Koop salvaging a draw for Sydney FC in the 94th minute after Cameron Peupion was brought down in the box.

The first minute of the match was electric. Sydney FC defender Anton Mlinaric, still waiting for his adrenaline to kick in saw his misplaced pass fall to Chris Payne who couldn’t finish for APIA Leichardt.

As the cold set in at Lambert Park, the first ten minutes provided little warmth.

Marco Tilio and Franco Parisi, the midfield maestro’s from either side at Lambert Park were finding space to create some magic.

It was Tilio who managed to create the first chance, sending a beautiful long pass to the pacy Lamberton who was set for a drag race with Ivan Necevski, only for the first chance to go begging.

Sydney FC would take the lead in the 28th minute through Jaiden Kucharski. Calum Niewenhof initiated a quick passing incision of APIA’s backline as Koop flicked through to Kucharski who calmly finished past Necevski.

Biczo was APIA’s live-wire in the first half but he couldn’t reap any rewards with his four shots.

APIA dominated the second half and it was inevitable they’d equalise.

Sean Symons swung in a lovely ball moments later to Chris Payne who’s point blank volley went wide. He made up for his mistake in the 51st minute after weaving his way past Patrick Scibilio and finishing beautifully across goal for his 19th of the season.

Substitute Jake Hollman’s close control caused Galimi to bring down the winger in the box. As Marco Tilio stepped up it was time for Necevski to return Galimi the favour from his first half mishap.

Tilio had his first shot to the left saved before his rebound went straight at Necevski and out for a corner.

APIA took the lead seconds later after a quick free-kick from Parisi caught Sydney FC off guard and hit the post.

Corey Biczo was quickest to the rebound and pounced to send APIA in front in the 78th minute.

Sydney FC were gifted another penalty in stoppage time after Cameron Peupion sped past APIA’s defence and was brought down in the box.

Benjamin Koop stepped up and salvaged a point for Sydney FC from the spot.

Mercurial midfielder Franco Parisi wasn’t spending any time on the draw, preferring to focus on next week and the finals.

“Tonight was 2-2 but we have a bigger picture than this match tonight so we’ll keep going.” said Parisi.

“I think we did enough to win the game but a penalty in the last two minutes is hard to come back from.”

Sydney FC head coach Jimmy Van Weeren was proud of the effort of his side which included a number of debutants to make up for lost players.

“We should have been 2-1 up if it weren’t for their keeper at the penalty,” said Van Weeren.

“But to come back and get a draw late shows some really good signs.”

“We had six of our normal starting NPL players away with the A-League squad in China. The new guys showed they can really match it with a top team in this league.”

“It was definitely a point gained for us”.

Match Stats

APIA Leichardt Tigers FC: 2 (Payne 51’, Corey Biczo 78’)

Sydney FC: 2 (Jaiden Kucharski 28’, Benjamin Koop 90+5’)

Saturday 27th July 2019

Lambert Park, Leichardt

Referee: Simon Hooper

Assistant Referees: Lance Greenshields, Brad Wright

Fourth Official: Sam Kelly

APIA LEICHHARDT TIGERS FC: 1. Ivan Necevski (gk), 3. Paul Galimi, 4. Joshua Symons, (15. Themba Muata-Marlow, 90’), 6. Christopher Payne, (19. Dominion Nasrabadi 86’), 7. Tynan Diaz, 8. Corey Biczo (14. Lachlan Hughes 89’), 10. Franco Parisi, 12. Sam Mcillhatton, 16. Sean Symons, 18. Adrian Ucchino, 21. Michael Kouta

Substitutes not used: 17. Samuel Gulisano, 22. Luke Turnbull

Yellow Cards: 8. Corey Biczo 86’

Red Cards: Nil

SYDNEY FC: 3. Benjamin Van Meurs, 5. Patric Scibilio, 9. Hamish Lamberton, (24. Jake Hollman 63’), 10, Marco Tilio, 14. Thomas Fay, 17. Callum Talbot, 18. Benjamin Koop (16. Paolo Bonanni, 90’)  33. Jayden Kucharski, (82. Cameron Peupion 69’), 34. Calum Nieuwenhof, 40. Levi Kaye, 54. Anton Mlinaric,

Substitutes not used: 30. Matteo Scali, 32. Thomas Main,

Yellow Cards: 5. Patrick Scibilio (31’)

Red Card: Nil

Player Ratings have now been hidden due to the second half of the season commencing.