Category: News

Friday, 26 July 2013 11:30 AM

By George Kouroumalis

South Melbourne FC has made a remarkable comeback to avoid embarrassment against Preston in the FFV State Knockout Cup on Tuesday Night.

South were without all of its recent signings due to them being cup tied, as well as Alan Kearney, who had to serve a one match suspension after being sent off in the last round of the Cup against Northcote City.

Despite dominating the play, the only meaningful chance of the half came when Preston caught the South napping, with Sanni Dauda scoring a speculative shot from range.

Preston was reduced to ten men three minutes before halftime after Michael Santoro was handed a second yellow card for a quickly taken free kick without the referee having blown his whistle.

Preston doubled it’s advantage early in the second half, when horrendous marking from the corner allowed for Dauda to bury a volley from inside the six yard box.

With South staring down elimination and the home crowd getting quite boisterous, Rhys Meredith latched onto a wonderful cross by Fernando De Moraes to pull a goal back for the home side.

South continued to pile on the pressure and were rewarded in the 81st minute when Meredith and Andy Vlahos combined to cause mayhem in the Preston defence, forcing Igorce Kolevski to turn the ball into his own net.

South were now dominant and moments later a super free kick by Fernando De Moraes found it’s way through everyone, slamming into the back of the net and sending the small but vocal crowd into delirium.

Fernando then topped off a man of the match performance by scoring a second of the night just before full time.

South now face Green Gully in the Semi Final of the State Knockout Cup, with the fixture likely to be on either August 20 or 21.

Tuesday, 23 July 2013 12:18 PM

South Melbourne FC wishes to advise its members that it will be holding a two hour Member Information Session on Tuesday 6th August at Principal Partner Beachcomber Cafe commencing at 7.30pm.

The Member Information Session will cover the following topics:

• A-League
• National Premier League
• Social Club redevelopment
• Junior Pavilion
• Football

Members will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the session.

Monday, 22 July 2013 2:07 PM

By George Kouroumalis

A late second half surge by Bentleigh Greens against a nine man South Melbourne side has seen them defeat the home side by 4 goals to 1 at Lakeside Stadium.

South went into the match with new signings Bryan Bran and Tim Mala in the heart of the defence, as well as Chris Taylor opting to play striker Trent Rixon up front once again.

It was that decision by Taylor that worked immediately after kick-off, with Rixon darting past the stagnant Bentleigh defence, before hitting a low drive across the area and into the path of Nick Epifano at the back post who smashed the ball into the back of the net.

Moments later the match was turned on it’s head up the other end, when South custodian Peter Gavalas collided with Bentleigh’s Ryan De Vries, after the strikers shot had already sailed well and truly over the bar. In what seemed to be an innocuous incident, referee Brenton Hawyward pointed to the penatly spot before sending Gavalas off with a straight red card being produced.

Immediately Taylor sacrificed goalscorer Epifano and brought on 17 year old Goalkeeper Lajos Hun to make his debut for the club at senior level.

In what was an amazing turn of events, Luke Sherbon stepped up and scored the penalty, only for the referee to call it back, making him take it again. From the resultant re-take, Hun produced a fine save, sending the stunned South crowd into raptures.

This galvanised the South players and they continued to dominate the half with ten men and despite not being able to capitalise, went into the rooms at half time with a well deserved one goal lead.

The second half continued in the same manner, South coming out of the blocks early and piling the pressure on a very timid Bentleigh defence, with Soolsma and Rixon once again looking dangerous.

It was against the run of play where Bentleigh grabbed an equaliser, with Dane Milovanovic hitting a wonderful strike from outside the area to get his team on level terms.

Any chance South had of clinching the three points vanished moments later, when Iqi Jawadi was given his second yellow card in a short period, with the referee deeming that he kicked the ball away after he blew the whistle.

With the sending off, South was left with very little hope and it was proven not long after when Ryan De Vries and Luke Sherbon capitalised on an exhausted South defence to put the match beyond doubt.

Former South defender Tom Matthews added the fourth with the match already sealed and the South side demoralised.

It was a more positive story in the Under-21s as South defeated Bentleigh 4-3. Baggio Yousif scored twice as Francis Solano and Aydin Sipahi scored the other two goals to secure the win.

South must re-group as it takes on Preston this Tuesday night in the State Knockout Cup, whilst hosting Dandenong Thunder on Sunday at 3pm. Both matches are at Lakeside Stadium, with the Cup game against Preston a members only affair.

