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Sim stunner gives United 58 edge over Blacktown City

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Goalkeeper Thomas Manos saved the day for Sydney United 58 in their National Premier Leagues NSW Mens match away to Blacktown City at Lily Homes Stadium won by a wonder-striker Matthew Sim free-kick.

Manos made three saves in the closing stages to deny City a point after a sublime curling dead ball from Sim secured the spoils.

Patrick Antelmi, the former City player, almost returned to haunt his former club in the opening moments only for gloveman Tristan Prendergast to turn the ball away.

City initially responded by mounting pressure on their rivals however goal scoring opportunities were a rare commodity as the match bogged down in midfield and became a battle of attrition.

Neither side was at it’s best in a lethargic opening opening half and it was no surprise the teams hit the sheds still locked in stalemate.

It wasn’t until the second period the game sprang to life and an early free-kick on the edge of the box was the catalyst.

Sim placed the ball and curled a left-footed shot teasingly up into Prendergast’s left hand corner to open the scoring for the visitors.

It was to prove the only goal of the game but it wasn’t for the lack of trying by City who switched to a back three and they almost paid the price again when a sweet through ball from Yianni Fragogiannis put Antelmi into the clear but he somehow contrived to fire his effort over the bar.

City pushed and probed and another dead ball situation saw Mason Versi force Manos into the first of three quick successive saves, one more from Versi and another he tipped over the bar in the stoppage time.

The United 58 defence marshaled by veteran Petar Markovic alongside Fragogiannis as well as the marauding runs of Jordan Roberts and the solid display by Yianni Perkatis really shone out for the visitors.

A disconsolate Blacktown coach, Mark Crittendon, commented.

“I don’t think we deserved to lose the game today,

“We gave away a cheap turnover and then a foul to let them in to score.

“I’m proud of the effort from the guys today but like I said, I don’t feel we deserved to lose to a goal like that.”

Miro Vlastelica was rather more upbeat as United 58 recorded its first victory for 2019.

“We always know we are in for a tough game against Blacktown as they are a quality side.

“We could have won by more in the end but we didn’t take the chances we created and we need to work harder on that.

“However, we’ve got the points, kept a clean sheet and we’ll move forward from here.”

Match Stats

Blacktown City: 0

Sydney United 58: 1 (Sim 56’)

Lily Homes Stadium, Quinn Ave, Seven hills

Sunday 17th March, 2019

Blacktown City: 1.Tristan Prendergast, 4.Yianni Spyrakis, 5.Grant Lynch (Mason Versi 75′), 6.Matt Lewis, 7.Devante Clut, 8.Daniel Araujo, 9.Joey Gibbs, 11.Mani Gonzalez (James Demetriou 59′), 21.William Mutch, 22.Leroy Jennings, 24.Jackson Bandierra (Adam Berry 62′)

Subs not used: 3.Daniel Collins, 20.Dylan Niski

Yellow cards:

Red cards:

Sydney United 58: 21.Thomas Manos, 3.Jordan Roberts, 5.Anthony Tomelic (Nick Stavroulakis 71′), 6.Petar Markovic, 8.Matthew Sim (Adrian Vlastelica 75′), 9.Patrick Antelmi, 11.Yianni Perkatis, 13.Sam Perre, 15.Tariq Maia (Josh Macdonald 62′), 20.Christian Gonzalez, 22.Yianni Fragogiannis

Subs not used: 2.Joshua De Rossi, Daniel Sadaka

Yellow cards:

Red cards:

Player Ratings

3 – Manos (SU58)

2 – Fragogiannis (SU58)

1 – Clut (BCFC)

By Micky Brock, FNSW Reporter

Ten-man Suns hold out Sydney United 58 in scoreless draw

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Round 1 of the 2019 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season saw Sydney United Sports Centre play host to a tense stalemate between Sydney United 58 and a ten-man Rockdale City Suns outfit on Sunday night. 

The eagerly-anticipated clash between two historic rivals ended scoreless, despite the visitors playing a man down for over an hour following new recruit Sasa Macura’s 31st minute dismissal for two cautions.

It was also a return to his former ground with Panni Nikas, the much hyped signing for the Suns, being kept quiet by his former teammates.

