Author: SMFC Media

Kappa Australia and South Melbourne FC have today signed off on a multi-year partnership which will see the National Premier League powerhouse wearing Kappa Apparel on and off field for the next three seasons.

Kappa Australia will produce and provide quality on and off-field ranges for all South Melbourne FC teams inclusive of men’s women’s, junior teams and academies.

Instantly recognised on football fields and futsal courts around the globe, Kappa has provided cutting edge garments for some of the world’s best players and biggest teams including Manchester City, Juventus, AC Milan and the Italian National team.

Kappa Australia Managing Director Ze’ev Bogaty saying it was pleasing to see the iconic Kappa Omini logo back on the playing strip of the 10-time National Premier league champions.

“As a brand, we are exceptionally pleased to see the Kappa Logo, back where it belongs on the famous South Melbourne FC playing strip as we embark on what we believe will be extremely successful partnership” Said Bogaty

“Like South Melbourne FC, Kappa is an organisation which boasts a long and proud footballing history, and we look forward to working with the team at SMFC to not only achieve, but exceed our collective on and off-field goals”

South Melbourne FC President Leo Athanasakis adding. “We’re excited to have secured a long-term apparel deal with Kappa, allowing for the club to commence its planning for the 2018 season. Kappa has supported us already in 2017 through a partnership for the Roberto Carlos event, as well as the Westfield FFA Cup, so we’re excited to have them on board for the next three years.” Leo said.

“As well as exclusive designs for all of the clubs registered players, male and female, we look forward to also being able to bring our members and supporters a larger range of apparel through our newly constructed shop”

“We’d like to thank Ze’ev and the Kappa team for their support”

Check out Kappa’s range of custom club kits!

Founded in 1959, South Melbourne FC have nurtured and developed some of the country’s most successful and best-known football talent including Paul Wade, Paul Trimboli and current National Team Coach Ange Postecoglou.

South Melbourne FC have also produced a staggering 52 players who have gone onto represent Australia and play with the Socceroos.

Kappa is currently worn internationally by SSC Napoli, fellow Italian fan favourites Torino and Leeds United in the England’s Championship.

Head to www.kappaaustralia.com.au to check out the Kappa shop, boots, custom club kits and more!

By Jack Cotsanis and James Shomos

Canberra Olympic

The reigning champions of The Capital Football league have had a taste of the Magic of the Cup, after Coach Frank Cachia and Captain Angelo Konstantinou lead them to Semi-finals of the 2016 FFA Cup vs A-league heavyweight Sydney FC. After a 3-0 loss to the A-league champions, Olympic are keen to go one step further and prove why they are the best team in Canberra. Canberra striker Stephen Domenici is determined to continue his form with already 18 goals to his name this season. The Olympic forward has been a highlight in a great season for the Capital League side winning both league and cup and booking their place in the FFA Cup for 2017 by beating Tuggeranong United 2-0 in the cup Final.

Metro Stars

The South Australian side guaranteed their 2017 FFA Cup spot after defeating NPLSA league leaders Adelaide City 2-0 to contain the FFSA Cup for the second year in a row. A team with numerous former A-league players, the Stars are looking to use that to improve their FFA Cup record, only winning 1 out of 3 cup ties which was against Blacktown City in 2015. Club captain Michael D’aloisio, who has played over 300 games for the Stars will lead the team to look to ignite their cup run with a winning start alongside former Adelaide United duo Fabian Barberio and Adam Van Dommele.

South Melbourne FC

After a thrilling Dockerty Cup tie against Dandenong City at Lakeside Stadium, South pulled through to beat Dandenong City 5-4 after conceding 4 goals, they looked down and out, then a Milos Lujic penalty and red card to City defender Enes Sivic reignited South to score four goals in the last 13 minutes and book their place in the Round of 32. South Star Milos Lujic and 4 time Victorian Golden Boot winner is eager to bring his goal scoring form into the cup run to make up for their early cup exit in 2015. Former Melbourne City players Stefan Zinni and Matthew Millar will be keen to show their ability against the countries best teams.

Heidelberg United FC

While smashing their way through the FFA Cup qualifying rounds, Heidelberg are ready to make another mark on Australia’s top football competition. Sitting equal first with rivals South Melbourne, Heidelberg have recently dropped in form, but a resurgent 5-0 drubbing over Hume City in the Dockerty Cup showed why Heidelberg are in the Dockerty Cup final. Coming up against reigning cup holders Bentleigh Greens, it will be a tough task for the Bergers. Star striker Ken Athiu is setting his sights on leading the line for the Berger’s. Can the Bergers go one better than their 2015 campaign?

