Category: News

Monday, 5 January 2004 12:00 AM

The South Melbourne Soccer Club in conjunction with Advanced Keeping will be running a goal keeping clinic that will provide participants with the most professional and experienced goalkeeping coaching Australia has to offer.

The clinic will be run over two days and will cover every aspect of top level goalkeeping. South’s own goalkeeping coach, Lou Petrou, who has had experience with Parma, Empoli, AC Milan and Inter Milan will be running the day. By his side will be South keepers Michael Theoklitos and Dean Anistasiadis, ex-Carlton footballer Glenn Manton and the Matilda’s goalkeeper, Melissa Barbierie.

Open to girls and boys of all ages, the clinic will be conducted on Wednesday 21st January and Thursday 22nd January between 10:00am and 4:00pm.

This clinic is an opportunity to be coached by Australia’s premier goalkeepers and is a must for all aspiring young goalies!

Click here to download the PDF Order Form (You will need Adobe Reader installed to view the document)

For more information and bookings, please contact Anthony at the South Melbourne Soccer Club on 9645 9797.

Saturday, 3 January 2004 12:00 AM

A LATE header from skipper Peter Grierson kept Brisbane Strikers in the national soccer league finals hunt with an upset 1-0 win against a 10-man South Melbourne at Perry Park tonight.

Grierson’s first goal of the season came in the 79th minute when he smashed a header from a Louis Brain corner to break the deadlock against the league leaders.

The Strikers’ victory maintained their proud unbeaten home record in front of the biggest Perry Park crowd of 3,417 this season and completed the double after beating Souths 1-0 in the first round.

Grierson has been the unsung hero for the Strikers this season with consistent displays as the general in midfield.

South Melbourne, under strong pressure at the top of the table from Perth Gory, showed their class at times but the Strikers’ defence remain rock solid throughout.

South Melbourne clearly dominated a controversial opening half until it lost central defender Steve Laurie who was sent off in the 33rd minute.

Laurie was spotted by Brisbane referee Mark Shield retaliating in back play after a tackle from Strikers dynamo Brain.

Laurie pushed Brain with two hands but instead of receiving a caution was immediately shown the red card.

Shield later infuriated South Melbourne when Strikers’ defender Karl Dodd only received a yellow card after a deliberate hand ball.

South Melbourne’s lethal frontman Michael Curcija had only Dodd to round as the last man in defence before firing in a shot when the rangy Brisbane defender clearly punched the ball from Curcija’s reach.

Curcija showed the visitors were not playing for a draw away from home when he struck a shot just wide of the upright after only five minutes.

Defender Scott Tunbridge gave the visitors another chance in the 13th minute heading an opportunity wide before Brisbane’s Royce Brownlie almost gave the home side a surprise lead midway through the opening period.

Brownlie rose high to head a cross from Brain into the ground and over the cross bar with South’s keeper Eugene Galekovic well beaten.

Galekovic later made amends when he pulled off a finger tip save with his outstretched hand to deny Josh Rose a lifting volley from 25 metres in the 65th minute.

AAP

Thursday, 1 January 2004 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Saturday’s game at Perry Park presents both the visiting South Melbourne and the hosting Brisbane Strikers with a great opportunity to re-consolidate their positions in the top six.

The Strikers were last week dealt a 6-1 thumping at the hands of the Champions Perth Glory in the first match played at the newly re-developed Members Equity Stadium. Conversely, South were desperately unlucky to go down by a 2-3 score-line at the hands of the Wollongong Wolves who rode their luck for most of the encounter and then managed to snatch victory right at the death.

Stuart Munro’s men will be keen to avenge their 4th round loss to the Strikers at the beginning of the current season. That day saw the Queensland-based club play an astute tactical game that saw a lone goal by midfielder Louis Brain prove to be enough for Stuart McLaren’s men to snatch all three points at Bob Jane Stadium.

