Category: News

Friday, 3 October 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South have kick-started their season with a resounding victory against the Wollongong Wolves. Led by inspirational captain Vaughan Coveny the Lakesiders managed to easily account for the NSW-based club by 4 goals to nil.

It didn’t take long for South to get into gear; a Marcus Stergiopoulos through ball was comfortably dispatched in the 16th minute by Kiwi international Coveny who in netting opened up South’s goal-scoring account for the season not to mention his personal account since taking over the South captaincy.

South controlled the majority of the first half and were hardly pressured, Levent Osman and Simon Storey were proving to be inspirational in defence and the Wollongong attack hardly got a look in.

Coach Munro sent on Sam Poutakidis at the start of the second half for Mehmet Durakovic, an interesting move which can most probably be explained by a relapse of the hamstring injury that Durakovic tore against the Parramatta Power.

South doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute when a stinging cross from Vince Lia was met by Coveny, Coveny’s initial strike was saved by Wolves’ custodian Andrew Crews, however, the rebound fell straight to the South captain who didn’t hesitate in smashing home his second of the evening.

Michael Curcija replaced a somewhat ineffective Max Lohy in the 66th minute, Lohy had been clattered into early on and from that moment looked to be carrying a slight knock. It was an inspired substitution by Munro with Curcija adding a third in the 78th minute. Coveny had passed to Curcija who from within the 18-yard box hammered home South’s third with a stinging drive.

The last ten minutes saw star recruit Michael Panopoulos introduced, he immediately showed his class with some nice touches and a level of assurance in the centre of the park rarely seen in the NSL, Panopoulos remains 2-3 games away from full match fitness.

Ever-developing cult-hero Sam Poutakidis put the icing on the cake for the Lakesiders heading home a 4th – from a Curcija cross – for the Albert Park based club in the 92nd minute.

So a great result for South and one which positions it nicely in the top 6, South’s next game is its opening home fixture against the Brisbane Strikers. The game is scheduled for next Sunday (12/10/03) with kick-off at 3pm.

Wollongong Wolves

0 – 4

SouthMelbourne

V Coveny 16’/53′
M Curcija 78′
S Poutakidis 92′

Line-Up

Line-Up

1

Andrew Crews (gk)

3

Jacob Timpano

4

Mirko Jurilj

5

Adam Hughes

6

Michael Hawrysiuk (-73′)

7

Shane Lyons

8

Nahuel Arrarte

9

Tanju Balabanel

12

Steven DeGiovianniello
(-60′)

13

John Majurovski (-66′)

17

Ben Blake

20

Eugene Galekovic (gk)

2

Levent Osman

3

Simon Storey

4

Mehmet Durakovic (-46′)

6

Ante Kovacevic

8

Vaughan Coveny (c) (-82′)

12

Marcus Stergiopoulos

13

Vince Lia

14

Max Lohy (-66′)

16

Massimo Murdocca

25

Scott Tunbridge

Substitutes

Substitutes

10

Stuart Young (c) (+60′)

11

Liam Austin (+66′)

14

Daniel Cummins (+73′)

20

Scott Whalan (gk)

5

Michael Panopoulos (+82′)

18

Michael Curcija (+66′)

22

Sam Poutakidis (+46′)

30

Michael Theoklitos (gk)

Cautions

Cautions

J Timpano 19′
N Arrarte 86′

S Tunbridge 20′

Red Cards

Red Cards

Referee

Crowd

Venue

Mark Shield

2005

WIN Stadium

Thursday, 2 October 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

This Friday night South Melbourne travel to the heart of Wollongong to take on the Wolves. The NSW-based club like many teams in the National League this season has had to cope with budgetary constraints and significant changes in playing personnel.

Wollongong’s start to the season has also been far from favourable; two losses in the opening rounds of the season against Sydney United and Marconi have the club languishing in 2nd last position (12th).

Conversely South Melbourne have had a week to reflect on their encouraging first round result against championship favourites the Parramatta Power, to compensate for the lack of match practice coach Munro put his team through a decent hit-out against State 1 side the Oakleigh Cannons last Friday evening.

Much-heralded recruit Michael Panopoulos is expected to make his NSL debut for the Lakesiders after deciding to sit-out the game against the Power in order to concentrate on his fitness. Panopoulos should slot nicely into the heart of the South midfield winning the hard balls and supplying midfield dynamo Massimo Murdocca with plenty of service.

The Wolves boast one of the nation’s most talented young players in Jacob Timpano, Timpano has represented Australia at youth level and is expected to develop into a top-line defender. British import Stuart Young also returns for another season and his mere presence should keep the South Melbourne defence on its toes throughout the encounter. Young’s partnership with Tanju Balabanel – a player who has experienced Turkish football and set the NSW premier league alight last season – remains critical to Wollongong’s hopes of breaking down the South Melbourne backline. Somewhat ironically Young has seen Wollongong go the full circle, from a dual championship winning side to a side in the midst of a rebuilding process and one tipped to struggle this season.

On paper it’s hard to not expect South Melbourne to get a positive result, coach Munro has gone someway into easing South’s supposed “travel” curse by getting a point at Parramatta. Wollongong’s squad remains on the learning curve and is largely unproven at NSL level. South’s experience will hopefully serve them well. A positive result awaits.

Game: Wollongong Wolves vs South Melbourne
Date: Friday 3 October 2003
Venue: WIN Stadium
Kickoff: 7.35pm AET

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: 42
Wollongong wins: 12
South Melbourne wins: 19
Draws: 11

HEAD TO HEAD (at Wollongong):
Played: 20
Wollongong wins: 6
South Melbourne wins: 8
Draws: 6

Last Encounter:
South Melbourne 0-0 home draw – 26 January 2003 (Round 19)

LAST WEEK:
Wollongong 2-1 away loss v Marconi
South Melbourne BYE

Position on Ladder: 11th v 8th

Wollongong Wolves Squad: A Crews (gk), M Jurilj, B Blake, A Hughes, N Arrarte, T Balabanel, M Hawrysiuk, S Lyons, S Young, J Timpano, C Nwagazi, J Majurovski, D Cummins, D Wells, S Whalan (gk)

IN: J Timpano
OUT: B Dragas (hamstring – 1 week), V Zoric (Knee – 2 weeks)

South Melbourne Squad: E Galekovic (gk), M Durakovic, A Kovacevic, L Osman, M Stergiopoulos, M Murdocca, V Lia, M Curcija, C Boutsianis, S Tunbridge, V Coveny, S Pantelidis, M Lohy, M Panapoulos, M Theoklitos (gk)

IN: M Panapoulos (promoted)
OUT: S Storey (injured – knee), P Trimboli (hamstring – 2 weeks), D Anastasiadis (foot – 3 weeks)

Wednesday, 1 October 2003 12:00 AM

Thankyou to everyone who purchased a membership before the 8th of September 2003. Congratulations to James Sarantos, George Livadas, Virgil Desousa, George Vertsonis and Kon Karathanos who were the lucky five to win a signed South Melbourne Soccer Club strip.

Stay tuned for more competitions during the 2003/2004 NSL Season.

Friday, 26 September 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Oakleigh 3 – South Melbourne 4

South Melbourne have defeated the Oakleigh Cannons in a friendly match played tonight.

The Lakesiders trailed by as much as 3-1 until they gradually composed themselves and dug out a 3-4 victory.

Goal scorers for South Melbourne were, Michael Curcija, Vaughn Coveny and Marcus Stergiopoulos with Curcija bagging a double and the all important winner in the second half. The match provided Munro’s men with a decent hit out to compensate for their lack of action this weekend due to the bye.

South’s next game is away to the Wollongong Wolves this coming Friday (03/10/03) at WIN Stadium. Scheduled kick-off is 7:35pm.

Thursday, 25 September 2003 12:00 AM

Your new South Melbourne Soccer Club cards are now available! You can pick up your cards from the South Melbourne administration office during office hours. Alternatively, cards will be available for collection on the Family Day (Sunday 5th October 12pm) or from the first home game (Sunday 12th October 3pm).

Please phone the office on (03) 9645 9797 if you have any enquiries.

Wednesday, 24 September 2003 12:00 AM

The South Melbourne Soccer Club will be holding its Family Day on Sunday the 5th October at Bob Jane Stadium from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.

This day is designed for all members, friends, and families to come along and mingle with the players and enjoy the attractions which include a jumping castle, photo with the players, goal kicking, coaching clinics, merchandise stall and autograph signing. There will also be special presentations for the South Melbourne Junior Teams.

Memberships will also be on sale on the day. Entry is free and all are welcome to enjoy the day.

Wednesday, 24 September 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

This week South Melbourne has a bye and will be missing from NSL action. However in conjunction with the Oakleigh Soccer Club a friendly has been organised to be played this Friday night (26/09/03) at Edwards St Reserve, Oakleigh. Kick off will be at 7:30pm. This fixture has taken over the reported friendly outing against the newly-admitted Adelaide United.

The game represents an opportunity for South fans to see their team in action and congratulate them on a sterling opening day’s result away to the Parramatta Power. South doesn’t play at home until Sunday the 12th of October against the Brisbane Strikers.

Sunday, 21 September 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne has made a positive start to their NSL campaign managing to come away with a fighting 0-0 draw against championship favourites the Parramatta Power.

The Lakesiders can be more than proud of their efforts considering that the Power boast one of the most lethal attacking lines seen in Australian football.

Though the Power had the majority of possession, South Melbourne had the guilt-edged chances. The 2nd minute saw new South captain Vaughn Coveny find himself in some space within the penalty area, Coveny unfortunately rushed his chance and fired across the goalmouth.

The 44th minute saw Con Boutsianis left alone, yet with only new Power keeper Clint Bolton to beat Boutsianis failed to give the Melbourne-based club the lead.

Parramatta Power attempted to push for a result with Simon Colosimo proving instrumental, yet the new-look South defence lead admirably by South debutant Levent Osman did well to stifle any threat.

One negative to come out of the occasion was a hamstring injury to South stalwart Mehmet Durakovic. It is expected that Durakovic could be out for as much as 5 weeks.

Parramatta Power

0 – 0

South Melbourne

Line-Up

Line-Up

1

Clint Bolton (gk)

2

Andrew Durante

3

Alvin Ceccoli (c)

4

Simon Colosimo

5

Michael Beauchamp

6

Matthew Thompson (-85′)

8

Andre Gumprecht

9

Ante Milicic (-66′)

10

Fernando Rech

18

John Buonavoglia (-75′)

21

Ahmad Elrich

20

Eugene Galekovic (gk)

2

Levent Osman

3

Simon Storey

4

Mehmet Durakovic (-18′)

6

Ante Kovacevic

8

Vaughan Coveny (c) (-83′)

10

Con Boutsianis (-83′)

12

Marcus Stergiopoulos

13

Vince Lia

16

Massimo Murdocca

25

Scott Tunbridge

Substitutes

Substitutes

7

Travis Dodd (+66′)

16

Jacek Sobczyk (+85′)

22

Peter Zorbas (+75′)

23

Danny Vukovic (gk)

14

Max Lohy (+83′)

18

Michael Curcija (+83′)

22

Sam Poutakidis (+18′)

30

Michael Theoklitos (gk)

Cautions

Cautions

S Colosimo 28′
A Durante 52′

Red Cards

Red Cards

Referee

Crowd

Venue

Simon Micallef

1861

Parramatta Stadium

Thursday, 18 September 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

Saturday night sees South Melbourne travel to Parramatta Stadium for the opening game of the 2003/2004 National Soccer League against the Nick Theodorakopoulos’ coached Parramatta Power.

It’s no secret that in a period of financial gloom for the local game the Power have defied the norm and assembled one of the most if not the most powerful playing rosters in Australia.

The off-season has seen names such as Rech, Milicic, Dodd, Colosimo, Gumprecht, Durante, Pantelis and Bolton join the Power squad in what appears to be a last ditch attempt from the NSW-based club to secure a backer to maintain its future longevity.

South Melbourne have also added greatly to their playing roster, in Max Lohy and Michael Panopoulos South has managed to obtain two players with European experience, coupled with the return of Michael Curcija to lead the line and the confirmation that Con Boutsianis has committed himself for the next three seasons, it’d be safe to assume that Saturday’s encounter looms as a potentially high-scoring affair.

Retained from last season’s squad Parramatta top scorer John Buonavoglia and young Socceroo Ahmed Elrich add yet another dimension to the Power’s attacking presence. Coach Munro will no doubt be favouring a tentative approach early on, one looking to stifle the attacking ability of the Power and hence allow South to try and achieve some early confidence in the middle of the park. Crucial to this strategy will be the combination of Michael Panopoulos and Massimo Murdocca; both players have shown a cohesive understanding throughout the preseason, with Murdocca in particular looking to have emerged a better player from his off-season trials in Portugal.

Without a doubt the somewhat makeshift South Melbourne defence will come under close scrutiny, in Durakovic and Kovacevic South have two of the leagues’ most solid and confronting centre backs, however, new acquisitions Steve Laurie and Simon Storey remain largely unproven at NSL level. Levent Osman brings some much needed experience to the backline, however, the test of Rech, Milicic and Buonavoglia should go a long way in determining where the South Melbourne defence lies.

Game: Parramatta Power vs South Melbourne
Date: Saturday 20 September 2003
Venue: Parramatta Stadium
Kickoff: 6.30pm AET

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: 8
Parramatta wins: 2
South Melbourne wins: 5
Draws: 1

HEAD TO HEAD (at Parramatta):
Played: 4
Parramatta wins: 2
South Melbourne wins: 2
Draws: 0

Last Encounter: Parramatta 4-1 home win – 1 March 2003

Position on ladder last season: 3rd V 7th

PARRAMATTA POWER SQUAD: C Bolton (gk), A Durante, A Ceccoli, S Colosimo, M Beauchamp, M Thompson, T Dodd, A Gumprecht, A Milicic, F Rech, L Pantelis, A Elrich, P Zorbas, J Buonavoglia, D Vukovic (gk)

IN:
OUT: K Salapasidis (foot – 4 weeks), P O’Grady (groin – 3 weeks), D Beltrame (shoulder – 10 weeks), V Ripepi (wrist – 4 weeks)

SOUTH MELBOURNE SQUAD: E Galekovic (gk), L Osman, S Storey, M Durakovic, M Murdocca, M Lohy, A Kovacevic, V Coveny, M Curcija, C Boutsianis, M Stergiopoulos, S Laurie, V Lia, M Panapoulos, M Theoklitos (gk)

IN:
OUT:

Monday, 15 September 2003 12:00 AM

By Michael Tsoukalis

South Melbourne have completed their preseason commitments with an entertaining 2-2 against cross-town rivals the Melbourne Knights. The game was played at BJS and attended by 700 or so diehards who braved the very cold conditions to see a game of two distinct halves.

The first stanza saw the Knights – who were being led by ex-South Striker Peter Buljan – take a comfortable 2-0 lead with Henry Fa’Arodo and Ante Pelikan grabbing the goals. The Knights once again showed poise beyond their years. The club has chosen to invest in youth yet the cohesion and maturity coach Dobson has managed to achieve in such a short period of time should bode well for the Sunshine-based club.

Coach Munro must’ve given the players a decent spraying at half time as their 2nd half output was much improved. New South Captain Vaughn Coveny lead the South fight back first nodding home a Max Lohy cross and then pouncing on a rebound – that Knights keeper Adam Hrehoresin had failed to glove safely – from a fierce Con Boutsianis drive.

Massimo Murdocca once again remained busy, capping off a superb preseason for the Australian youth international.

South’s next fixture is the opening encounter of the 2003/2004 NSL season proper. South come up against the Parramatta Power this Saturday (20/09/03) at Parramatta Stadium.