Hume City

Hume always love a bit of FFA Cup football by setting a high standard for the NPL and State league teams. With a fantastic 2015/16 Cup campaign, Hume are ready to make more cup history in 2017. With a change of manager, City have dropped in form sitting in 7th place in NPLVIC table and also being thrashed by Heidelberg United 5-0 in the Dockerty Cup Semi-Final. Facing NPL 1 side Moreland City in tie that would book them a spot in the FFA Cup, Moreland put up a hard fought battle, but Hume City walked past Moreland with a 4-0 win at ADB Stadium guaranteeing their place in the 2017 FFA Cup. After last year’s individual brilliance against A-League outfit Central Coast Mariners, Former Green Gully star, Liam Bolland is ready to bring his flare and goal scoring ability to Hume’s Cup run.

Bentleigh Greens

Qualifying for the third time, Bentleigh will look to continue their impressive FFA Cup form. After reaching the semi-final against Perth Glory and going down 3-0 in the first year of the cup and reaching the quarter-final losing to 3 time A-League champions Melbourne Victory in the 2016 campaign. After signings of former Newcastle Jets winger Andy Brennan and former Brisbane Roar and Wellington Phoenix attacking-midfielder Ben Liftin, the Greens will be looking to showcase their quality.

Adelaide United

After a very poor season for the South Australian side, Adelaide will be looking to put the 2016/17 season behind them by starting fresh with their new manager Marco Kurz. With United being crowned the inaugural FFA Cup champions in 2014/15, Adelaide will be hoping to replicate the 2014/15 cup run. With Fan favourite and Club Captain Eugene Galekovic leaving for Melbourne City, New signing and former Red Paul Izzo will have massive shoes to fill.

Brisbane Roar

After shattering lose to Melbourne Victory in last seasons Semi-Final, Aloisi’s men are out to prove their doubters wrong by becoming Australia’s top team again. With Star striker Jamie Maclaren heading off to German Second Division side Darmstadt SV, Brisbane have quickly snatched up out of contracted Mlebourne Victory Star Forward Fahid Ben Khalfallah, with other key players gone such as Brandon Borello, Tommy Oar and Roar legend Thomas Broich leaving Aloisi’s squad.

Central Coast

With Paul Okon’s developing young squad, there were some glimpses of brilliant football but weren’t as consistent as they would like. With Central Coast getting busy in the transfer window with Roy O’Donovan leaving, Okon has looked for experience and talent to baluster his squad for the upcoming season, with the likes of former Victory defender Alan Baro, Young Socceroos Daniel De Silva and Andrew Hoole and Dutch Midfield Tom Hiarej from Dutch club FC Groningen. After losing to Green Gully in the first round last year, the Mariners will be looking to make up for their early exit.

Melbourne City

After winning the cup last year against A-league champions Sydney to receive their first piece of silverware in their short history, City will be looking to win the cup once again but this time with new manager Warren Joyce. With most of the 2016/17 squad still remaining at the club, City have added former Adelaide stalwart Eugene Galekovic and the re-signing of Anthony Cacares from Manchester City on loan. It will be a tough task for Joyce’s squad to retain the FFA Cup in Melbourne.

Melbourne Victory

Despite losing to Sydney FC in the A-league Grand Final 4-2 on penalties, Kevin Muscat’s men are ready to put that behind them and start the 2017/18 season on a high with a good start to the FFA Cup. With Fahid Ben Khalfallah signing with A-League rivals Brisbane Roar and Midfield Maestro James Troisi seemed to be heading to Europe, Victory have brought. back Fan favourite and New Zealand International Kosta Barbarouses. With a star studded forward line, Rojas, Berisha and Barbarouses will be aiming to fire Victory to FFA Cup Glory.

Newcastle Jets

With experienced coach Ernie Merrick taking the helm at Newcastle, signings Glen Moss and Roy O’Donovan will add experience and quality to the Jets. Signing from Central Coast after an impressive season scoring 11 goals in 26 games, O’Donovan will be keen to continue his goal scoring form at his new club. Not having won silverware for over 9 years, the Jets will want to start the season on a good note with FFA Cup glory.