Notably, a frenetic conclusion saw United 58 custodian Thomas Manos stand tall to deny clear-cut chances for Howard Fondyke and substitute Alec Urosevski, whilst his teammate Glenn Trifiro failed to convert two golden opportunities up the other end.

The hosts may well have snatched all three points in second half stoppage time, as Matt Sim’s curling effort was denied by the woodwork to the dismay of the spirited Edensor Park faithful.

All in all, both Miro Vlastelica and Paul Reid will extract many positives from their team’s opening outing, however the former may well be the more frustrated boss considering his side’s inability to capitalise upon their numerical advantage.

As both sides pressed early to try and kick off their season in style, Sasa Macura’s over exuberance proved costly, as he picked up a yellow card 22 minutes in.

Minutes later the former Manly United midfielder was caught in a clumsy challenge on Yianni Perkatis, leading referee Kurt Ams to award him a second caution without any real hesitation or argument.

Sydney United 58 stalwart Matt Sim forged the brightest opportunities of the first period, however none of which seriously concerned Rockdale’s shot-stopper David Bradasevic.

Rockdale appeared composed considering the circumstances they found themselves in, and continually sent out warning shots to their eleven-man opposition.

Manos was called into action by a powerful low Jonathan Groznadovski shot on 42 minutes, while Nikas’ best shot at silencing the critics on his return to Edensor Park saw a 47th minute free kick deflected to safety by the United wall.

The match clicked up a gear in the final half an hour as both sides traded blows in search of the elusive opener.

Trifiro saw his header sail narrowly over the bar after he was set up by a pinpoint Yianni Fragogiannis delivery, before Fondyke had a first-time wonder-strike denied spectacularly by Manos.

Trifiro then had the goal at his mercy on 76 minutes, but sent his close-range effort high and wide.

With two minutes of regulation time remaining Urosevski found himself one-on-one with the ‘keeper, but a strong Manos palm held firm to stand between Rockdale and all three points.

One of the final plays of the game saw Sim wriggle his way into a sight on goal, before unleashing a precise curling effort that appeared destined for the top corner.

However the ball would instead graze the crossbar, and both sides were forced to settle for a single point to kick off their 2019 campaign.

Post match, both managers offered a positive outlook on the result:

“At the end of the day we were happy,” United boss Miro Vlastelica said.

“We created a few chances that we could have scored on another day but we didn’t. We just need to be a bit more clinical in front of goal.

“You would like to win all of your games but we are going to build from here.

“At the end of the day a point’s a point.”

Paul Reid echoed his sentiments, adding further congratulations to his side’s reaction in a tough set of circumstances.

“I am proud of the boys,” he revealed.“It’s not easy playing with ten men, especially away from home. It was very hot out there, and for the effort that the boys put in I am very proud of them.

“I said to them at half time that if we defended like we did we will create a couple of chances.

“If it was eleven vs eleven we would have gone on and won the game, I know that.

“All in all, we were unlucky not to nick one at the end we’ll take the point and look forward to next week against Marconi.”

Reid’s Suns will carry plenty of confidence as they travel to Marconi Stadium next Saturday night, whilst Sydney United 58 will also search for their maiden victory of the season on the road against Blacktown City FC on Sunday afternoon.

Both teams will welcome back a number of their players who were missing from today’s clash.

United 58 in particular will be getting the services of Patrick Antelmi back from suspension with defender Adrian Vlastelica hopefully returning to the squad. The Red will also welcome  a new edition in the form of former Mariner Josh Macdonald.

While for the Suns, Jordan Figon is edging closer to match fitness after playing in the club’s 20s on Sunday with the return of a few suspended players.