FINAL SCORE: SOUTH MELBOURNE 1-4 BENTLEIGH GREENS (HT: 1-0)

Goal Scorers:
1-0: Nick Epifano (2′)
1-1: Dane Milovanovic (64′)
1-2: Ryan De Vries (72′)
1-3: Luke Sherbon (79′)
1-4: Tom Matthews (90+2′)

South Melbourne FC:
1. Peter GAVALAS (GK – sent off 12′), 2. Tim MALA, 4. Bryan BRAN, 5. Nick EPIFANO (21. Lajos HUN [GK] 12′), 9. Trent RIXON (15. Dimi HATZIMOURATIS 61′), 10. Tyson HOLMES, 11. Brad NORTON (C), 13. Iqi JAWADI, 16. Alan KEARNEY, 17. Nick SOOLSMA (12. Rhys MEREDITH 76′), 22. James KARVELIS

Bentleigh Greens:
Alistair BRAY (GK), Dominic D’ANGELO, Aron WILFORD, Jack WEBSTER, Thomas MATHEWS, Steve HATZIKOSTAS (Luke O’DEA 45’), Wayne WALLACE (Liam MCCORMICK 77’), Luke SHERBON, David STIRTON (Jamie DEARBY 61’), Ryan DE VRIES, Dane MILOVANOVIC

SMFC Man of the Match: Bryan Bran
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Date: Sunday 21 July 2013

Monday, 22 July 2013 1:03 PM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the signing of goalkeeper Chris Maynard, who returns to the Club after three seasons away playing in the lower divisions of Victorian football.

Chris was a member of the South Melbourne Under 18s and Under 21s Championship winning teams in 2010. He then moved to State League One side Western Suburbs and made his debut in the senior side at 17 years of age. Midway through the 2011 season, Chris signed with State League Two side Malvern City and spent approximately 18 months with the club. Ironically he was in goal when South defeated Malvern 2-1 in the Fourth Round of the State Knockout Cup at John Cain Memorial Park on 29 April 2012. Chris signed a youth contract with Melbourne Heart FC for the 2012/13 season and then returned to Western Suburbs before deciding to return to South.

South Melbourne FC welcomes Chris Maynard back to the Club and wishes him the best for the rest of the season.

Thursday, 18 July 2013 10:45 PM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the signings of Jonathan Munoz and Luke Hopper.

Jonathan Munoz arrives at Lakeside Stadium from Germany and will provide some much-needed defensive cover. The 31 year old has had plenty of experience in the Victorian Premier League having played with clubs such as Preston, Hume City and Green Gully. He won the Victorian Premier League Championship with Preston in 2007 and was also part of Green Gully’s back-to-back Championship winning sides in 2010 and 2011.

Luke Hopper arrives from Dandenong Thunder and will link up with his former coach Chris Taylor as well as Iqi Jawadi, Tim Mala, Nick Epifano and Bryan Bran. The English centre-forward joined Dandenong at the start of this season from Hungerford Town Football Club in the United Kingdom. He caused South plenty of problems in the League meeting between the two sides on 27 April and scored Dandenong’s second goal of the afternoon as it thumped South 3-0 that day.

South Melbourne FC welcomes Jonathan Munoz and Luke Hopper to the Club and wishes them the best for the rest of the season.

Thursday, 18 July 2013 4:16 PM

South Melbourne FC hosts the Bentleigh Greens on Sunday afternoon in what is a huge game for the home side. Bentleigh is considered by many as the team to beat in 2013 along with Northcote City and South desperately needs a win to try and keep up with the top five. South has not won a Victorian Premier League match since defeating Oakleigh 2-1 at Lakeside Stadium on 26 May.

South goes into the game on the back of a disappointing 2-2 draw against Southern Stars at Lakeside Stadium last Sunday. Alan Kearney opened the scoring for the home side before two quick goals shortly before halftime put the Stars ahead. Substitute Andy Vlahos saved the day for South when he tapped home at the back post from Rhys Meredith’s cross to earn the home side a share of the points. Bentleigh goes into the game having drawn 0-0 against Dandenong Thunder at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex last Friday night. John Anastasiadis’ team had the better of the first half, however Dandenong dominated in the second half and in the end a draw was probably a fair result. Bentleigh’s only loss this season has been against South on 19 April thanks to Renco Van Eeken’s winning goal from a header on 82 minutes.