Perth Glory

After a controversial semi-final loss to Sydney FC in the A-League, Perth Glory are fired up and raring to go for the 2017/18 season. With Kenny Lowe keeping key players such as Diego Castro and Andy Keogh, Lowe is ready to find some silverware after an 18 year drought for the Western Australian side. Kenny has made a huge statement with the signing of Mitch Nichols to build on last season. With two FFA Cup final berths and no wins, Glory is looking to fight their way back to final.

Sydney FC

Following an impressive season only losing 1 game out of 29 and becoming A-league champions for the first time since 2011, beating Melbourne Victory 4-2 on penalties. Coach Graham Arnold will be looking to reach the final for the second year in a row after losing to FFA Cup winners Melbourne City 1-0. The re-signings of star players Milos Ninkovic, Bobô and captain Alex Brosque will help add stability and quality to the squad to look for their first FFA Cup trophy.

Wellington Phoenix

Being the only non-Australian team, the Phoenix are looking to pick up their first piece of silverware in their history. While not having the best record in FFA Cup in previous years, Wellington are looking to start the year off bright and get through the first rounds of the FFA Cup. After losing key players in Kosta Barbarouses, Roly Bonavacia, Glen Moss and Alex Rodriguez, it will give less experienced players the chance to show their talent and impress new coach Rado Vidošić.

Western Sydney Wanderers

The three time A-League runners up have had a good off season after an up and down year finishing 6th. The signings of dynamic midfielder Roly Bonavacia and Socceroo right-back Josh Risdon will give the Wanderers experience to a fresh faced squad. With the last 3 FFA Cup campaigns being underwhelming, Popovic’s men will look to kick start their season by winning the FFA Cup for the first time in the clubs history.

Darwin Rovers FC

The Northern Territory side are the youngest team in the FFA Cup only being founded in 2014. The Rovers have only played one FFA Cup game in which they lost 6-0 to Brisbane Strikers in 2016. After beating Hellenic Athletic 1-0, it was confirmed they would be qualifying for the second time in their short history, Darwin are considered the underdogs of the competition and will be looking to get further than the round of 32.

APIA Leichardt

Having qualified for the first time, the NSW side will be looking to continue their winning ways after beating SD Raiders 2-1 in Extra time to book their spot into the FFA Cup. APIA Top goal scorer Jordan Murray is looking to add to his goal tally of 6 and fire past Australia’s best as he looks to help APIA go past the Round of 32.

Bankstown Berries

It will be the first appearance in the FFA Cup for NSW side Bankstown Berries, after beating NPLNSW power house Sydney Olympic 1-0 in the qualifying stages. Berries Captain Liam McKenna is ready to lead his boys into the clubs first FFA Cup match and create history.

Hakoah Sydney

After beating Rockdale City Suns 3-1 away from home, the NSW side booked their place in to the FFA Cup Round of 32 for the first time. Gavin Rae’s men will be looking to continue their perfect cup run and hope to replicate their winning form in the Round of 32. After scoring two of the three goals against Rockdale City in the last round, 20 year old Hakoah midfielder Andre De Jong will be looking to show his quality on the national stage.

Edgeworth SC

With a narrow 1-0 win against Maitland, the Northern NSW side have booked their place into the FFA Cup for the third year running. While getting beaten by Western Sydney 5-1 in 2015/16 and reigning FFA Cup Champions Melbourne City 2-1 in last year’s competition, The Edgeworth boys are ready to step up against any A-league outfit. Star player Keigo Moriyasu is hoping to bring his NPL goal form into the cup to help out the Eagles.

Moreton Bay United

A six goal thriller against Olympic FC in Round 7 of the Football Queensland FFA Cup qualifying round, Moreton Bay reserved their spot in the 2017 FFA Cup Round of 32. Moreton bay a hoping for striker Riley Campbell to keep is goal scoring form as he has kicked 12 goals in 15 NPL games.

Sorrento FC

The Western Australian side have qualified for The FFA Cup for the second time and will be looking to improve on their last campaign. The Gulls went down to Sydney FC 2-0 in the 2015-16 FFA Cup and were disappointed by the early exit. Former Perth Glory stalwart and now Sorrento coach Jamie Harnwell will be eyeing up the chance to potentially face the top clubs in Australian Football. After his side knocked out State League side Dianella White Eagles to qualify for the FFA Cup, it also put the Gulls into the final of the Football West Cup against Western Knights. Former Notts County and Exeter City striker Sean Canham will be looking to lead line and fire Sorrento on to the National stages of Australian football.

