R21 Preview - Croydon Kings vs. MetroStars

We preview Round 21 in the National Premier Leagues - SA competition as MetroStars travel to Jack Smith Park to face Croydon Kings on Saturday afternoon.

MetroStars come into this game following a disappointing 2-2 draw with Adelaide United.

A lackluster first half saw MetroStars struggle to break down a young United side who were happy to soak up pressure and look for the counter attack.

Musa Toure, the youngest of the Toure brothers, gave the youngsters a shock lead on 52 minutes after a dazzling run and finish.

MetroStars coach Rob Saraceno responding by bringing on Nahuel Bonada and Joshua Mori, both making their returns from injury.

Bonada was on the pitch just 120 seconds when his header met Cooper O'Donnell's cross to equalise for the home side.

Metro continued to push for a second goal, however poor defending cost us and allowed Ethan Alagich to slot home from close range for what looked to be the winner for Adelaide United.

A foul on O'Donnell just outside the box on the 90th minute allowed Hamish Gow to hammer home a free kick and ensure a share of the points.

8th placed Croydon Kings are coming off an impessive 4-2 away to Adelaide Olympic last weekend.

Domenico Costanzo continued his good run of recent form with 2 goals after Sam Carmichael opened the scoring early.

Adam Martinello dispatched a penalty on 88 minutes to seal the win.

Matthew Dawber is doubtful due to a hamstring strain. Christian Esposito is also out. Justin Davis and Cohan Morris both are possibilities to feature after playing the last two weeks in the reserves.

A big blow is the loss of Stefan Cali, who went off injured in the first minute of the Adelaide United. The defender confirming on social media this week that he has sustained a torn ACL. MetroStars would like to wish the best to Stefan on his road to recovery.

MetroStars Squad: 1. Isaac Carmody, 3. Cohan Morris, 4. Justin Davis, 5. Tim Henderson, 7. Michael D'Aloisio (c), 8. Rocky Callisto, 9. Tom Strain, 10. Anthony Solagna, 11. Luis Benedetti, 12. Benjamin Head, 14. Dylan Smith, 17. Matthew Dawber, 18. Fabian Barbiero, 19. Cooper O’Donnell, 21. Alessio Melisi, 22. Hamish Gow, 24. Nahuel Bonada, 40. Jayden Spruyt (GK)

Injured: Stefan Cali (AC:), Christian Esposito (thigh)

Croydon Kings Squad: 1. Sebastian Matosevic, 5. Luke Klimek (C), 6. Domenic Costanzo, 7. Rocco Visconte, 8. Adam Martinello, 9. Nathan Munro, 10. Sam Carmichael, 11. Antoni Trimboli, 12. Christopher Vivian, 14. Peter Mercurio, 15. Joseph Macheda, 16. Kelvin Kamburu, 18. Jarrod Brazzale, 19. Raymond Muhoma, 20. Jared Clark, 21. John Hall (GK), 23. Patrick Caraccia

Highlights: MetroStars 2-2 Adelaide United Footage: Football South Australia

Form (last 5 games):

MetroStars 2-2 Adelaide United

Campbelltown City 0-1 MetroStars

MetroStars 1-1 Raiders

Para Hills Knights 0-0 MetroStars

MetroStars 5-4 Adelaide Comets

Adelaide Olympic 2-4 Croydon Kings

Croydon Kings 1-3 Cumberland United

Adelaide City 2-1 Croydon Kings

Croydon Kings 2-1 Modbury Jets

Croydon Kings 3-3 Adelaide Blue Eagles

Last 5 meetings:

6.7.19 - MetroStars 1-4 Croydon Kings

23.3.19 - Croydon Kings 1-1 MetroStars

28.7.18 - Croydon Kings 1-4 MetroStars

28.4.18 - MetroStars 2-1 Croydon Kings

25.4.18 - Croydon Kings 2-1 MetroStars

Stefan Cali will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury. Photo credit: Adam Butler

Come and join us Saturday afternoon for a massive game of football! The game will be live streamed on the Football South Australia YouTube channel.

Referee Appointments:

Daniel Cook - Referee

TBA - Assistant Referee 1

Thomas Temby - Assistant Referee 2

Croydon Kings vs. MetroStars Saturday 8th August 2020

Jack Smith Park

Kick off 2:30PM

Reserves 12:15PM | Under 18 10:00AM