U13 Super League	Team Info	Team News	Team Fixtures

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Team Info

Team Coach	Laurie Ferns  0425 729 358  ferns200@bigpond.net.au
Team Manager	Karen Michaelis 0408 534 420  karen.michaelis@phcg.com.au
Training Times	Tuesday and Thursday 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm	[Back to top]	Trip to the ACT (21 - 24 September) has been organised, full costing will be finalised when accommodation booked this week.
2006 Squad	Anastasio, Anthony Dimopoulos, Jamie Ferns, Curran Fogarty, Sienna Gow, Jack Graham, Christopher Grusman, Alon Hameed, Ali Kerstens, Henry Konstantindis, Stelios Malin, Xavierio Michaelis, Jordan                          Parra, Christopher Skowronski, Adam Yu, Kevin Schroen, Marcus

Team News

(Update 21 August)

-[Game vs Gippsland]

It was going to be a test of character for the Monash U13 SL squad this week following the championship title setback after their last game. The squad looked lacklustre in the warm -ups with two players reporting unwell with colds.

The team line up returned to 3-5-2. Goalkeeper Jamie Dimopoulos was covered by back-three of Jordan Michaelis, Kevin Yu and Stelios. Centre midfield was covered by Jack Gow and Alon Grusman flanked by Xav Malin and Ali Hameed in the wide positions. Anthony Anastasio replaced the unwell Chris Parra in attacking centre, with Marcus Schroen and Adam Skowronski up front.

The Gippsland squad contained a number of large players and this provided an advantage. The Monash squad played reasonably well in the first half. Grusman played an excellent through ball to Schroen who accelerated past the defence to round the keeper and slot home to put Monash 1 - 0 in the lead. Schroen was guilty of a wasted chance minutes later when he broke free on goal and managed to slot the ball straight at the goalkeeper when 2 - 0 looked certain. Gippsland were finding room in midfield and began to make runs at the Monash defence. Their work paid off before half-time with a long high cross into the edge of the box that was not cleared and pounced on by Gippsland player to take the game to 1 - 1.

In the second half Chris Graham, Chris Parra and Henry Kerstens (returning after a 6 week injury) entered the game to try and consolidate the midfield and attack. The switch nearly paid dividends with Kerstens unlucky to see his lobbed effort land over the bar. Kerstens was involved again and send in a whipping cross that was controlled by Schroen as he ran into the penalty area and although looking certain to score fired his shot wide past the foot of the post. Time was running out and Skowronski returned to the field with Kerstens dropping behind the front strikers. Gippsland had a couple of chance, one hitting the base of the post and Michaelis making a critical defensive block. With 4 minutes remaining a Monash attack send Schroen through with a bit of space on a difficult wide angle on the left, running into the box Schroen chipped the advancing keeper and the ball clipped the underside of the bar then onto the back-post before crashing into the back of the net to make it 2 - 1.

A dramatic late winner fitting for such a game. With Box Hill defeating Dandenong it is looking like the last game of the season will decide the title. First there is the job of getting maximum points from next Sunday's game against Nunawading.

(Update 14 August)

-[Game vs Box Hill]

Unarguabley this was the biggest game of the season so far for the Monash U13 SL squad. After weeks of finding good form and playing great football, it seemed unfitting that all the hard work may be compromised by one game result. With the recent spate of injuries and illness to key defensive players, the team went for a conservative formation playing the 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 presently favoured by many international sides when facing tough matches. The line-up included Adam Skowronski as an 'unfamiliar face' at the right full-back position, and Tom Power-Horan kept his spot in centre defence after impressing last week in the game against Beaumaris following his promotion from the 13B. The inclusion of Skowronski and Power-Horan provided extra height and pace against to shield the aggressive Box Hill forward line and attacking midfield. Kevin Yu (still nursing a knee injury) played sweeper with Stelios returning from illness at left full back. The centre-midfield comprised Jordan Michaelis and Alon Grusman as shielding midfielders, Ali Hameed and Anthony Anastasio played in right and left wide positions. Chris Para played as central attacking midfield behind Marcus Schroen as the lone striker.