Gold Coast City

The Queensland side formerly known as Palm Beach Sharks, have been setting the goal scoring standard for the up and coming FFA Cup with Jarrod Kyle putting 4 past the Colundra Defence in a 5-1 demolition in the Qualifying stages. Jarrod Kyle also scored in the previous round against SWQ Thunder FC to add his goal tally of now 5. The Gold Coast forward will be looking to fire City past the Round of 32, which the club has only done once.

Olympia FC

With a 4-2 win against Glenorchy Knights, to qualify. The only Tasmanian Team in the competition, the Warriors are ready to go head to head with the countries best as they are one of the underdogs for the 2017 FFA Cup. Warriors Captain and Defender Jake Vandermay is ready to lead his boys in one of Olympia’s most important game of the season.

Broadmeadows Magic

After qualifying for the 3rd time in 4 years, Broadmeadows Magic are use to the Magic of the Cup. A big 3-1 win vs Coffs City FC sealed the FFA Cup qualification and Magic are ready to go further than they did in 2014 and 2015. James Virgili looks like the man who can bring some goals for the Magic, as he has scored 4 goals in the qualifying rounds and 2 goals in his last game.

Blacktown City

With a 3-0 win against Bulli FC, Blacktown City are raring to start the cup competition. Former star player Danny Choi moved on to Adelaide united after his stunning 70 metre goal in the 2016 FFA Cup tie against Sydney United 58, but his time at Adelaide didn’t work out and returned to Blacktown. Now that he is back, he is focused prove his doubters wrong. The question that everyone will be asking is, Can Danny Choi score another screamer in this year’s cup?

FNQ Heat

Four qualifications out of four. After a massive 6-1 win against Magpies FC, the Queensland side are ready for 2017 FFA Cup. Former U’18 Japanese Ehime FC Forward Shigeki Ono is the man to look out for. With top flight experience at University level, the heat have brought him in for their title charge and FFA Cup run.

Sydney United 58

4 years of consecutive FFA Cup qualification, United are looking to put an early win on the board in the FFA Cup. Last time out, a 6-2 extra time loss to Blacktown City knocked out the reigning NPL NSW Champions last year in the FFA Cup. With the luxury of not having to play a minute in the NSW FFA Cup preliminary rounds, Coach Mark Rudan wants his team to go past the Round of 16, which they have never done before.

Western Knights

The second team in the cup from Western Australia, had stunning build up to tournament, scoring 25 goals and only conceding 3 in 4 games. New comers Western Knights left it late to book their first ever FFA Cup berth with a big 2-1 win over NPL West side Bayswater City SC with a penalty in the 90th minute, which Knights skipper Paul Lloyd converted. Being the only State League side in the completion, The Knights are looking forward to the new adventure in the cup.

Peninsula Power

First time in the cup for the Brisbane Premier League side, Peninsula Power secured qualification for the 2017 FFA Cup after a 3-0 win over Grange Thistle. 2 goals from Dean Briggs, the striker looks like the man that can bring potential glory for the Power in their first cup campaign.

Hills Brumbies

1 of the 7 teams that is making their debut in the FFA Cup. The New South Wales side had an impressive 5-2 win with four different goal scorers against Kemblawarra Fury FC on May 31st to secure qualification for the Cup. With four different goal scores, it’s hard to tell who will step up and become a hero for Hills Brumbies.

On Sunday afternoon South Melbourne hosted the Oakleigh Cannons in round 19 of the 2017 Victorian National Premier League season. South Melbourne came into the fixture on a short turnaround, after playing Bentleigh Greens in the Dockerty Cup semi-final only 60 hours earlier.

South changed its starting eleven going into this league fixture, welcoming back Milos Lujic and Nick Epifano from injury to replace David Moreno and Leigh Minopoulos. Oakleigh were coming into this match off the back of a 2-0 away win against Heidelberg United, and looking to get a win to keep their finals hopes alive.

South started the contest the stronger. Epifano cut out a pass in midfield and knocked the ball forward to Matthew Millar who got himself into a one on one position with Oakleigh goalkeeper John Honos; unfortunately Millar slid his shot into the post. Oakleigh then created two half chances, with both shots from outside the penalty area going high and wide of the goal.