South’s defensive stocks will be significantly boosted following the signings of Bryan Bran (centre-half) and Tim Mala (right-back) during the week. In further good news, Shaun Kelly is in contention to return to the line-up this weekend following a hamstring injury sustained a few weeks ago. Mala’s arrival also gives Chris Taylor the option of pushing Dimi Hatzimouratis further up the park in a more attacking role that suits him. Youngster James Karvelis has impressed filling in for Dimi Tsiaras and Kelly at centre-half during the past few matches and will also be in contention for a place in the team on Sunday.

In the corresponding fixture played at Lakeside Stadium last season on Sunday 9 September 2012, a heartbreaking 92nd minute goal from Scott Bulloch cancelled out Andy Vlahos’ 78th minute header in a game that South had to win to keep its finals chances alive.

Sunday’s match kicks off at 3PM at Lakeside Stadium.

Last time we met

Thursday, 18 July 2013 10:49 AM

South Melbourne FC, Preston Lions FC, and Football Federation Victoria wish to advise that the State Knockout Cup quarterfinal match between both clubs is to be played on Tuesday 23rd July at Lakeside Stadium. Kick off is set for 7.30pm.

This match will be held according to a pre-purchased ticketing arrangement in that tickets will ONLY be made available for purchase by members of both clubs on pre-arranged days. Please note that no tickets will be sold on match day.

South Melbourne FC members will gain FREE entry to the quarterfinal match. Their free ticket can be collected at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday 21st July when South Melbourne take on the Bentleigh Greens. South Melbourne members will simply show their membership card to receive their free entry ticket at a tent located near the Gate 2 entry. Furthermore, South Melbourne FC members are advised that they will only be able to collect a ticket to the quarterfinal match on Sunday 21st July.

Preston Lions FC members will be able to purchase tickets at BT Connor Reserve on on allocated dates. It is recommended that Preston members contact Preston Lions FC to confirm dates to purchase their tickets.

On match day, both South Melbourne and Preston Lions members must show their entry tickets and membership cards to gain entry.

Tuesday, 16 July 2013 11:22 AM

South Melbourne FC wishes to advise that Marinos Gasparis and Phil Petreski have departed the Club.

Marinos Gasparis joined South Melbourne in 2010 and was at the Club for three and a half seasons. He played 68 Victorian Premier League matches and scored eight goals. He also featured in four FFV State Knockout Cup games as well as four Singapore Cup matches, giving him an overall record of 76 games and eight goals for the Club. After being advised by Head Coach Chris Taylor that he could not be guaranteed first team football for the rest of the season, Gasparis decided to join league leaders Northcote City.

Phil Petreski was one of South’s Under-21s players elevated to senior football by former Head Coach Peter Tsolakis in 2012. He played 10 matches for the Club as well as one State Knockout Cup game. Phil is currently training with Melbourne Heart in the A League.

South Melbourne FC thanks both Marinos Gasparis and Phil Petreski for their services to the Club, and wishes them the very best in their future endeavours.

Monday, 15 July 2013 6:52 PM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the signings of Bryan Bran and Tim Mala. Both players arrive at Lakeside Stadium from Dandenong Thunder and join Iqi Jawadi and Nick Epifano as players to join the Club from George Andrews Reserve during the transfer window.

Bryan Bran is a centre-back and arrives at an important time with South’s defensive stocks currently limited due to injuries. It is expected that he will line up alongside either Shaun Kelly (if he overcomes his hamstring injury) or James Karvelis at centre-back for the Bentleigh Greens game this Sunday. Bran was probably the man of the match earlier this season on 27 April when Dandenong defeated South 3-0 at George Andrews Reserve, winning everything in the air and causing the South defence plenty of problems from set pieces with his booming right-footed strikes.

Tim Mala will add some much-needed cover in the right-back position. Tom Matthews previously held the position before departing the Club and whilst Dimi Hatzimouratis has done a decent job at right-back this season, he adds more value to the side further up the park in an attacking role. Mala’s arrival at Lakeside Stadium allows Chris Taylor to use Hatzimouratis as another attacking option.

Both players were part of Taylor ’s Championship winning Dandenong side in 2012, playing in the 2-1 Grand Final win against the Oakleigh Cannons as well as the State Knockout Cup penalty shoot-out victory against Port Melbourne.

South Melbourne FC welcomes Bryan Bran and Tim Mala to the Club and wishes them the best for the remainder of the season.

Monday, 15 July 2013 1:25 PM

By John Kyrou

South Melbourne FC battled for a disappointing 2-2 draw against bottom side Southern Stars at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday afternoon in a game that, in truth, the home side should consider itself lucky to take a point from. An early goal from Alan Kearney and a late goal from substitute Andy Vlahos gave South a share of the spoils against a very spirited Stars side.