Match Stats

Sydney United 58 0

Rockdale City Suns 0

Sunday 10th March, 2019

Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park

Referee: Kurt Ams

Assistant Referees: Lance Greenshields and Patrick Teleki

Fourth Official: Danny Horstead

Sydney United 58: 21.Thomas Manos, 3.Jordan Roberts, 5.Anthony Tomelic, 6. Petar Markovic, 8.Matthew Sim,  11.Yianni Perkatis, 14.Nicholas Stavroulakis, 15.Tariq Maia (2. Joshua DeRossi 90’), 18.Glenn Trifiro 20.Christian Gonzalez (13.Sam Perry 57’), 22. Yianni Fragogiannis

Yellow Cards: Nick Stavroulakis 61’, Yianni Perkatis 94’

Red Cards: Nil

Rockdale City Suns: 1.David Bradasevic, 2. Daniel Petkovski, 3.Mick Neill, 6.Kang Hoon Cho (7.Alec Urosevski, 68’), 9.Jonathan Grozdanovski, 15.Nicholas Petrillo, 17.Matthew Lecce (16.Alex Malfara 79’), 19.Patrick Savor, 18.Sasa Macura, 20.Howard Fondyke (5.Jake Trajkovski 84’), 23.Pani Nikas

Substitutes Not Used: 22.Max Rowston, 21.Blake Currey

Yellow Cards: Sasa Macura 22′, 31’, Pani Nikas 59’

Red Cards: Sasa Macura 31’

Player Ratings

3 – Tom Manos (SU)

2 – Jonathan Grozdanovski (RCS)

1 – Yianni Fragogiannis (SU)

-By Christopher Curulli 

Sydney United 58 prepare for life after Nikas

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A new signing who will never take the field could prove to be Sydney United 58’s best offseason acquisition.

Miro Vlastelica returns as United 58 head coach for his first preseason in charge and his recruitment of former Socceroos high performance coach Craig Duncan to the club’s coaching staff could turn out to be a masterstroke.

Duncan, who was a key cog in Ange Postecoglou’s Socceroos coaching setup and recently was involved with Iran’s squad for the 2019 Asian Cup, has set out to make United 58 the fittest, strongest and, most importantly, healthiest club in the NSW NPL competition.

“We’re lucky to have Craig on board and I think having a fitness expert like him involved with the squad is something other teams will definitely look to adopt themselves,” Vlastelica said.

“Preventing injuries is for the club the most important thing. We want our boys on the pitch and not in the stands as it is an expensive exercise for the club and a difficult time for the player.

“I look at the way we finished up last season and we had five of our starters sitting in the grand stand for our semi-final.

“It is stuff like that which we are hoping to change by having Craig come in and hopefully that gives us a little bit of an advantage over our opposition.”

United 58 midfield veteran Nick Stavroulakis will lead the side in 2019 but he will be without long time teammate and close friend Panny Nikas for this campaign.

Nikas, a former NPL NSW Men’s Player of the Year winner, made a blockbuster move to Rockdale at the end of last season and the loss of his output in attack has only been compounded by the departure of experienced striker Chris Payne to APIA.

However, it hasn’t just been outgoing’s from Edensor Park with the Reds signing former Central Coast Mariners Australian Youth international defender Liam Rose, ex-Wollongong Wolves striker Peter Simonoski, Talented winger Judah Cluer and former star Uruguayan youth international Sebastian Gallegos.

Gallegos in particular will be a player to look out for especially. The 27-year-old rose to fame at the 2009 U17 FIFA World Cup when he shared the Golden Boot award with three other players on five goals.

Vlastelica admitted the loss of both Payne and Nikas would be felt but said it provided an opportunity for a number of players, both new and established, to make their mark.

“It’s never good to lose players like Panny (Nikas) and Chris (Payne) but that is just the nature of football,” he said.

“I’m really happy with the business we have done this offseason and bringing in players with a high pedigree.

“I have been really happy with what I have seen so far and it is only very early into the offseason.”

After a relative lean spell by their lofty standards, Sydney United 58 will be determined to make this season the year they return the NPL NSW Premiership trophy back to halls of the BOKA stand.

Key player movements

Departures: Panny Nikas (Rockdale City Suns), Chris Payne (APIA Leichhardt Tigers)

Incoming: Sebastian Gallegos (Hawkesbury City NPL3), Liam Rose (Central Coast Mariners), Peter Simonovski (Wollongong Wolves), Judah Cleur (Marconi Stallions)

-By Nick Houghton

Sydney United 58 announce signings for 2019

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Sydney United 58 have moved swiftly in re-signing and recruiting its players for the 2019 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season with Reds head coach Miro Vlastelica at the helm once more.