Brisbane player/coach McLaren has done a superb job in getting one of the critic’s “supposed” cellar-dwellers into a strong position to push for finals football. Brisbane has been dealt quite a blow in that gun wingback Shane Stefanutto has signed a contract with Swiss club Lillestrom. Stefanutto has been ever-present down the right side for the Strikers and will no doubt be sorely missed. However, the Strikers possess dangerous players in David Pilic, Louis Brain and powerhouse forward Royce Brownlie. Brisbane custodian Jason Kearton has continued to provide stability between the goals and in youngster Luke Morley, the Strikers possess one of the country’s up-and-coming talents. Throw in the hard-nosed defensive play of McLaren and the Strikers possess all the ingredients of a hard-working unit that plays together and for each other.

Conversely, Munro’s squad is brimming with depth, Marcus Stergiopoulos who was absent against the Wolves due to injury again finds himself with a question mark over his participation after struggling to overcome an ankle complaint. The doubt of Stergiopoulos aside, Coach Munro has a virtual full squad to choose from. With players of the calibre of Michael Panopoulos, Con Boutsianis, Vaughn Coveny, Michael Curcija, Scott Tunbridge and Massimmo Murdocca, it is clear that when South Melbourne attack a plethora of options exist and goals can be scored from a variety of sources.

Selection headaches are a pleasant problem when the team in going well and Munro will have plenty of them when deciding on his final squad to make the trip to Perry Park.

Sunday, 28 December 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has been dealt a blow in an astonishing game at Bob Jane Stadium. South dominated possession, produced countless chances and twice levelled, only to see any hope of a positive result dashed when substitute striker Tanju Balabanel steered home a deflected shot past South keeper Eugene Galekovic in the dying minutes of the game to send the Wolves back to NSW with an invaluable 2-3 victory.

The home side were quickly stung into action after the Wolves had taken the lead in the 11th minute via an exquisitely placed set piece by Nahuel Arrarte, South had given away a free kick just outside the box and with Arrarte steering the ball over the wall, South custodian Galekovic had no chance.

South then lifted the tempo and the home faithful thought the leveller had arrived after a Con Boutsianis free kick from the right wing found its way past Wolves’ keeper Andrew Crews. However South’s joy was only temporary, the referee consulted with his linesman and it was ruled that Captain Vaughn Coveny had used his hands to divert the ball home, Coveny was subsequently booked and the goal was naturally disallowed.

The equaliser should’ve arrived after South were awarded a penalty minutes after the first disallowed goal, Coveny stepped up and converted firmly past Crews, but once again the ball was brought back with the referee demanding the spot kick be re-taken as some South players had entered the box before the kick had been struck. Coveny once again stepped up but this time Crews chose correctly and saved well to his right. South had been denied once again.

Clearly frustrated, Stuart Munro’s men proceeded to dominate possession for the rest of the half with South’s best opening arriving after a Simon Storey cross from the left was headed across goal by Coveny to an unmarked Curcija who from 6 yards out headed over. Showing attacking initiative, wingback Storey almost brought the house down with a right foot thunderbolt that flew past Crews’s left upright just before half time.

The second stanza saw South come out with increased intensity, chances were coming thick and fast with the lead protagonist being none other than Con Boustianis. Boutsianis spurned 3 decent chances with his final attempt, a near one-on-one with Crews that saw “Boutsi” smash an angled shot narrowly wide.

With the South faithful fearing the equaliser would never come, a 67th minute searching ball by Sam Poutakidis was well contested by Coveny deep in the Wollongong area, the ball eventually found its way to Boustianis who was on hand to head home the equaliser from point blank range.

The equaliser temporarily rejuvenated South who with the vocal support of the home crowd appeared destined to land the winner. With the Wolves absorbing bucket-loads of pressure, it was to everyone’s surprise that a 76th minute Arrarte corner somehow found its way past the South defence to land in the path of Nigerian Chimaobi Nwaogazi who instinctively fired home a devastating half volley from 6 yards out. It was Nwaogazi’s 6th goal in as many games, a goal-scoring run which has coincided with the Wolves recent good form.