The team started very well and pressed Box Hill into their last third for the opening half. Michaelis hit the bar with a long-range free kick and Hameed had two efforts saved well by the Box Hill keeper. Despite the dominance the game remained 0 - 0 at half time. In the second half Jack Gow entered the game as left full-back with Stelios moving to centre attacking midfield. Box Hill started better and were working hard to break down a resolute Monash defence. Anastasio appeared to be through on goal but decided to check inside a defender who managed to get a foot on the ball when perhaps a first time shot was the better option. Chris Graham and Xav Marlin came on to add fresh legs and help hold the point the team wanted. With 8 mins remaining Michaelis was judged to have used a dangerous high foot for a routine clearance. The free kick was smashed into the Monash wall and the ball fell invitingly towards the back post for a tap in by a Box Hill player. It was a cruel blow but the team did not give up. Skowronski returned to the forward line and nearly met an inviting cross the flashed in front of goal, and Schroen was close with a free-kick that dropped just over the cross-bar. The game finished 1 - 0 to Box Hill.

With 3 games remaining the team must get on with the job of winning games and rely on other teams to help us out. It is not over yet and one drawn game by Box Hill will put the boys deservedly back on top of the table. The team has three very interesting games to finish the season fixture, with an attractive home game against Gippsland lined up next Sunday.

(Update 7 August)

-[Game vs Beaumaris]

A professional and clinical win by the U13 Monash Super League squad on Sunday. Although four players unavailable with injury and sickness, the side recorded a 4 - 0 away victory. 

Tom Power-Horan was promoted from the 13B to claim a spot in the defense and put on a solid display. The team reverted to 4-4-2 and held its composure well through the first half. Beaumaris put on a gutsy performance in the first half but did not really trouble in front of the Monash goal. Defensive lapses quickly put Beaumaris out of the contest. Two corners from Xav Malin were converted in succession to put the team 2 - 0 at half time. The first was headed in by Chris Parra, while the second was a half volley from Adam Skowronsky. 

In the second period it was all Monash with Beuamaris failing to get a shot on goal. Chris Graham joined the match and was troubling Beamaris with a number of well timed runs on the right wing. Marcus Schoen scored the third goal with an audacious finish after tuning 3 defenders with his back to goal. Schroen was on hand to cherry-pick his second of the game and the teams fourth when Graham effort follwing a through ball was parried by the Beaumaris goalkeeper into the path of Schroen who could not miss from close range.

Next game is on this Sunday with the catch up game against Box Hill. Please be there by 10.15 am.

(Update 3 August)

-[Game vs Bulleen]

Monash U13 SL played very well on Tuesday night at the Darebin International Sports Centre. The team line up began identical to the 11 players that finished against Knox City on Sunday. The team started very promising and had Bulleen on the back foot, especially following a string of successional corners that could not be converted. An injury to Anthony Anastasio mid-way through the first half forced some minor positional changes. This seemed to break the team composure and Bulleen finished the half much stronger.

At half time Anastasio was recalled to attacking centre midfield, flanked by wingbacks Xav Malin and Ali Hameed in midfield. The team settled and dominated the game with fast passing football. Alon Grusman opened the scoring with a well placed shot from the edge of the Bulleen penalty box. The team pressed further and was rewarded with a second goal. Stelios won the ball near half way and linked up to Hameed on the left who fed to Marcus Schroen. Schroen switched the ball across the face of the penalty box for Malin who made a deep run from the right. Marlin controlled and smashed the ball past the stranded Bulleen keeper. With 5 mins to go another Monash attack left the defense thin on numbers. Bulleen made a counter attack and a fine solo run was finished off by a Bulleen striker. The game finished 2 - 1 to Monash.  A very important win which has probably ended Bulleen's title hopes. 

This Sunday we are expecting Beaumaris to lift and fight to take something from the game. All players will need to be sharp to force a victory. Please be at the ground for 10 am.

 (Update 31 July)

-[Game vs Knox City]

This week the Monash squad was drawn with Knox City who were positioned dangerously close to the relegation zone. Knox had always proven difficult opponents and this weeks tie was no different. The team lined up identical to last week starting with a 4 - 4 - 2 formation. The team went against the prevailing breeze first half and did not seem troubled. Anthony Anastasio struck a delightful half volley on his right foot after ghosting in from the left wing and meeting the ball on the edge of the area to make the game 1 - 0 after 2 mins. The game was dominated by Monash for the next 10 minutes. Marcus Schroen had two chances pulled up for off-side and was unfortunate not to put the team further ahead.

