All the A-League side’s have their respective academy prospects playing over the weekend across the country in the NPL competitions.
How are the A-League clubs U23s outfits travelling, which youngsters are shining?
Find out below!
Adelaide United
In Round Three of the South Australian NPL competition, United would go down 4-3 to the Croydon Kings, with United fielding several players which had made first team appearances this season.
United would put up a competitive showing, having majority of possession and registering 14 shots on goal.
Forward Yaya Dukuly played made his first appearances in the NPL this season and was the side’s best player in their losing effort. He’d score a brace with both goals he’d put his side on level terms. His first goal would come from the penalty spot, with his second coming from open play.
Asad Kasumovic had a solid game playing up front, while Jonny Yull and Ethan Alagich put in modest performances in midfield as the duo continue to show promising signs. Nestor Irankunda was impressive having been utilised out wide was a winger.
It would be a tough day out for goalkeeper Ethan Cox, who let four goals past him.
Brisbane Roar
It would be a tough day at the office for the Roar, who’d lose 5-0 to Olympic FC in their Round 2 NPL Queensland clash.
Eli Adams was the best afield for the Roar in the losing effort, creating chances and going close to scoring twice from free kicks. Jez Lofthouse would go an impressive run and come close to scoring but was otherwise quiet
Defenders Alec Mills and Anton Milnaric (on-loan from Sydney FC) would be overwhelmed with the constant pressure they’d put under by an impressive Olympic attack. Midfielder Brandon McMorrow also put in a serviceable performance in the five goal drubbing.
Central Coast Mariners
In Round Two of the NSW League One Men’s competition, the Mariners recorded a 2-1 victory over the Mounties Wanderers. Scoring early in the 11th minute, the side would then go ahead for the second time in the 55th minute, to secure their first victory of the season.
Dor Jok was dangerous for the Mariners, scoring the go-ahead goal in the second half and was influential throughout the game.
Harrison Steele was influential in midfield for the Mariners, creating chances, and the scorer of Central Coast’s first goal. James Bayliss was solid in midfield for Central Coast while Matt Hatch was impressive in defence.
Macarthur FC
Macarthur Bulls NPL affiliate side Northbridge Bulls enjoyed a comfortable 4-2 victory in Round Four of the NSW NPL Men’s competition, taking out Sydney United.
Forward Rory Jordan who was captaining the side was the star of the show, finishing the day with a hat-trick.
Other notable Macarthur players to feature on the weekend in the NPL side Moudi Najjar who was impressive. Midfielder Michael Ruhs also put in an impressive performance.
Melbourne City
In Round Two of Victoria’s NPL3 competition, City would face Melbourne Victory’s youth side, taking out a 4-2 victory.
City youngster Moonib Adus was the side’s best performer in the youth side’s derby clash. Playing as wing back, Adus impressed with his link up play, and ability to push up the pitch and have an impact, scoring a brace.
Midfielder Luke Oresti was impressive getting on the scoresheet and being a driving force in midfield, while Max Caputo continues to develop, impressive up forward and also scoring in the side’s two goal victory.
Melbourne Victory
Having been on the losing side of a 4-2 loss to Melbourne City’s youth, with the Victory still waiting for their first win of the season.
Midfielder Anthony Leban was the side’s shining light in the losing effort, having an impressive day in midfield and would also score. Having signed with the club in January, fellow midfielder Luka Prso would come off the bench, but would have a little impact.
Playing in a defence that conceded four goals, it was a tough day at the office for Zayden Bello and Aaron Anderson who played in the full back and centre half positions respectively. Christian Siciliano who played in goal, also struggled.
Newcastle Jets
The Newcastle Jets recorded a cruisy 2-0 victory over Hurtsville FC in the NPL NSW League Three competition, making it three wins from three games.
Scoring both goals in the two goal victory over the weekend, Blake Archbold was the key contributor to the side’s victory. He’d score from both the penalty spot and in open play.
Perth Glory
In Round Two of NPL West action, Perth Glory recorded a 2-1 victory over Inglewood United, recording their first victory of the season.
Glory’s forward Ciaran Bramwell was the side’s best afield, scoring a brace within the opening half an hour of the contest, scoring in the 19th and 29th minute.
Defender and Glory captain Jacob Muir put in a solid performance, along with midfielders Tyler Vecchio and Aidan Edwards.
Sydney FC
In Round Four of the NSW NPL Men’s competition, Sydney kept their unbeaten run going, holding on for a 2-2 draw against Manly United.
Both goals came courtesy of striker Patrick Wood who scored the opening goal of the contest from close range, before scoring his second from the penalty spot.
Midfielder Corey Hollman was influential, being the driving force in midfield while Ben Gibson was also busy.
Wellington Phoenix
The Wellington Phoenix recorded a draw in their first game of the the New Zealand National League season. Taking on Miramar Rangers, the game would finish 2-2.
Forwards Josh Rudland and Riley Bidois were influential with the duo both scoring. Rudland would score the opening goal of the game in the seventh minute, with Bidois scoring a go-ahead goal in the 29th minute via a penalty.
Despite conceding two goals, keeper Alby Kelly-Heald was solid and came up with a few crucial saves. Phoenix captain Isaac Hughes putting in an encouraging performance.
Western Sydney Wanderers
In Round Three of the NSW NPL League One Men’s competition, the Wanderers went down 3-2 to St George City.
Forward Jordi Swibel kept us his impressive form, scoring two goals on the night, with his season tally now up to seven goals.
Keeper Jack Gibson would make some good saves, but ultimately would let three goals past him, while 17-year-old forward Alexander Badolato showed encouraging signs in the side’s losing effort.
Western United
In Round Two of Victoria’s NPL3, Western United took out a 2-0 victory over Whittlesea Rangers.
United midfielder Jake Najdovski put in a impressive peformance, also getting on the scoresheet, scoring the opening goal of the contest in the 50th minute.
Sabit Ngor also impressed and would also find the back of the net, scoring the sealing goal in the 78th minute.
Image Source: Newcastle Jets