Oakleigh then carved out their best chance of the first 20 minutes of the game, a one on one opportunity falling to Giueseppe Marafioti whose shot was denied by Nicola Roganovic. Gaining confidence, Oakleigh continued to apply pressure on the South defence and create half chances. Against the run of play, Epifano played a ball into the area for Luijc who fired the ball over the bar. Just before halftime Goran Zoric had a chance to send Oakleigh into the break with the lead but his rebounded shot went wide of Roganovic’s far post.

Chris Taylor opted to make a change at half time, with Stefan Zinni coming on replacing Marcus Schroen. South came out well in the second half and instantly lifted the tempo of the game. They nevertheless had to bide their time in creating a clear cut opportunity. In the 68th minute that time arrived, when Luijc played a through ball in on goal for Zinni, whose first touch let him down and with Honos managing to smother the ball. In that sequence of play, Honos copped an accidental boot to the face that led to a seven minute delay in play as the Oakleigh medics patched Honos up so he could return to play.

Once play got back underway, Brad Norton played Epifano through on goal; Epifano did well to get into the box and draw a foul from Oakleigh defender Janiel to earn South a penalty with ten minutes remaining. Luijc stepped up for South and fired his penalty straight down the middle, giving South a 1-0 lead while bagging his 11th goal of the league season.

Oakleigh would push forward desperately to try and salvage something out of the game after South scored. The 4th official’s board showed seven minutes of additional time that left all South fans bitting their fingernails. Epifano would come off late in the game replaced by Tim Mala. Oakleigh had a corner right at the end of the game and it looked to the naked eye that Oakleigh had scored instead it was an Oakleigh player who went rolling into the back of the net and not the ball, and South would clear and hold out for a 1-0 win to keep them top of the league with a game in hand.

South now move on to play an up and down Green Gully at Lakeside Stadium next Sunday.

South Melbourne 1 (Luijc 80Pen)
Oakleigh Cannons 0

On Sunday afternoon South Melbourne hosted St Albans in round 18 of the 2017 Victorian National Premier League season.

South were in red hot form, and coming off a 3-0 win at AAMI Park against top of the table Heidelberg United were looking to claim top spot for themselves. A struggling St Albans side, sitting dead last on the table, were desperate to take some points out of this fixture at Lakeside to keep their survival hopes alive.

Leigh Minopoulos come into the starting eleven replacing an injured Milos Luijc, while Stefan Zinni replaced the suspended Jesse Daley. Meanwhile Matthew Foschini lined up for his 50th match for the club. Before the match got under way there was a minute’s silence observed for former South great Ernie Ackerley who passed away recently, and for Tony Clarke – the police officer whose name was on the perpetual trophy on offer to the winner.

Once proceedings got under way South Melbourne quickly asserted its dominance and by the 18th minute had taken the lead. Matt Foschini played a ball into the box from midfield that was headed on by Luke Adams to Matthew Millar, who volleyed the ball into the back of the net.  Two minutes later South scored its second; this time Brad Norton squared the ball for Leigh Minopoulos to fire home.

South continued its high pressing game after that and in the 28th minute Nick Epifano played through South captain Norton on goal whose shot just got past the St Albans goalkeeper who got a hand on the shot. As half time drew near, Stefan Zinni played a beautiful ball across the park to Epifano who rounded the keeper and finished into the empty net to give South a 4-0 lead in the 43rd minute.

Just before half time St Albans scored from a corner, with Calvina Mbarga heading home to give St Albans a small chance of getting something out of the game. St Albans started the second half better than the first, by not allowing South into their defensive third so easily. In the 61st minute, Epifano was subbed off by Bardhi Hysolli.

South managed to break down the St Albans defence again in the 68th minute when Zinni put In a cross to an unmarked Minopoulos in the six yard box, who  scored his second goal of the afternoon with a cool finish to give South a 5-1 lead. Three minutes later, Millar scored an absolute scorcher from long range going into the bottom left corner to extend the lead to 6-1, also scoring his second goal of the afternoon. After the goal South’s new Spanish striker David Barca Moreno come on to make his South debut replacing Marcus Schroen. In the 80th minute South youth player Giordano Marafioti was subbed on for his second senior game of the season replacing Millar.

In the 85th minutes Nicola Roganovic sent a long kick down the field to Moreno who controlled the ball with his feet and then slid the ball past the oncoming goalkeeper to score his first goal for South and extend the lead to 7-1. As the game drew to a close Marafioti won South a penalty by drawing a handball from a St Albans defender. Minopoulos stepped up and fired the ball into the roof of the net to complete his hat trick, completing an 8-1 rout for South.