Knox never gave up and were making chances on their left side. After approx. 15 mins they struck a long-range equaliser high into the top corner from about 25 metres. For the rest of the half Knox dominated and made good use of the wind advantage. A dangerous cross from the left sailed to the back post should have put them 2 - 1 up, but no Knox player was on hand to prod the ball into the back of the gaping net. Adam Skowronsky might have regained the lead to Monash, but saw his placed shot hit the base of the post and roll away to safety.

At half time the team formation was switched to 3 - 5 - 4 with Alon Grusman tucked into right defence and Stelios on the left either side of Kevin Yu. Chris Graham made his long awaited return to first team action and played centrally behind the two forwards with Chir Parra and Jordan Michaelis playing deeper central roles. The change delivered instant dividends with Graham putting the team back in the lead within 2 minutes of the re-start. Picking the ball up in the middle of the park, Graham ran through the space at the at the Knox defence and lashed a 30 metre shot that was unable to be held by the Knox keeper and the ball landed in the back of the net. The team regained its composure and went close from a Parra free kick, then Ali Hameed nearly got his head to a Parra cross minutes later. Knox were not finished and towards the end of the game should have equalised with a 1 on 1 with keeper Jamie Dimopoulos, however Dimopoulos was too determined and made a fine save at the feet of the advancing forward. A close game and good practice to prepare the team for Tuesday nights clash with Bulleen, and then against the in-form Beaumaris next Sunday.

(Update 27 July)
-[Game vs Dandenong City]

 After nearly a month break from competitive league games (the game against Baxter 2 weeks ago could not be classed as competitive), the U13 SL squad was looking forward to playing an in-form Dandenong City team that was high on confidence after disposing Bulleen and Nunawading in its two previous league games. The team was without three regular players Curran Ferns (foot), Henry Kerstens (arm) and Stelios (in bed sick) so went into the game with a 4-4-2 formation. Jack Gow and Xav Marlin played as full-backs with Jordan Michaelis dropping into centre defence with Kevin Yu.

The team went about their business well and played delightful passing football for the opening stages. Chris Parra burst through the defence in the opening 2 minutes but had his heels stepped-on before he was able to take the final shot. Yu was unlucky with a 40 m power shot that bounced off the cross-bar. Dandenong fought hard and almost scored from a quick counter attack to the right wing, however Gow did just enough to pressure the Dandenong winger into a rushed shot. After several raids Parra placed a quick through-ball to Marcus Schroen who controlled with one touch and lashed the ball into the net to put the side 1 - 0 up. A few minutes later Adam Skowronsky beat two players on the left side of the box to cut an inviting angled ball back to Schroen who clipped the ball home to score his second and to take the team into a 2 - 0 half-time lead. The team cruised the second period with Skowronsky on hand to make it 3 - 0 after a blistering counter-attack early in the second period. Ali Hameed and Anthony Anastasio went close but were left frustrated by the Dandenong keeper.

A remider we have Knox City at home this Sunday, followed by Bulleen on Tuesday night. Please be at both games 1 hour prior to kick-off. 

(Update 11 July)

 -[Game vs Baxter]:

A 13 - 0 win over Baxter has given the team a healthy goal-difference buffer over our close rivals and may be very important in determining final places at the end of the season. Anthony Anastasio and Ali Hameed both scored hat-tricks, while the goal of the day was from Stelios who scored a spectacular volley direct from a mid second half corner.

The result was only dampened by the news that Henry Kerstens broke his arm after falling in the box following a challenge for a high ball. Henry may be out for the rest of the season.

In previous games not reported earlier, the team had finished off the first round of the competition with a 2 - 1 win over Gippsland (A. Grusman and C. Graham), 4 - 0 win over Nunawading (A. Hameed, M. Schroen, A Skowronski) and 2 -1 (A. Hameed) win away to Mornington. During the mid-season break the available players played a 2 - 2 draw in a friendly game against Fawkner.

