Author: SMFC Media

Friday, 21 June 2013 11:48 AM

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce the launch of the second School Holiday Clinic for 2013.

These clinics will provide young players invaluable training to improve their skill set and further improve their technique. As part of the holiday football clinics, kids will receive specialist coaching by South Melbourne FC coaches from its elite Youth Development Programme and Socceroo legend Mehmet Durakovic. Participants will also receive lunch and a SMFC pack as part of their participation as well.

The cost of the SMFC clinic for all three days collectively is $220. Numbers are limited, so to reserve your place, please contact the Club on 9645 9797.

Dates
July 9th, 10th, 11th

Venue
Old Orchard primary School located at Koonung Road Blackburn North
Northcote Indoor Sports Centre located at 338 Mansfield Street Thornbury

Cost
$220 (inclusive of GST)

To Register
Contact the club on 1300 074 586 or email your interest to register to info@goldenbootfa.com.au

Friday, 21 June 2013 9:09 AM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC travels to John Cain Memorial Park to face Victorian Premier League leaders Northcote City on Sunday afternoon.

South is the only team to have beaten Northcote in 2013, defeating them 3-2 in extra time in the Fifth Round of the State Knockout Cup on Queen’s Birthday Monday. The two sides meet again on Sunday, this time in League competition, with Northcote having won eight and drawn one of their nine VPL matches this season. That leaves Goran Lozanovski’s side eight points clear of South on the ladder, with Northcote having 25 points from nine games as South sits in fourth place with 17 points from nine matches. South could end the round in second place should it defeat Northcote and Bentleigh Greens (away to Green Gully) and Hume City (away to Melbourne Knights) fail to pick up maximum points.

Northcote goes into the match having grounded out a professional 0-1 victory against Dandenong Thunder at George Andrews Reserve last Friday night. Milos Lujic’s 65th minute goal was the difference between the two sides. South goes into the match on the back of the 2-2 draw in the derby against the Melbourne Knights. South twice fought back from a goal down and shared the points with their rivals thanks to a Brad Norton goal in the 24th minute and former player Ljubo Milicevic’s own goal in the 62nd minute. South’s last two League matches have both been draws and the Club will be hoping to win three points this weekend.

In the corresponding fixture played on Sunday 26 August last year, striker Steve Burton’s 74th minute goal was enough for South to triumph 0-1. South will be hoping for a similar result this weekend.

Sunday’s match kicks off at 3pm at John Cain Memorial Park .

Last time we met

2013
State Knockout Cup – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj0SOxX91XM

2012
Round 9 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oAKcUIPLCM
Round 20 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kkx4Lq6Jmm4

2011
Round 11 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPEHLoYeBPs
Round 22 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–2xeUi1Y04

2010
Round 3 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6xvhE5CPBA
Round 14 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOTmKbXZddU

Monday, 17 June 2013 11:58 AM

By John Kyrou (Photo by Cindy Nitsos)

South Melbourne FC’s 100% winning record at Lakeside Stadium in 2013 came to an end on Sunday afternoon after it was held to a 2-2 draw by the Melbourne Knights in an entertaining derby match. The Knights lead twice in the game but were pegged back firstly by Brad Norton’s finish in the first half and then by former South player Ljubo Milicevic’s own goal in the second half.

Before the kick-off, a ten minute video was played featuring highlights in matches played between South and the Knights in what has been a strong football rivalry for many years. Also ahead of the kick-off, South Melbourne FC president Leo Athanasakis presented the Melbourne Knights president Ange Cimera with a piece of silverware in recognition of the Knights’ 60th birthday.

The home side began slowly and it was the Knights who opened the scoring eight minutes into the match when Anthony Colosimo’s free kick from the left was headed home by Ben Surey. That goal woke South up and the home side should have leveled shortly afterwards but Trent Rixon’s goal-bound header was cleared off the line by Surey. A minute later, Rixon tapped the ball home past Knights goalkeeper Chris May after being set up by Rhys Meredith but the goal was ruled out for offside. The home side eventually levelled midway through the half when Dimi Tsiaras’ flick put Brad Norton through on goal and the left-back fired past May to make the score 1-1. The Knights re-took the lead only a short time later when Shayan Alinejad found himself completely unmarked at the back post to fire an unstoppable volley past Peter Gavalas. The Knights could have gone further ahead but for Gavalas making an important block on Jacob Colosimo’s shot after the Knights striker was put through on goal by Surey.

