Get the appSouth Melbourne Hellas won a penalty shootout 5-4 after drawing 1-1 with Sydney United, keeping the club top of Group One. Oakleigh Cannons drew 0-0 with Marconi Stallions, who won the shootout 8-7. Oakleigh still earned a point. Sydney Olympic lost 2-1 to Bayswater City and sits at the bottom of Group Three. South Melbourne next travels to Canberra to face Canberra Croatia.
South Melbourne won a penalty shootout 5–4 against Sydney United on Friday night after a 1–1 draw at Lakeside Stadium. The result gave them a bonus point that keeps them alone at the top of Group A in the Australian Championship. Sydney United led from a penalty by Mason Wells in the 38th minute. Julian Cop levelled from the spot six minutes into the second half. South Melbourne play Croatia in Canberra next week.
South Melbourne Hellas return to Lakeside Stadium as Australia Cup holders for their first home match since winning the trophy. The club seeks a second straight win against Sydney United in the Australian Championship. Oakleigh Cannons travel to face Marconi Stallions, who lost their opening match to Bayswater City, and the Cannons aim for a second win after beating Sydney Olympic. Round two fixtures run from Thursday 22 October to Sunday 25 October.
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Get the appSouth Melbourne opened its Australian Championship campaign with a 1-0 away win over Sutherland in New South Wales. Yuki Ushida scored the only goal of the match. The Australian Cup holders controlled possession and tempo for long periods, while their defence limited Sutherland's chances. Next, South Melbourne host Sydney United at Lakeside Stadium at Albert Park on Friday, 23 October, at 7.30pm.
Oakleigh Cannons opened their Australian Championship campaign with a 4-2 win over Sydney Olympic. Sydney Olympic struck early, but Oakleigh levelled in the 14th minute and led 2-1 at half-time. Sydney Olympic equalised just before the hour, before Oakleigh scored on 83 minutes and again in stoppage time. Sydney Olympic had 62 per cent possession, but Oakleigh took 12 attempts to their opponent's six and recorded seven shots on target to three.
South Melbourne, Sydney Olympic and Oakleigh Cannons all feature in the second Australian Championship, each with a different goal. South Melbourne, last year's winners, face the pressure of being the main target after their Australia Cup triumph. Sydney Olympic is seeking redemption after narrowly missing the knockout stage last season, and has signed several marquee players, including Dimitri Petratos. Oakleigh Cannons are new to the tournament after winning the NPL Victoria Premiership, and their coach says the competition offers a valuable platform for younger players.
Three Greek Australian clubs begin the Australian Championship this week. Defending champion South Melbourne opens away against the Sutherland Sharks in New South Wales. Victorian club Oakleigh Cannons, the NPL Victoria premiers, host Sydney Olympic at Jack Edwards Reserve on Friday 16 October. The clash is seen as significant for both clubs and for the Greek community. South Melbourne is also expected to have a new coach, Jamie Reed, though the source says this is not yet confirmed.
South Melbourne FC has announced the departure of head coach Sinisa Cohadzic, two days after the club won the Australia Cup. Hellas beat Melbourne Victory on penalties in the final at AAMI Park. Under Cohadzic, the club also won the Australian Championship and Dockerty Cup. Senior Football Director Peter Kokotis called him a legend of the club. Sam Poutakidis will take charge for the Australian Championship opener, an away match against Sutherland Sharks.