That result saw South Melbourne move into top position on the league table on goal difference from Heidelberg. Earlier in the day South Melbourne’s u20s ran out 4-0 winners against St Albans.

South next match is on Thursday night at Jack Edwards Reserve in the Dockerty Cup semi-final against Bentleigh Greens. We hope to see all fans there. Kick-off is at 7.30.

South Melbourne 8
(Matt Millar 18, 71, Leigh Minopoulos 20, 68, 87 (pen), Brad Norton 28, Nick Epifano 42, David Barca Moreno 85)

St Albans 1
(Mbarga 45)

On Sunday evening AAMI Park hosted rivals South Melbourne and Heidelberg United in round 17 of the NPL Victoria season. Heidelberg were coming off a 4-1 win last week against St Albans, and looking to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Meanwhile South were coming off a 14 day break after their match against Avondale was postponed. The only change to South’s starting eleven was the suspended Tim Mala making way for Luke Pavlou.

The first chance of the game fell to Heidelberg striker Kenny Athiu, who fired his shot straight at Nikola Roganovic five minutes into proceedings. South began to dominate possession after that, and created multiple half chances.

In the 37th minute the deadlock was broken when Nick Epifano cut in from the left and fired his shot past Heidelberg keeper Theodoridis to give South the lead.

Just before half time a turnover in the middle of the park saw Matt Foschini play Milos Lujic in on goal, whose cool finish gave South a 2-0 lead going into the half time break.

After scoring Lujic signalled straight to the bench to be subbed off, with Leigh Minopoulos coming on as his replacement at half time.

South continued their dominance in the second half. In the 79th minute, Jesse Daley ran in on goal and squared the ball for Epifano to score his second of the game and his fourth for the league campaign.

New signing Bardhi Hysolli come on late for Epifano to make his South debut, with Stefan Zinni making a last minute appearance off the bench replacing Daley. South kept their seventh clean sheet of the league season and moved to within three points of top spot with a game in hand.

South’s next game is against last placed St Albans at Lakeside on Sunday at 4pm .

South Melbourne 3 ( Epifano 37, 79 Luijc 44)
Heidelberg United 0
AAMI PARK

South Melbourne defeated local rival Port Melbourne 2-1 on Sunday at Lakeside Stadium, and in the process moved up to third on the ladder and just a game off top spot.

South was coming off a massive high from their midweek cup match against Dandenong City, which saw them come back from 4-1 down to win 5-4 and secure their spot In the 2017 FFA Cup round of 32.

Meanwhile Port Melbourne, who were looking to stay in touch with the top six, were coming off the back of a 1-0 loss at home to ladder leaders Heidelberg United.

Luke Adams was back in the south starting 11 after missing the Cup match, taking the place of Luke Pavlou. Jesse Daley also found himself starting after being used as a second half substitute in the midweek cup match.

Port started the match well, capitalising on some poor defending from South, with Andreas Govas beating Nikola Roganovic at his near post to give Port Melbourne a 1-0 lead after 10 minutes.

Having fallen behind, South began battling back, and a free kick in the 14^th minute whipped in by Jesse Daley saw vice-captain Michal Eagar head just wide.

Ten minutes later Govas found himself with a golden opportunity to double Port’s lead, but shot was aimed straight at Roganovic who stopped the shot with ease.

34 minutes in Matt Millar went on a run through the Port backline turning their defenders inside-out, but he was unable to put his shot on target. Four minutes later Marcus Schroen had a free kick on the edge of the area that was taken well, but the Port keeper did enough to turn the shot around the post for a corner.

Just before half time Millar hobbled off injured and was replaced by Pavlou. With the half drawing to a close South had one final chance to score, with Daley taking the chance and sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.

South came out on the front foot in the second half, dominating possession but not creating too many clear cut chances; Schroen’s shot high and wide from outside the box being the only highlight in the first 20 minutes of the second half.

On 65 minutes Milos Luijc had a golden chance to score off a Daley cross but fired his shot wide. South eventually took the lead in the 69^th minute, when a perfect cross from Daley found Luijc who headed the ball home.

In the 76^th minute Daley almost added a second goal to his name shooting just wide. Late in the game Tim Mala was sent off for South for a second yellow card leaving South fans biting their nails during the last five minutes of the match. From the resulting free kick Francesco Stalla drew out a world class save from Roganovic to preserve South’s lead.