South dominated the second half possession-wise but struggled to break down a resilient Knights defence that was intent on holding out for the three points. May made a number of important stops as the Knights continued to hold on to their lead. South’s pressure eventually led to an embarrassing equalising goal as Milicevic, in his first match for the Knights in the Victorian Premier League, headed past his own goalkeeper to make the score 2-2. South applied even more pressure on the Knights in the final half an hour but the away side held on thanks to a combination of important saves by May, excellent last-gasp defensive clearances and poor South finishing. South’s best two chances came when an unmarked Tyson Holmes couldn’t properly connect to a header at the back post and when Dimi Hatzimouratis fired over the bar from only metres out in the second minute of injury time.

In the end both sides had to settle with a point each, though South will be disappointed they didn’t continue their 100% winning record at Lakeside this season. South now drops to fourth on the VPL ladder, eight points behind leaders Northcote City but just a point behind the second-placed Bentleigh Greens.

The Under-21s enjoyed a 2-0 victory against the Melbourne Knights, with Andrew Cartanos scoring both goals.

South’s next game is a crucial match against Northcote City at John Cain Memorial Park next Sunday afternoon. Kick-off is at 3PM.

FINAL SCORE: SOUTH MELBOURNE 2-2 MELBOURNE KNIGHTS (HT: 1-2)

Goal Scorers:
0-1: Ben Surey (8′)
1-1: Brad Norton (24′)
1-2: Shayan Alinejad (30′)
2-2: Ljubo Milicevic Own Goal (62′)

South Melbourne FC:
1. Peter GAVALAS (GK), 2. Tom MATTHEWS, 6. Dimi TSIARAS (10. Tyson HOLMES 58′), 9. Trent RIXON, 11. Brad NORTON, 12. Rhys MEREDITH (14. Andy VLAHOS 80′), 13. Luke BYLES (C), 15. Dimi HATZIMOURATIS, 16. Alan KEARNEY , 18. Marinos GASPARIS (7. Joe KEENAN 68′), 19. Shaun KELLY

Melbourne Knights:
1. Chris MAY (GK), 3. Ryan FILIPOVIC (2. Michael SIMMS), 4. Adam ZILIC, 5. Ljubo MILICEVIC, 6. Tomislav USKOK, 9. Jacob COLOSIMO (12. Joseph KONYIT), 10. Marijan CVITKOVIC (13. Hassan DARAMY), 11. Anthony COLOSIMO, 14. Ben SUREY, 19. Shayan ALINEJAD, 24. Sam TORRENS

SMFC Man of the Match: Shaun Kelly
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Date: Sunday 16 June 2013

Friday, 14 June 2013 9:22 AM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC hosts the Melbourne Knights on Sunday afternoon in what is the first derby between the two sides in 2013.

The home side goes into the match on the back of a three match unbeaten run in all competitions and having defeated Northcote City 3-2 in extra time in the fifth round of the State Knockout Cup on Queen’s Birthday Monday. The Melbourne Knights had last weekend off after losing their fourth round match 0-1 against Keilor Park at Somers Street on Friday 3 May.

South coach Peter Tsolakis used Monday’s Cup game to give extra game time to youngsters Andrew Cartanos (started) Matko Budimir (substitute 30’) and debutant Anthony Giannopoulos (substitute 108’). Fernando De Moraes also returned to the senior side for the first time since coming on as a substitute in the Victorian Premier League match against Richmond on Sunday 12 May and fellow veteran Andy Vlahos played over an hour on Monday, having come on after 53 minutes and playing during the extra-time period. Tsolakis rested Joe Keenan, Tyson Holmes and captain Luke Byles for the Cup game and will more than likely include all three on Sunday to replace some tired bodies that played the full 120 minutes last Monday. In important news for South, Alan Kearney is free to play this weekend following his red card against Northcote. The FFV ruled that because the red card occured in the State Knockout Cup, Kearney is to serve the automatic one game ban in the next Cup game, which will be the Quarter Final game against Preston Lions in late July.

