R17 Preview - MetroStars vs. Campbelltown City

We preview Round 17 in the National Premier Leagues - SA competition as North Eastern MetroStars host Campbelltown City at T.K. Shutter Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

MetroStars are coming off a humiliating 4-1 loss at home to Croydon Kings (match highlights here) last Saturday evening. MetroStars went ahead on six minutes to a Anthony Solagna header. Zade Heinicke equalised for Croydon 4 minutes later as he finished off a good team move. Croydon went ahead on 14 minutes after Martinello converted a penalty kick. Croydon were given another spot kick in which Martinello's shot was well saved by Isaac Carmody. Luke Klimek stepped up when Croydon were given a third penalty and made no mistake from the spot. Croydon sealed a famous win when Carmody's save went straight to the feet of Skeffington who added a fourth.

Meanwhile Campbelltown City are coming an enthralling 3-3 draw with Adelaide City. Campbelltown were 2-0 inside 10 minites through goals from Matsumoto and Di Troia. City hit back through Ferreira soon after. City hit quickly after the break with Costa and Love giving City an unlikely lead. Di Troia added his second to draw the teams level and both teams had to settle for a share of the points. Campbelltown are currently top of the ladder and seven points ahead of second placed Adelaide Blue Eagles. MetroStars have slid down the ladder to 5th place with 25 points.

MetroStars coach Rob Saraceno is expected to make some changes after a disappointing performance against Croydon. Rocky Callisto will miss this game through suspension after receiving a red card against Croydon. Justin Davis went off injured against Croydon and early signs are that he has unfortunately ruptured his ACL. Nick Menechella is also out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury. Tom Strain is back in training from a hamstring injury and may make his comeback in the Reserves game.

MetroStars Squad: 1. Isaac Carmody, 3. Cohan Morris, 6. Lachlan Barr, 7. Michael D'Aloisio (c), 10. Anthony Solagna, 11. Matthew Charalambous, 12. Benjamin Head, 14. Dylan Smith, 15. Liam Wooding, 16. Alexander Jakob, 17. Matthew Dawber, 18. Fabian Barbiero, 19. Cooper O’Donnell, 20. Cameron O'Doherty, 22. Hamish Gow, 23. Christian Esposito, 24. Nahuel Bonada 25. Jackson O’Donnell, 26. Stefan Cali

Campbelltown City Squad: 1. Jamie Signorello, 2. Shaun Harvey, 4. Iain Fyfe, 5. Matthew Mullen, 6. Dion Kirk, 7. Joel Allwright, 8. Alex Mullen, 9. Marc Marino, 10. Lui Ditroia, 11. Anthony Ture, 12. Jacob Williams, 14. Adam Piscioneri, 16. Daniel Mullen, 17. Brandon Centofanti, 18. Yohei Matsumoto, 20. Nick Harpas (GK)

Anthony Solagna gave MetroStars the lead last weekend against Croydon Kings. Photo credit: Joe Janko

Form (last 5 games):

MetroStars 1-4 Croydon Kings

MetroStars 1-1 Adelaide Comets

MetroStars 3-3 South Adelaide

MetroStars 1-1 Adelaide United

MetroStars 5-0 Adelaide Blue Eagles

Campbelltown City 3-3 Adelaide City

South Adelaide 2-4 Campbelltown City

Raiders 2-5 Campbelltown City

Campbelltown City 3-1 Para Hills Knights

West Adelaide 1-1 Campbelltown City

Last 5 meetings:

5.4.19 - Campbelltown City 2-0 MetroStars

19.5.18 - Campbelltown City 2-1 MetroStars

14.4.18 - MetroStars 2-1 Campbelltown City

17.2.18 - MetroStars 0-2 Campbelltown City

8.7.17 - MetroStars 3-0 Campbelltown City

MetroStars are looking to end a run of three consecutive draws at home. Photo credit: Joe Janko

Come and join us Saturday afternoon for a massive game of football! Alternatively, you can follow live updates on our Twitter @NE_MetroStars or by using the hashtag #MetroStars.

Referee Appointments:

Daniel Cook - Referee

TBA - Assistant Referee 1

Thomas Temby - Assistant Referee 2

MetroStars vs. Campbelltown City Saturday 13th July - 3PM

Reserves 12:45PM | U18 10:30AM

T.K. Shutter Reserve, Klemzig