Earlier that day, South Melbourne’s WNPL senior team ran out 2-0 winners beating Bayside United, with Lisa De Vanna scoring a double. South sit third on the WNPL ladder, just two points off first place.

South Melbourne 2 (Daley 45 Luijc 69)
Port Melbourne 1 (Govas 10)

South Melbourne FC would like to announce changes to its upcoming home fixtures at Lakeside Stadium.

 

• South Melbourne FC Men vs Avondale (Previously scheduled for Sunday June 4th) will be moved to the Catch Up Round in August
• The Derby Match between South Melbourne FC Men and Heidelberg United will take place on the Sunday the 11th at AAMI Park. Kick off time for the match will be at 6.30pm.
• South Melbourne FC Women on Sunday June 11th at AAMI Park Kick off at 4pm Against Alamein FC.

As this is a SMFC Home Match the same privileges apply to all our 2017 SMFC Season Pass Holders, Corporate Members and Financial Members to the match at AAMI Park.

On Wednesday night South Melbourne played Dandenong City in the seventh round of the FFA Cup, with both sides vying for a place in the nationwide round of 32. It was City’s first appearance in this round of the Cup, while South had been here three times before. South made just the one change from their weekend league win against Bulleen, with the unavailable Luke Adams replaced by Mathew Foschini, who returned from suspension.

South flew out of the blocks for the third straight game, bagging a goal after just two minutes when Nick Epifano’s shot flew past City’s keeper Damir Salcin to give South a dream start. The lead didn’t last long however, as a minute later Dandenong replied with Filipovic heading past Nikola Roganovic to level the game. South continued to create opportunities to retake the lead; first Milos Lujic had a golden chance to bag his hundredth goal for the club but headed wide – then a chance fell to Marcus Schroen who fired his shot wide after some great build up play from Epifano.

Brad Norton and Matthew Millar both had long distance shots that sailed over the bar after 25 minutes, and South would be made to pay for not taking their chances when in the 27^th minute Filipovic scored his second goal putting Dandenong into the lead. South then staggered into the half time break not showing much after conceding the goal.

Chris Taylor made a tactical switch at the break, taking Stefan Zinni off for Leigh Minopoulos. South attempts to draw level came close in the 50^th minute when a chance fell to Luijc, who fired over the bar after doing well to control the ball, then Epifano had a chance fall his way only to also send his shot high over the goal. Six minutes later a massive chance fell to Epifano to level the game after a mix up at the back by the City defenders, but his shot went agonisingly just wide of the far post.

As with the first half, South would be made to pay for not taking their chances, with former South defender (and 2012 club golden boot) Shaun Kelly finding the back of the net for City to give them a 3-1 lead. Serious concern started to fall across Lakeside Stadium with the prospect of South falling short of the FFA Cup round of 32 for a third time in four years seemingly set to become a reality.

Four minutes later Filipovic had the chance to get his hat-trick and end the contest but shot wide. Down the other end, Minopoolos had a chance putting his shot on target but the Salcin was up to the task. In the 71^st minute Shaun Kelly scored his second goal, this time from a corner, with a header which looked like the goal that would end South’s 2017 Cup run.

Taylor then made another change Jesse Daley coming on to replace Luke Pavlou. A glimmer of hope came South’s way in the 82^nd minute when Lujic drew a foul from a City defender Enes Sivic in the box and earned South a penalty, and Sivic’s dismissal for a second yellow card. Luijc fired the ball into the top corner of the net, scoring his hundredth goal for the club, but there was no time to celebrate such a milestone as Luijc sprinted into the net to pick up the ball and run it back to half way, with the South fans urging their team on to recover the two goal deficit with eight minutes remaining.

South showed a spring in their step after the goal, holding onto possession, and hitting each pass with conviction and urgency they would be rewarded in the 87^th minute when a pass by Epifano into the box found Minopoulos, whose pass across the face of goal found its way to Lujic for a tap in from two metres out bringing South back to within a goal. Dandenong looking tired and struggled to keep up with the rejuvenated South midfield. South pushed forward one more time as the 90^th minute; a corner spilled out to Daley on the edge of the box, with his shot skipping through a crowded penalty area and into the back of the net, drawing South level and sending the home crowd into disarray.