To the home side’s credit an immediate reply followed with Captain Coveny finally getting on the scoresheet after nodding home an 80th minute Boutsianis corner. The ball appeared to have been cleared off the line, but after consoling with his linesman, the referee gave the all clear and the Lakesiders had drawn level once again.

With a draw looking the most likely result, substitute Tanju Balabanel – who has had European experience in Turkey – was played in behind the South defence by young Socceroo Dustin Wells, from an acute angle just inside the South area, Balabanel tried his luck with a low stinging shot that caught the heel or leg of a South defender and was unfortunately – for the home side – deflected past a helpless Galekovic for the eventual winner. The South players clasped the heads in devastation knowing that the game had escaped their grasp. Even 5 minutes of injury time could not see South muster a third equaliser, with Crews brilliantly saving a low header from Coveny and a goal-line clearance confirming the home side’s fate. Fair to say, it just wasn’t South’s evening.

Wednesday, 24 December 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

This Saturday the John Turner coached Wollongong Wolves come to Bob Jane Stadium in what looms to be an intriguing encounter.

After a somewhat rollercoaster start to the season Turner’s men have got their act together and gone unbeaten in their last 5 games. Led by Nigerian import Chimaobi Nwaogazi – who has bagged a goal in each of his last 5 games – the Wolves are currently on a steady rise up the NSL standings.

Conversely, South Melbourne continued their run of impressive results last week with a hard fought 0-1 victory over Newcastle United. With results favouring the home side, South Melbourne has extended their lead atop the NSL ladder; the Lakesiders now find themselves 4 points clear from their nearest rivals Perth.

With limited resources at his disposal Coach Turner has like many NSL coaches, managed to put together a highly competitive outfit on a shoestring budget. In goalkeeper Andrew Crews, the Wolves have a proven shot-stopper; Ben Blake, Shane Lyons and Nahuel Arrarte add further NSL experience to the Wolves make-up which is well complemented by the class of Captain and Striker Stuart Young. Young is in the rare position of having seen the Wolves go from dual NSL champions to their current battling predicament but has managed to rediscover some of his best form – after a disappointing campaign last season – with 4 goals so far this term.

Conversely, South coach Stuart Munro has a plethora of selection options all over the park. With the recent return of Young Socceroo duo Massimo Murdocca and Vince Lia, Munro has even further choice at his disposal.

Midfield pairing Marcus Stergiopoulos and Michael Panopoulos have been superb all season and provide South with adequate steel and flair in the centre of the park. Striking-duo Michael Curcija and Captain Vaughn Coveny have combined for a total of 18 goals between them. Add to their proven goal getting instincts the intuitive and dangerous roaming capabilities of wide attackers Con Boutsianis and Scott Tunbridge and it becomes clear that South have many avenues to goal. A positive result for the home side beckons.

Saturday, 20 December 2003 12:00 AM

Newcastle 0 South Melbourne 1
SOUTH MELBOURNE extended their lead to six-points at the top of the NSL with a victory against Newcastle United at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

The winner came after just seven minutes through Michael Curcija after Scott Tunbridge had delivered a wonderful ball from the left-hand side.

Curcija was left with a simple tap-in from eight metres and a striker of his quality rarely wastes such opportunities.

Newcastle created the better opportunities after the early setback and will feel it deserved at least a share of the spoils from a match played in sweltering conditions.

South Melbourne goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic had to be at full stretch to protect the lead in the 33rd minute when Ryan Griffiths headed a great pass from Mitchell Johnson toward goal.

Griffiths had been on the pitch for barely a minute, replacing captain Robbie Middleby who had limped off with a calf injury.

Galekovic was the hero either side of half-time, denying Fijian international Esala Masi on both occasions. First he turned away a 25 metre thunderbolt and then he was good enough to parry a full blooded drive which was bound for the net.

Greg Owens spurned a golden chance on the hour mark after Ryan Griffiths has wriggled his way into the penalty box. Griffiths balled the ball back for the striker but he wasted an early Christmas present by flashing it across the face of goal.

Newcastle coach Ian Crook lamented his side’s poor touch in front of goal and another three points lost at home. “There’s another game where, with no disrespect to them, we’ve had 75 per cent of play,” he said.

“Our passing and our movement was good, but goals win games.”

Crook was distressed about his rising injury toll, with his team faced with the task of a match against Northern Spirit on Sunday.

“Robbie (Middleby) has torn a calf, he’s out for the foreseeable future … Brownie (Damien Brown) is no good, and Jobe (Wheelhouse) is only about 75 per cent.”

South Melbourne coach Stuart Munro thought Crook was generous in saying his side had had 25 per cent of the game.

“I don’t know where he got the 25 per cent to be honest, but when you get a group of players who believe in each other you become resilient,” he said.

“You have to ride your luck sometimes but we roll our sleeves up and win games.”

Munro commented that the heat had sapped his side’s energy and the points were all the more valuable for the conditions under which the match was played.

“We’re not used to this hot weather. That’s why I made a few changes in the middle of midfield,” he said.

“Any time you can come here in these conditions and get the points is good.”

SOUTH MELBOURNE 1 (M Curcija 7m) bt NEWCASTLE UNITED 0 at Energy Australia Stadium. Referee: P Green. Crowd: approx. 2500.

AAP

Thursday, 18 December 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

NSL pacesetters South Melbourne travel to Energy Australia Stadium this Friday night to take on Ian Crook’s Newcastle United.

After last week’s impressive come-from-behind 2-1 victory against the Parramatta Power, Stuart Munro’s men will be eager to maintain their position atop the NSL ladder.

Super-consistent-South-workhorse Marcus Stergiopoulos will bring up his 200th NSL appearance against United whilst Captain Vaughn Coveny is only 2 goals shy from breaking the 100 goal NSL barrier.

Both sides met earlier in round 5 with South running out the comprehensive 4 goals to 1 winner. United are currently languishing in 7th position yet are only 2 points away from a top 6 position, hence, the importance of a United victory cannot be underestimated and with South looking to maintain their recent run of solid form, there is plenty at stake in this encounter.

United’s strength lies with experienced NSL campaigners such as Milan Blagojevic, Esala Masi, Robert Middleby, Scott Thomas, Damian Brown, Craig Deans and Peter Tsekenis who always assure that Newcastle present a competitive force in each and every encounter. Add to the experienced core the exciting Griffiths brothers and the emerging talent of players such as Jobe Wheelhouse and one can see that Ian Crook has done a great job in assembling a competitive squad.

Conversely, Stuart Munro has an abundance of talent to select his squad from. Fan’s favourite Sam Poutakidis has shown very consistent form over recent weeks culminating in a starring role against the Power, his emergence is one of many examples of Stuart Munro’s astuteness in backing raw talent and then watching it blossom.

The recent return of Young Socceroos Massimo Murdocca and Vince Lia provides South with an added attacking flair. Furthermore, the return from injury of gun-recruit Michael Panopoulos adds further steel and class to the South midfield.

Finally, attackers Vaughn Coveny and Michael Curcija have figured consistently in the goals with 17 between them, their prolificness should cause the Newcastle defence many problems.

Wednesday, 17 December 2003 12:00 AM

It is the dream of a lifetime for two lucky, young Aussie soccer players: to play alongside soccer superstar David Beckham.

The world’s most famous soccer player has offered to teach his phenomenal ball skills to Australian youngsters. In an exclusive with the Seven Network’s TODAY TONIGHT, a boy and a girl will be chosen to go to Spain and be personally coached by the Real Madrid midfielder.