The former NSL giants were dealt a blow losing mercurial playmaker Panny Nikas to rivals Rockdale City Suns but have picked up promising former Marconi Stallions youngster Judah Cleur as well as former Wollongong Wolves sharpshooter Peter Simonoski.

The club will also unveil former U17 and U20’s Uruguayan international Sebastian Gallegos as one of its main players for the new season.

The 26-year-old comes with a lot of pedigree having played for Uruguayan giants Penarol as well as clubs in Italy, Spain, Romania, Peru and Chile.

His rise to fame was when he scored five goals in five matches for the 17 Uruguayan squad at the 2009 FIFA Under 17 World Cup held in Nigeria where he shared the Golden Boot with three other players.

Gallegos spent the last half of the season plying his trade with National Premier Leagues 3 NSW Men’s outfit Hawkesbury City before making the move to United 58 for next year.

Sydney United Sports Centre will once again see the likes of players such as Glen Trifiro, Patrick Antelmi, Matthew Sim, Yianni Perkatis, Yianni Fragogiannis, Christian Gonzalez, Tariq Maia, Jordan Roberts, Sam Perre, Adrian Vlastelica as well as goalkeeper Tom Manos.

Club captain Nick Stavroulakis will once again don the Sydney United 58 jersey with the 33-year-old set for his fifth season with the club. The new year will see the midfielder look towards assisting coach Miro Vlastelica as well as assistant Jerry Bilokapic.

The club has also hired former Socceroos Strength and Conditioning coach Craig Duncan to the backroom staff.

The club will commence preseason training in December.

 

 

United 58 heartbreak as APIA book Grand Final spot

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Penalty shootout heroics from veteran shot stopper Ivan Necevski has secured APIA Leichhardt Tigers their spot in the National Premier Leagues NSW grand final.

The former A-League journeyman made a clutch save to his right to stop Shannon Cole’s penalty kick to ensure his APIA side took home a 5-4 penalty shootout win after the match finished 1-1 at the end of extra-time.

It was a gripping contest from the opening whistle with United 58 taking a shock lead against the run of play courtesy of a brilliant volley from Glen Trifiro.

APIA laboured through the rest of the match desperate to find an equaliser but struggled to break down a solid Reds defence.

However, a moment of magic from APIA stars Franco Parisi and Sean Symons provided the difference as Symons finished off a brilliant ball into the box to level the scores eight minutes from time and send the match into extra time.

After an end to end extra time it came down to the shootout with Necevski’s save setting up Parisi to fire APIA to an incredible victory.

It was a cagey opening to the match with neither side truly testing their opposition as both APIA and United 58 tried to find their groove.

An serious injury to youngster Anthony Vrilic only four minutes into the contest forced a major reshuffle for the home side with Chris Payne brought on to replace the defender.

United 58 and APIA traded free-kicks from the edge of the penalty area but both teams failed to test the keeper.

Adrian Ucchino’s glorious ball to the back post from the other side of the park was a glorious chance for Sean Symons but his first time volley sailed high and wide.

Symons had another brilliant chance only moments later in the 32nd minute when his rasping shot from inside the edge of the area was saved by Thomas Manos.

APIA was slowly building some momentum going forward while their opponents seemed more and more happy to sit back and absorb the pressure.

A breakaway from central defender Themba Muata-Marlow caught United 58 off guard and they nearly paid the price as an audacious chip from Tatsuku Sekiya sailed inches over the crossbar.

Sekiya was at it again moments later firing a powerful effort towards across the goal which was saved by a diving Manos.

While APIA may have been in control of the contest, Sydney United 58 were the team to break the deadlock.

An incredible first time volley from the edge of the penalty area after 43 minutes cannoned into the back of the net and past the outstretched arms of Ivan Necevski to give United 58 a 1-0 lead at the half.

APIA didn’t race out of the blocks at the restart as many expected and it was in fact United 58 who had the first chance of the second stanza.

Sam Perre found space at the edge of the 18-yard box after a United 58 counter attack but he could only fire straight to the keeper.

A cheeky back heel from Payne sent a scare through the APIA camp but The effort from The Reds striker went wide.

Desperation began to creep into APIA’s game as they threw players forward in search of an equaliser.

The home side remained calm despite the extra pressure and looked solid at the back.