(Update 28 May)

-[Game vs Beaumaris]:

 The U13 Super League team extended its run to three wins in a row and moved up to second place thanks to Box Hill dropping 2 points by drawing with Mornington. The line-up was very similar to last week with only Curran Ferns and Alon Grusman returning to the starting 11. The players pushed on a very flat Beaumaris backline and found plenty of spaces to mount attacking moves. Adam Skowronski started brightly and delivered 3 or 4 dangerous crosses from the right within the first 10 mins. Marcus Schroen opened the scoring to provide the finishing tap-in after a cross was pounced on by Henery Kerstens, only for the ball to rebound off the keeper into the path of Schroen who could not miss. Further raids continued with Kerstens finally rewarded with two neatly converted goals within the space of 5 minutes. Prior to half time Schroen was fortunate to win a freekick and converted himself with a low placed shot to make it 4-0.

A few changes were made a half time and the team continued to press for goals. Chris Parra delivered a deep cross from the side-line which was met by a well directed header from Skowronski and the ball squeezed through the clasping hands of the keeper to make it 5-0. Shortly after, Schroen completed a hat-trick finsihing off a good move from the Monash left wing, receiving a quick pass to round the keeper and fire into the waiting goal  to make it 6-0. Beaumaris mounted a late sprited attack to almost steal one back but the Monash defenders were determined to keep a clean sheet for the 5th game this season.  

 - Next game is 3 June AWAY to Gippsland. Please inform Karen of your travel arrangements. Light training will be on Saturday 2 June in Traralgon. Venue to be advised during the week.

(Update 21 May)

-[Game vs Knox City]:

 After a good win the previous week it was important the team was to maintain its form away against Knox City. This team has traditionally been difficult opposition, especially at their home ground. The line-up this week saw Kevin Yu and Stelios take defensive positions with Sienna Fogarty. Alon Grusman had not recovered from a bruised shin so his central midfield position was filled by Marcus Schroen.

Chris Parra took up attacking midfield role behind stikers Henry Kerstens and Adam Skowronski. The attack was supported by wide players Anthony Anastasio on the left and Chris Graham on the right. Knox attempted to keep the game at a fast pace in the first half and closed the Monash players down quickly. The team responded well by staying patient, keeping possession and slowing the game down across the backline and midfield to wear the opposition down and make them chase the ball. After much dominance a break-through came just before half time. Graham made a pacey run for a through ball on the right wing and clipped a delightful deep cross from the Knox goal-line over to the back-post where it was met by a thumping header by Anastasio to give the team a 1 - 0 lead for the interval.

In the second half, Curran Ferns and Xav Marlin entered the game to add fresh legs. The Knox team sat back and defended numerous attacking onslaughts. Another break-through was made from a deep cross to the back-post. This time the ball was met on the half-volley by Marlin who timed his run in to perfection. Skowronski was unlucky not to score late in the game after turning two defenders but his shot went too close to the keeper for a routine save.

- Next game is 28 May Home to Beaumaris. Everyone should be there NO LATER than 10.15 am for an 11.15 am kick-off. 

(Update 14 May)

-[Game vs Dandenong]:
The U13 Super League team travelled to Dandenong City to take on a largely unknown side that had performed relatively well over the first 3 rounds. The Monash team was understandably looking to bounce back after last weekends unexpected loss to Bulleen, while Dandenong had recorded an impressive victory over Nunawading and would be high on confidence. The Monash team lined up in a 3-5-2 attacking formation that had served them well in the pre-season. Jordan Michaelis, Kevin Yu and Stelios provided a solid and skilful defensive line in front of keeper Jamie Dimopoulos, shielded by holding midfielders Alon Gusman and Curran Ferns. An unexpected foot injury to Ali Hameed meant he was unable to play on the left and caused re-shuffling of some squad members prior to the game. Anthony Anastasio filled the left vacancy and Chris Parra moved into his familiar attacking centre midfield role. Xav Marlin made his season debut ot right midfield, while Henry Kerstens and Marcus Schroen completed the forward line. The Dandenong team were strong defensively and throughout the first half resisted numerous Monash attacking raids. Anastasio delivered two dangerous low crosses from the left that just lacked that final connection. Kerstens was unlucky with a wonderful strike that was tipped over the bar by an impressive Dandenong keeper, while Marlin also came close with an effort from the right after getting behind the Dandenong defence. The Monash defensive trio of Yu, Michaelis and Stelios were very solid and gave the Dandenong attck no room.