As the fans and players celebrated the fourth official threw up the board showing there would be a minimum of five minutes of additional time. South pushed forward trying to claim the win in regulation time, which they would do after earning a penalty in the 94^th minute, after Lujic’s header was handballed by a City defender in the box. Lujic took the responsibility of returning South Melbourne to the national stage, stepping up and firing the ball high into the roof of the net, completing the comeback. After the full time whistle blew, pandemonium broke out as South players, coaches and fans celebrated as South booked their spot in the FFA Cup round of 32.

As well as seeing South move into the national stage of the FFA Cup for the first time since 2015, the win also South qualify for the semi-finals of the Dockerty Cup, where we have been drawn against Bentleigh Greens. In the meantime the focus now returns to league action this Sunday as South Melbourne play Port Melbourne at Lakeside at 4pm.

FFA CUP ROUND 7

South Melbourne 5 (Epifano 2, Lujic 83, 87, 90+5, Daley 90+2)
Dandenong City 4 (Filipovic 3, 27, Kelly 61, 71)

Dockety Cup Semi Final Draw

Heidelberg Unitedv Hume City TBA
South Melbourne v Bentleigh Greens TBA

On Sunday afternoon, South Melbourne returned to Lakeside Stadium to host the Bulleen Lions. South was coming off a 2-1 away win to Kingston on Monday night, while Bulleen had been edged out 2-1 by ladder leaders Heidelberg and were desperate for three points. Chris Taylor made just one change from last Monday’s side; Luke Pavlou came into the starting 11 to replace the suspended Matthew Foschini.

South started off the game the stronger of the two teams and, like they did in their last game and found the back of the net early thanks to a Milos Luijc header in the eighth minute. South kept pushing on and in the 21^st minute Marcus Schroen came very close to doubling the lead when his header went just wide. In the 35^th minute, disaster struck for Bulleen when a misplaced back pass was quickly intercepted by Matt Millar who ran across the keeper and rolled the ball into the goal to give south a 2-0 lead. This would be Millar’s seventh goal of the league season and his second in as many weeks.

South took that score into the break and came in the second half still pushing for more goals. In the 50^th minute, Luijc found himself on the end of another Bulleen back pass and buried his first one-on-one chance of the season to give south a 3-0 lead. After the goal, Taylor made his first change, with Jesse Daley making way for Liam McCormick. He also brought Stefan Zinni on for his second appearance and gave some game time to Andy Kecojevic.

South had several more great opportunities for a fourth goal with chances falling to Epifano and Schroen who were both denied by reflex saves from Bulleen keeper, Lewis Italiano. Kecejevic was teed up by a Milos Lujic header but couldn’t quite find the touch he needed to put away the close-range chance.

The game finished 3-0 to South who managed their fifth clean sheet in their last six league matches. All attention for now moves to their much anticipated cup match against Dandenong City on Wednesday night. Kick off at Lakeside Stadium is at 7.30pm.

South Melbourne 3 (Milos Lujic 8, 50, Matt Millar 35)
Bulleen Lions 0

On Monday night South Melbourne travelled to The Grange Reserve to play Kingston City in Round 13 of the National Premier League. Jesse Daley’s inclusion in the starting 11 was the only change Chris Taylor made from last week’s Bentleigh clash, while Stefan Zinni returned from his spell at the Western Sydney Wanderers to take a spot on the bench.

South shot out of the blocks, taking a 1-0 lead in the first minute when a Nick Epifano shot was turned into the back of the net by Milos Luijc for his ninth goal of the year in all competitions. South continued to dominate possession as the first half went on with Kingston getting occasional chances against the run of play.

In the 34^th minute Kingston pounced when former South winger Chris Irwin got on the end of a through ball to fire a shot into the bottom left corner and send the teams into the sheds level at half time.

South continued to dominate possession in the second half with great chances falling to Schroen and Luijc to restore South’s advantage, but neither was able to capitalise. The team really lifted when Chris Taylor brought on Stefan Zinni in the 66^th minute. Zinni’s bursts of speed down the wings exposed a tired Kingston defence in the later stages of the game.

In the 74^th minute some great build up play from South was finished by Matt Millar who received a flick on from Lujic and chipped the advancing keeper to put South back in front with 15 minutes remaining. South controlled play after that coming under no real threat of relinquishing their lead and ran out the game 2-1 victors.

That result sees south complete the first half of the season in 5^th position, 3 points behind leaders Heidelberg. South return to lakeside this Sunday to play the Bulleen Lions while Kingston host Oakleigh.

Kingston City 1       (Irwin 34)
South Melbourne 2  (Lujic 1 Millar 74)
The Grange Reserve