It should’ve been 2-0 to United 58 in the 75th minute.

Perre once again failing to hit the target after receiving possession completely unmarked just inside the penalty area.

With APIA seemingly headed for an unlikely defeat, it took a moment of magic from TIger’s stars Parisi and Symons.

A deft pass from Parisi fell perfectly into the stride of Symons on the edge of the penalty area with the APIA captain hammering a half volley into the top of the net to level the scores a 1-1.

The visitors had one last chance in regulation when a Parisi free-kick found the head of millgate at the back post but the defender’s effort wasn’t on target.

With the game locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes the game was sent into extra-time.

United 58 had the first chance of extra time with Necevski denying Payne in the 96th minute.

The home side were unlucky to find a winner after 99 minutes when a diving Necevski at full stretch tipped a rifled shot from Mohamed Rahimi.

APIA had their own chance at the end of the first period of extra time but Manos was up to the task of saving a driven effort from Fondyke.

The Reds raced out of the blocks at the resumption of extra time and Payne was inches away from giving his side the lead when his near post header went wide.

Necevski made two major saves in quick succession to keep his side in the game with the game heading towards penalties.

The veteran shot stopper raced out to deny Sim in the 111th minute before making a diving save to stop a curling Trifirio free-kick

APIA had one final roll of the dice through Tasuku Sekiya who lined up over a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area however it went wide ensuring the game would be decided from the penalty spot.

Both teams had a number of outstanding performers with the hosts skipper Nick Stavroulakis playing the captain’s role superbly running the midfield with young gun Tariq Maia causing issues as well as Trifiro.

While for the visitors Themba Muata Marlow was outstanding in the Tigers backline as well as bombing on as was the experienced Parisi whose calmness really paved the way for APIA’s victory on the night.

APIA captain Symons was ecstatic after the full time whistle and paid homage to the fighting spirit of his teammates.

“We were under the pump once again and once again we have found a way to win,” he said.

“Everyone fought so hard in normal time and then in extra time. It is such a relief to get the result.

“When the game went to penalties I was very nervous as I don’t think i’ve been involved in a win from the penalty spot in my entire time with the club.

“When Ivan made the save I knew we had done enough.”

United 58 coach Miro Vlastelica was in an understandably sombre mood after his side’s defeat but paid tribute to their performance.

“That’s football, what more can I said.

“Penalty shootouts are a lottery. Somedays the luck goes your way and others, like today, it goes the way of the opposition.

“The boys worked so hard today and it’s disappointing to go out this way. They can be very proud of their efforts.”

APIA Leichhardt Tigers will now take on Premiers Sydney Olympic at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday 9th September at 4pm to see who will be crowned 2018 NPL NSW Men’s Champions.

Match Stats

Sydney United 58: 1 (Trifiro 43′)

APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC: 1 (S Symons 83”)

Saturday, September 1 2018

Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park

Referee: S Lucas

Assistant referees: J Park & J Bell

Fourth official: T Danaskos

Sydney United 58 FC: 21. Thomas MANOS, 3. Jordan ROBERTS, 5. Anthony VRILIC, 8. Matthew SIM, 11. Yianni PERKATIS, 12. Shannon COLE, 13. Sam PERRE (7. Mohamed RAHIMI 79’), 14. Nick STAVROULAKIS, 15. Tariq MAIA, 18. Glen Trifiro, 22. Yianni FRAGOGIANNIS,

Substitutes not used: 1. John HALL, 4. Luke VLASTELICA, 6. Chris PAYNE,, 20, Petar MARKOVIC

Yellow Cards: Payne 47’, Cole 66′

Red Cards:

APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC: 1. Ivan NECEVSKI, 2. Nathan MILLGATE, 3. Paul GALIMI, 7. Howard FONDYKE, 10. Franco PARISI, 13. David D’APUZZO, 15. Themba MUATA-MARLOW, 16. Sean SYMONS, 17. Sam GUILISANO (21. Dom NASRABADI80′), 18. Adrian UCCHINO, 20, Tatsuku SEKIYA

Substitutes not used: 22. Blake TUXFORD 5. Stefan ADATTINI, 12. Benjamin MCCARRON, 14. Jack ARMSON,

Yellow Cards: 

Red Cards: