MetroStars v Campbelltown City
Coca-Cola Federation Cup Round 2

When: Saturday, April 5th, Kick-off 2:30pm
Where: TK Shutter Reserve, Fourth Avenue, KLEMZIG 

Teams:

MetroStars: R. Callisto, A. Ciarla, M. D Aloisio, L. D'Arrigo, M. Deegan, D. Godley, S. Grelli , P. Mitris, A. Orphanou, J. Polisena, L. Robertson, A. Solagna, A. Van Dommele

Campbelltown City: M. Bouzalas, L. Ditroia, M. Graham, J. Halliday, S. Harvey, T. Hatzis, S. Maio, M. Marino, M. Matricciani, T. Mcsorley, J. Monaco, M. Moore, V. Parhas

Form:

MetroStars: L W D

Round 5: MetroStars 1-3 Adelaide Comets, TK Shutter Reserve
Round 6: Para Hills 1-2 MetroStars, The Paddocks
Round 7: MetroStars 0-0 Western Strikers, TK Shutter Reserve

Campbelltown City: W L L

Round 5: Campbelltown City 2-0 West Torrens Birkalla, Steve Woodcock Sports Centre
Round 6: Croydon 4-3 Campbelltown City, Polonia Reserve
Round 7: Campbelltown City 1-3 Adelaide Comets, Steve Woodcock Sports Centre

Preview:

There is little to separate local rivals MetroStars and Campbelltown City ahead of their Round 2 clash in the Coca-Cola Federation Cup at TK Shutter Reserve on Saturday.

The pair are fourth and fifth on the Premier League ladder, with the Red Devils ahead only on goals scored.

Ivan Karlovic’s side failed to break down Western Strikers in last weekend’s goalless draw. Defender Michael D’Aloisio lamented MetroStars inability to finish their opportunities.

“We were solid defensively against Strikers, unfortunately we failed to put our chances away at the other end,” said D’Aloisio.

“Scoring nine goals in seven isn’t too bad, but we think we could have scored more in our games to date.”

Conversely, MetroStars have been miserly at the other end, conceding just eight times to open the new season. It’s a record they can look favourably upon as they face Campbelltown.

Yet D’Aloisio believes they could be doing even better in that department ahead of the derby.

“MetroStars always pride themselves on being tough to break down. We know each other well and have been playing together for a number of years. Still, I think we could tighten up more.

“Campbelltown have lost a few in a row, but form means nothing when it comes to a derby. It’s a big game and there is a lot on the line. We want to go all the way to the FFA Cup.”

The Champions slumped to their second consecutive loss against Adelaide Comets, a 3-1 result which sees them fall five points behind the leading pace.

Yet captain Vas Parhas remains confident in how the season is progressing.

“In a word, disappointing. We started well, but couldn’t maintain the momentum or our shape and Comets took advantage,” noted Parhas.

“We aren’t panicking, but remain relaxed. We know where we went wrong and are confident of turning it around. It’s a new team and if you compare to this stage last year, we’re around the same mark. So that’s promising.”

In those two losses Campbelltown conceded seven goals, more than their five League fixtures beforehand.

Parhas claimed it’s something they have addressed as they prepare for a one-off showdown against a ‘formidable’ MetroStars outfit.

“We’ve talked this week about tightening up across the park. We must defend with all players and have focused on that. One goal can be the end of you in a Cup contest.

“It’s always a big game with MetroStars, we have a strong and healthy rivalry with them. They are a formidable side, with plenty of experience. I don’t think their current League position is a reflection of their strength.”

Elsewhere on Saturday, Cumberland United will attempt to halt their slide against Croydon at A.A Bailey Reserve.

The Foxes are currently 13th in the Premier League. They’ve lost five successive matches and will hope the Cup will bring a reversal in fortunes. The Kings relinquished top spot last week in what was just their second reverse of the season.

Inconsistent Western Strikers face mid-table State League outfit Modbury at Carnegie Reserve.

The Strikers held on to claim a point at MetroStars last weekend, but languish in 12th spot. The Jets have lost three on the trot to sit 10th, in what is a congested portion of the second-tier table.

In an all-State League clash, Adelaide Olympic square-off against The Cove at Ferryden Park.

The two sides are separated by just two points in the League. Olympic are currently fifth and are three places above Cove. Their Round 6 meeting went the way of Olympic, ending 3-1.

South Adelaide will look to build on recent results as they welcome West Torrens Birkalla to O’Sullivan Beach Sports Complex.

The Panthers have moved off the bottom of the Premier League table thanks to a run of seven points from a possible nine, being replaced by Birkalla. Mike Barnett’s side have not won in over a month.

Western Toros face the ominous task of taking on Premier League leaders West Adelaide at Rushworth Reserve.

The State League side are enjoying a good start to the season, sitting fourth. They face a West outfit which remains the only undefeated top-flight side, but also lost coach Ross Aloisi in midweek.

Para Hills will be seeking to halt the charge of Adelaide Comets at The Paddocks.

The Knights have lost four consecutive games to fall to 11th spot. Meanwhile, the Comets are flying, with Jim Karatzas’ side claiming a quartet of victories. They last lost in Round 3, against Para Hills.

2013 Coca-Cola Federation Cup Champions Adelaide City will be looking to defend their title against Adelaide Blue Eagles at Adelaide City Park.

City took a loss against White City in Round 7 while Blue Eagles claimed a 2-1 win over West Torrens Birkalla. 

Saturday April 5

Cumberland United v Croydon
2:30pm - A.A. Bailey Reserve, Winona Avenue, CLARENCE GARDENS 

Western Strikers v Modbury
2:30pm - Carnegie Reserve, Kingston Avenue, ROYAL PARK 

Adelaide Olympic v The Cove
2:30pm – Ferryden Park, Perth Avenue, FERRYDEN PARK  

South Adelaide v West Torrens Birkalla
2:30pm - O'Sullivan Beach Sports Complex, Galloway Road, O'SULLIVAN BEACH

Western Toros v West Adelaide
2:30pm - Rushworth Reserve, Anson Street, BLAIR ATHOL 

Para Hills v Adelaide Comets
2:30pm - The Paddocks, Bridge Road, PARA HILLS 

Adelaide City v Adelaide Blue Eagles
2:20pm – Adelaide City Park, Corner of Fosters Road & Hilltop Drive, OAKDEN