South coach Chris Taylor gave debuts to mid-season signings Iqi Jawadi and Nick Epifano and gave Under-21s player Erdem Ozcagli a starting berth next to fellow youngster James Karvelis at centre-back. It was not an ideal centre-back pairing given the inexperience of the two players but injuries to Shaun Kelly and Dimi Tsiaras (both hamstrings) gave Taylor no choice. Trent Rixon was given a starting berth up front as Taylor gave him a chance to shine in front of the home crowd.

The home side took the lead after half an hour when Stars goalkeeper Abdul Koc decided to punch the ball away from danger instead of catching it following a Tyson Holmes cross into the area. With the goalkeeper off his line, Kearney delicately chipped the ball over him and into the back of the empty net to put South 1-0 up. Rixon then had two chances to bury the Stars but put one chance wide before Koc saved the other chance. This led to Rixon being substituted and replaced by Rhys Meredith. It was expected that South would go on and win the game comfortably but the Stars put that to bed in two minutes of madness for the home side shortly before halftime. Firstly Vincent Bontemps took on and beat Jawadi and Ozcagli on the left side before firing an unstoppable left-footed shot past Peter Gavalas in the South goal. Incredibly, the bottom-placed Stars then took the lead when Romanian debutant Cristian Cristea found himself unmarked in the box and fired home past Gavalas to stun the home players and crowd.

It was expected that the away side would put all eleven men behind the ball in the second half but to their credit the Southern Stars continued to attack the South defence. Only last ditch defending and some brilliant saves from Gavalas prevented South from going even further behind. Kalonzo Kabongo was presented with a tap-in but Dimi Hatzimouratis slid in at the last minute. Ali Hameed was then played through but blasted his shot over Gavalas’ crossbar. Hungarian debutant Jiri Kabele then cut the ball back for substitute Ali Turgut to be one-on-one with Gavalas but the South goalkeeper pulled off a brilliant save to deny him. Amongst all of this, Vlahos had come on as a 60th minute substitute and proved his worth when he was on hand at the back post to tap in Meredith’s low cross in the 72nd minute. South should have won the game in injury time when Koc didn’t properly deal with Vlahos’ cross but former South captain Rama Tavsancioglu saved the day for the Stars by clearing Meredith’s goal-bound shot off the line to ensure the away side shared the points with South.

Taylor was understandably disappointed post-game, noting that he was “not happy with how we played and not happy about the goals we conceded and the chances we missed…in the end it was probably a fair result but I can’t accept the two goals we conceded.”

The Under-21s got back into winning form with a solid 4-2 victory against the Stars. A hat trick from Baggio Yousif (39’, 45’ and 82’) and a goal from Anthony Giannopoulos (33’) won the game for the home side.

South has a big test next Sunday when it hosts the Bentleigh Greens at Lakeside Stadium. Kick-off is at 3PM.

FINAL SCORE: SOUTH MELBOURNE 2-2 SOUTHERN STARS (HT: 1-2)

Goal Scorers:
1-0: Alan Kearney (31′)
1-1: Vincent Bontemps (41′)
1-2: Cristian Cristea (43′)
2-2: Andy Vlahos (72′)

Key Stats (provided by Steven Orchard):
Shots: SMFC (19) – Stars (12)
Saves: SMFC (4) – Stars (8)
Balls into Area: SMFC (52) – Stars (23)
Turnovers: SMFC (72) – Stars (65)

South Melbourne FC:
1. Peter GAVALAS (GK), 3. Erdem OZCAGLI, 5. Nick EPIFANO (14. Andy VLAHOS 60′), 9. Trent RIXON (12. Rhys MEREDITH 36′), 10. Tyson HOLMES, 11. Brad NORTON (C), 13. Iqi JAWADI, 15. Dimi HATZIMOURATIS, 16 Alan KEARNEY , 17. Nick SOOLSMA, 22. James KARVELIS

Southern Stars:
Abdulkerim KOC (GK), Joshua BOWEN, Andrew VIOLA, Rama TAVSANCIOGLU, Vincent BONTEMPS, Nicholas MCKOY, Ryan HERVEL, Ali HAMEED (Jiri KABELE 68’), Tamas NAGY (Luke BURGESS 46’), Kalonzo KABONGO, Cristian CRISTEA (Ali TURGUT 46’)

SMFC Man of the Match: Peter Gavalas
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Date: Sunday 14 July 2013