The South Melbourne Soccer Club will be playing a key role in the process with the Melbourne trials being held at Bob Jane Stadium and being adjudicated by South coach, Stuart Munro and two of South’s players.

“I think the important thing that kids need to realise is that [playing good football] doesn’t just happen, it takes practice. My dad used to take me to the park all the time,” Beckham said.

To learn how Beckham passes with pinpoint accuracy and kicks for goal with lethal consequences, children aged between nine and 13 are being asked to send a video displaying their ball skills or magic moments in a game to TODAY TONIGHT. All videos will be judged according to a set of criteria of skills and 10 boys and 10 girls will be selected from each state to progress to the next round.

A South Melbourne Soccer Club panel will be responsible for selecting 1 boy and 1 girl from Victoria / Tasmania who will then be flown to Sydney where a panel of soccer stars, including Socceroos coach Frank Farina, will select the two winners. They’ll be flown to Spain to join Beckham’s coaching camp with 18 other children from around the world.

The resulting program, titled Really Bend It Like Beckham, will be seen on the SEVEN NETWORK in 2004.

For full entry details and competition terms and conditions please visit: www.todaytonight.com.au

Tuesday, 16 December 2003 12:00 AM

Wednesday 10th December versus Sydney Olympic winning ticket was 23003.
Sunday 14th December versus Parramatta Power winning ticket was 19388.
Please contact the office on 9645 9797 if you have either of these tickets.

Monday, 15 December 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne have gone clear atop the NSL ladder and sent a firm message that they belong amongst any reform of the game locally with a hard fought 2-1 victory over the Parramatta Power.

In front over 9000-10000 fans South fought back from a goal deficit to take the 3 points. Inspired by the ice-cool nerves of Captain Vaughn Coveny – who converted both goals from the penalty spot – South went ahead midway through the second half and managed to hang on for the vital win.

Parramatta came to Lakeside determined to get a result, from the onset the Nick Theodorakopoulos coached side looked sharp and extremely dangerous on the counter. As early as the 6th minute the Power threatened after Travis Dodd was released, Dodd’s subsequent strike was well hit but South custodian Eugene Galekovic was well positioned to save. South quickly replied in the 9th minute when a succession of offensive headers around the Parramatta defensive area saw the ball end up with Con Boutsianis who instead of electing to header over Bolton, attempted to volley home, Bolton got a slight deflection and the ball went well over.

Just as South was beginning to gain the ascendency Brazilian import Fernando Rech collected the ball just in front of the half way line, Rech advanced and managed to shield off a couple of South defenders before sending a low, well placed, drive past a diving Galekovic who managed to get a clear hand on the ball but couldn’t prevent it from crossing the line. Rech’s 15th minute goal silenced the South faithful but Stuart Munro’s men were far from done.

The 32nd minute saw returning gun-recruit Michael Panopoulos fire a 30 yard bullet towards Bolton’s top-right corner, Bolton did well to get across and push away for a corner. Immediately after his glorious attempt “Pana” produced a quality searching ball from the centre of park that picked out Curcija, the South striker controlled and with his second touch tried to glance the ball over his marker, fortunately for South, the Parramatta defender prevented the ball from advancing via the use of his arm, the linesman was perfectly positioned to raise his flag and subsequently did, referee Hugo pointed to the spot and a penalty was given. The South faithful held their breath as they sensed the importance of the spot-kick, up stepped Captain Coveny to calmly steer past a fully stretched Bolton to not only bring the scores level in the 34th minute but to also send the South faithful into frenzy.

With the scores level both sides went into the half time interval sensing that the next goal could ultimately prove to be the deciding effort. Seemingly inspired from Stuart Munro’s address at half time, South came out with a raised intensity in the second half, pressuring the Parramatta defensive area; half-chances fell to Boutsianis and Tunbridge who both sent angled volleys over Bolton’s goalmouth.