The Melbourne Knights will be keen on getting back-to-back away victories against South, having won 1-2 at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday 20 May 2012. Adam Zilic flicked the ball into the back of the net from a free kick to open the scoring after 40 minutes before a Brad Norton header drew South level on 58 minutes. Yet it was the Knights that won all three points when former South player Yusuf Yusuf cut the ball back for Jacob Colosimo to score after 70 minutes. With the Knights celebrating their 60th birthday this year, they will be very motivated to spoil South’s 100% winning record at Lakeside Stadium in 2013 and at the same time overtake South on the Victorian Premier League ladder. South sit in third place on the ladder with 16 points from their eight Victorian Premier League matches, whilst the Knights are in sixth place (but level with fifth-placed Port Melbourne) with 14 points.

Both coaches (Tsolakis for South and Andrew Marth of the Melbourne Knights) played and scored many goals for their respective Clubs in this fixture in the former National Soccer League and both will no doubt be reminding their sides about the historical importance of the derby fixture and how vital the three points are.

Sunday’s derby kicks off at 3:00pm at Lakeside Stadium.

Last time we met

Thursday, 13 June 2013 4:41 PM

MEDIA RELEASE: MESSAGE FROM PETER GAVALAS

To all South Melbourne FC fans,

I would like to take this opportunity to apologise profusely for my gesture directed towards the crowd during the second half of the Knockout Cup clash with Northcote City FC. There is no excuse or place for such behaviour whilst in the sporting arena and wearing a South Melbourne shirt.

My actions were ill timed and misguided in attempting to stand up for the playing group, which does need the support of its fans. I acknowledge however, that this is not my responsibility and rather I should, as I have done so far this season concentrate on my on-field performance.

I hope you all enjoyed the performance of the boys on Monday and look forward to seeing you on Sunday for our clash with old rivals Melbourne Knights.

Yours in Sport,

Pete Gavalas

Tuesday, 11 June 2013 11:49 AM

By John Kyrou (Photo by Cindy Nitsos)

South Melbourne FC progressed to the Quarter Finals of the 2013 State Knockout Cup after defeating fellow Victorian Premier League side Northcote City 3-2 in extra time at Lakeside Stadium on Queen’s Birthday Monday. With the match 1-2 in Northcote’s favour, substitute Andy Vlahos’ late header sent the game into extra time before Brad Norton’s thrilling run and goal sent South through.

Both sides won their fourth round Cup matches albeit in different circumstances. Northcote progressed having defeated State League One side Moreland Zebras 2-1 at Reddish Reserve on Saturday 4 May. South was scheduled to play the Oakleigh Cannons on the same day; however the Cannons forfeited and South were awarded a 3-0 victory to progress to the next round. Goran Lozanovski’s Northcote went into the game as the best team in the state, having won seven and drawn one of their opening eight VPL games in 2013 plus having won their fourth round Cup game. Northcote had also won every single away match in 2013 whilst South had won every home match, so something had to give in Monday’s game.

After a sluggish opening, the match was brought to life when Milos Lujic elbowed South centre-half Shaun Kelly and escaped only with a yellow card when on another day the card may have been a different colour. Kelly was eventually substituted and replaced by Matko Budimir after needing stitches in his head as a result of the elbow by Lujic. The away side continued with their physical game and this resulted in Evan Kounavelis seeing a straight red shortly before the half-hour mark for a behind the ball incident, which saw Alan Kearney also sent off after allegedly retaliating. Video replays may show that Kearney ’s dismissal was possibly a bit harsh. With both sides down to 10 men, it was Northcote who opened the scoring after 36 minutes when James Kalifatidis’ dangerous low cross was tapped home at the back post by Lujic.

South coach Peter Tsolakis changed tactics in the second half and replaced Trent Rixon with Vlahos, who immediately went about causing problems for Northcote’s defence. South equalised in style when Meredith collected the ball on the right before cutting inside and firing a beautiful curling shot across Frazer Siddall and into the back of the net. Tsolakis then introduced Fernando De Moraes as the South veteran ran amock in midfield. The home side looked more likely to score the winning goal but it was Northcote who scored next, when South goalkeeper Peter Gavalas’ attempted pass to Tom Matthews went straight to Kalifatidis, who walked the ball into the open goal. Despite the mistake, South continued to press hard for a deserved equaliser and they got it in the 89th minute as Vlahos headed home Marinos Gasparis’ cross to send the game into extra time.

Brad Norton won the match for South in the first period of extra time, when he played a one-two with Dimi Hatzimouratis before firing past Siddall with a vicious shot that rocketed into the top of the net. Norton joked afterwards that “I just closed my eyes, shot the ball and hoped for the best” in what was an excellent strike that was worthy of winning a thrilling Cup game. Gavalas then made amends for his earlier mistake with an excellent save from Dean Piemonte’s goal-bound strike, tipped the ball out for a corner kick. Tsolakis then introduced lifelong South fan and Under-21s player Anthony Giannopoulos for his senior debut for the Club in the 108th minute. With an extra goal and the extra man after the sending off of Piemonte, South saw the match out and ensured progression to the Quarter Finals, whilst at the same time inflicting Northcote’s first loss in League and Cup this season.

South’s next opponent in the State Knockout Cup is State League 2 North-West side Preston Lions, with the match to be scheduled some time between Wednesday 23 July and Thursday 31 July. South resumes Victorian Premier League commitments on the weekend when it hosts the Melbourne Knights in a huge derby match at Lakeside Stadium. Kickoff is at 3pm this Sunday 16 June.

FINAL SCORE (AFTER EXTRA TIME): SOUTH MELBOURNE 3-2 NORTHCOTE CITY (HT: 0-1, FT: 2-2)

Goal Scorers:
0-1: Milos Lujic (36′)
1-1: Rhys Meredith (63′)
1-2: James Kalifatidis (84′)
2-2: Andy Vlahos (89′)
3-2: Brad Norton (93′)

South Melbourne FC:
1. Peter GAVALAS (GK), 2. Tom MATTHEWS, 6. Dimi TSIARAS, 9. Trent RIXON (14. Andy VLAHOS 53′), 11. Brad NORTON, 12. Rhys MEREDITH, 15. Dimi HATZIMOURATIS, 16. Alan KEARNEY (sent off 28′), 18. Marinos GASPARIS (5. Anthony GIANNOPOULOS 108′), 19. Shaun KELLY (25. Matko BUDIMIR 30′), 20. Andrew CARTANOS (8. Fernando DE MORAES 77′)

Northcote City :
1. Frazer SIDDALL (GK), 2. Adrian CHIAPPETTA, 4. Kristian KONSTANTINIDIS (19. Steven SIFINOS), 5. Nick TZOULIS (21. Chris OGHANNA), 6. Bonel OBRADOVIC (16. Nick TEREZAKIS), 7. Evan KOUNAVELIS (sent off 28′), 8. James KALIFATIDIS, 9. Milos LUJIC (15. Wade DEKKER), 11. Dean PIEMONTE (sent off 118′), 18. Michael EAGER, 23. Rashid MAHAZI

SMFC Man of the Match: Andy Vlahos
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Date: Monday 10 June 2013

Friday, 7 June 2013 9:16 AM

Cup football returns to Lakeside Stadium as South Melbourne FC host Northcote City in the fifth round of the State Knockout Cup on Queen’s Birthday Monday.

As the Victorian Premier League sides entered the competition in the previous round, both sides have only registered one victory in the Cup this season. South received a free ride through to the fifth round with a 3-0 victory after the Oakleigh Cannons forfeited the match scheduled at Lakeside Stadium on Saturday 4 May. On the same day, Northcote defeated State League 1 side Moreland Zebras 2-1 at Reddish Reserve to set up Monday’s clash.