The crucial breakthrough finally arrived in the 62nd minute when the inspirational Panopoulos – who had comprehensively outplayed his direct opponent Simon Colosimo – pierced the Parramatta backline with a through ball that released Curcija, Curcija controlled decently and with Bolton rushing out, the South front-man attempted to go around the Power custodian who in the same play brought down the ex-Partizan Belgrade striker. Hugo once again pointed to the spot and once again, Coveny assumed responsibility. Coveny intelligently chose the opposite corner for his strike and sent Bolton the wrong way to send the home crowd into rapture. With Coveny’s goal South had transformed a deficit into a lead against the league’s most talented playing roster, suddenly a victory appeared to be a strong possibility.

South surged on looking for a third goal that would seal the result, the 77th minute saw Boutsianis released down the left hand side, with acres of space ahead, Boutsianis raced down the wing and delivered a glorious cross to the incoming Coveny who rose well but headed over. Had Coveny hit the target Bolton would’ve been beaten as the Power keeper had anticipated the cross to completely clear the South captain and as such his positioning was poor.

Parramatta then proceeded to raise the tempo and take more risks in the hope of finding an equaliser, with large chunks of possession a chance was inevitable and it arrived in the 78th minute when ex-Newcastle United winger/striker Travis Dodd fired in a dangerous cross from the right that beautifully picked out Fernando Rech who placed his header well but fortunately for the home side, Galekovic was on hand to anticipate the header and hence firmly grasped the ball.

South’s third nearly arrived in the 82nd minute when Young Socceroo Vince Lia – who had been brought on in the 2nd half – was released down the right by Sam Poutakidis, Lia’s cross was world class and picked out Con Boutsianis who made superb contact only for Bolton to palm away at the last moment when the ball appeared destined for the top corner. It was a save worthy of Bolton’s standing as one of Australia’s premier keepers but more importantly, a save that kept the Power in the contest.

Immediately after Boutsianis’s narrow miss, a Parramatta corner sent a flutter through the hearts of the South faithful. What appeared and easy take for Galekovic nearly turned into disaster when Galekovic spilt his initial grab onto his left upright, fortunately for South Galekovic recovered and quickly gloved.

For the remainder of the game South were looking to hang on, long clearances were all the rage and any decent possession on the ball for the home side was worth its weight in gold. Finally after 3 minutes of stoppage time, referee Hugo blew the final whistle, Bob Jane Stadium erupted, South went 3 points clear atop the NSL ladder but perhaps more importantly, a firm message to the reform process was sent, in drawing a great crowd, putting on a great footballing spectacle and generating a great atmosphere, South surely elevated their chances for inclusion in the reform process. A great day of football all round.

NSL Round 14 – South Melbourne v Parramatta Power
Sunday 14 December 2004 – Bob Jane Stadium, Albert Park.

South Melbourne (1) 2
Coveny (34 pen, 63 pen).

Parramatta Power (1) 1
Rech (16).

Venue – Bob Jane Stadium.
Attendance – 10,005
Referee – Brett Hugo.

South Melbourne: (4-3-3) Galekovic, Poutakidis, Kovacevic, Laurie (Tolios
89), Storey, Coveny (c) (Lia 78), Stergiopoulos, Panopoulos, Curcija,
Boutsianis (Murdocca 92), Tunbridge. Subs not used: Theoklitis (GK).

Parramatta Power: (3-5-3) Bolton, Beachamp, Ceccoli (c) (Zorbas 81),
Sobczyk, Elrich, Gumprecht (O’Grady 90), Colosimo, Pantelis (Thompson 63),
Dodd, Rech, Milicic. Sub not used: Vukovic (GK).

Cautions: Rech (PP) 41, Curcija (SM) 46+, Gumprecht (PP) 46, Tunbridge
(SM) 54, Bolton (PP) 62, Colossimo (PP) 94,

Red Cards: (None)