Goran Lozanovski’s Northcote is undoubtedly the best side in the Victorian Premier League so far in 2013, having registered seven wins and a draw from their first eight matches to sit outright first on the VPL ladder. South is currently in third place with five wins, a draw and two losses from its first eight matches. Something has to give at Lakeside Stadium on Monday, as South has won all three of their home matches in the League and Cup this season whilst Northcote have won all away matches they have played. In the last two seasons of the FFV State Knockout Cup, South has been bundled out in the fifth round of the competition both times by Port Melbourne (then in State League 1) by the same score line of 2-1. South will want overcome this negative statistic and progress past Northcote to the sixth round, with that round scheduled by Football Federation Victoria to be played either on Wednesday 26 June or Thursday 4 July.

South coach Peter Tsolakis hinted at making some changes to the side that could only draw 0-0 with Pascoe Vale in the Victorian Premier League last Saturday night. Alan Kearney came off the bench to make his first senior appearance since sustaining an injury against Southern Stars on 13 April and may be given a starting berth on Monday to help regain match fitness. Other players that may make an appearance on Monday could include Andy Vlahos (on as a sub against Pascoe Vale), Dimi Tsiaras (unused sub against Pascoe Vale), Rhodri Payne, Fernando De Moraes and Renco Van Eeken. There is also the potential for the reserve goalkeeper Sebastian Mattei to make his debut or for youngsters Phil Petreski, Andrew Cartanos, James Karvelis, Matko Budimir, Baggio Yousif and Anthony Giannopoulos to make the squad for Monday’s match.

The match kicks off at 3pm on Monday 10 June at Lakeside Stadium. South Melbourne FC members are entitled to free entry to the match.

Last time we met

Thursday, 6 June 2013 1:25 PM

Anyone picking up a copy of today’s Herald Sun would have seen a couple of young Socceroo fans in green and gold showing their support for the National Team.

Photographer Alex Coppel from the Herald Sun was out at Lakeside Stadium yesterday for a photo opportunity to promote the Socceroos training at South Melbourne’s home stadium.

SMFC Junior players Billy, Lee and Eva donned their green and gold colours to lend their support to the Socceroos. In a few days, the Socceroos will be facing a must win match against Jordan to ensure their passage to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

South Melbourne FC is right behind the Socceroos in their qualification for next year’s FIFA World Cup. With over 50 Socceroos who have worn the SMFC playing shirt, we are quite proud to be hosting the National Team at our home, Lakeside Stadium.

Wednesday, 5 June 2013 2:30 PM

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce that Nissan Motor Company Ltd & Essendon Nissan has joined the Club as its Principal Community Program Partner for the 2013 Victorian Premier League season. As part of the partnership, Nissan will provide South Melbourne FC with a number of vehicles to use as part of its operations and to continue its community engagement program.

Nissan, whose headquarters are in Yokohama, Japan, are one of the world’s leading automotive companies. It produces in more than 20 countries, and offers products and services to over 160 countries worldwide. Nissan was recently named both a top 100 global brand and the most improved brand by the influential Interbrand Group.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC Corporate Sales Director Nicholas Maikousis said “we are quite excited to welcome Nissan & in particular Tony Sitch, Dealer Principal Essendon Nissan as the Club’s Principal Community Program Partner for this season. We are a non for profit sporting club and our organisations share similar core values of excellence and success. We look forward to working closely with one of the world’s leading automotive companies”.

South Melbourne FC welcomes Nissan to its growing list of Principal Partners.

See below to watch an exclusive SMFC TV video on the new partnership

Tuesday, 4 June 2013 10:40 AM

South Melbourne FC wishes to advise that SMFC TV will be moving to a new time slot as of Wednesday 5th June. Moving forward, you’ll be able to enjoy all the action of SMFC TV at 6pm each Wednesday night.

The show will continue to provide match highlights, player and coaching staff interviews, showcase our junior development program and stars of tomorrow. Furthermore, SMFC TV will focus directly on bringing the latest news from the club, as well as providing all South Melbourne FC and general football fans with a modern and fresh view of the club.

SMFC TV
Wednesday 6pm
Channel 31