The team was unlucky to be held goal-less at half time and made a couple of changes that helped turn the game. Adam Skoronski entered the game in attack and Chris Graham took up the right midfield position. Just after the restart, Grusman picked up the ball in midfield and chipped a perfect pass to Skowronski that ran off his defender and placed a first time pass at the right-edge of the penalty box which ran across the face of goal and was met by Schroen to slot into the left side of the net. The team began to find more room and a few minutes later the ball was put through to Graham after his well timed run, and he lashed a half-volley into the roof of the Dandenong net. By now the team began to play its familiar passing game that deserted the players on the previous Sunday. Jack Gow came on to provide fresh legs on the right defence and integrated very well. Kerstens re-entered the game and made an impact by clipping a rasping side-on volley into the net direct off a Graham corner to make it 3-0. Dandenong almost stole one-back but Dimpoulos pulled off a brave clasping save at the feet of two Dandenong players when a tap-in goal looked certain. Within the last 5 minutes the team found 2 more. Kertstens got his second of the game, slotting a deft through-pass into the goal, and Grusman smacked a low hard shot from the edge of the area into the right-corner of the net in the last seconds to complete a 5-0 victory.

- Next game is 21 May Away to Knox City. Everyone should be there NO LATER than 10.15 am for an 11.15 am kick-off. 

- [Game vs Bulleeen]: Unfortunately on Sunday the team lost its 3 year unbeaten run in FFV competition fixtures to Bulleen by 2 goals to 1. The team line up experimented with a 4 -1-2-3 formation to encourage attacking raids by Ali Hameed and Adam Skowronski in wide positions, supported by central striker Kevin Yu. Marcus Schroen and Anthony Anastasio played behind Yu in an attacking diamond, supported in the base of midfield by Alon Grusman. Curran Ferns, Chris Parra, Jordan Michaelis and Stelios played in defense. Unfortunately the team found itself 1 - 0 early in the game. Goalkeeper Jamie Dimopoulos smothered a shot from Bulleen stiker only to see the ball spill across the penalty into the path of a supporting Bulleen player who hammered the ball high into the net. The team responded well and within 5 minutes Yu had equalised after being put through on a counter-attack from a long pass by Hameed. The Monash boys dominated the remainder of the half playing some delightful counter-attacking raids, Schroen had two chances on his trusty left foot, but his efforts were smothered by determined Bulleen defenders. In the second half a the team began well but was shell-shocked following a break-away goal from Bulleen after about 5 minutes. The defence was caught square after a cross-field pass was intercepted. The Bulleen forward appeared off-side but was waved on by the referee and allowed to lash the ball under the advancing Dimopoulos. Bulleen had regained the lead and fought hard to keep the team to shots well outside their penalty area and break up the team passing game. A couple of free kicks from Chris Parra sailed just over the bar and eventually time ran out for the team to work an equaliser. Well done to Bulleen who played a good defensive game in the second half to grind out the result.

- Next game is 14 May Away to Dandenong City. Everyone should be there NO LATER than 10.15 am for an 11.15 am kick-off. 

(Update 30 April)
 - [Game vs Baxter]: It is going to be a long season for the U13SL Baxter team judging from todays performance. The Monash team scored 10 goals with nil reply and they would be the first to admit they should have netted more like 16. The wet weather and heavy pitch did not help and many players rushed their final shots.  The team lined up in 3-5-2 formation and by the end of the game it was more like 1-1-8. In the opening 5 minutes, Adam Skowronski and Henry Kerstens but the side 2-0 up. Later in the half, Chris Parra slotted a pile driver free kick and Ali Hameed stabbed a lose ball spilled by the keeper to make it 4 - 0 at half time. In the second half the players began to push the ball around much better and created better openings. Anthony Anastasio netted a hat-trick, one coming from a follow up rebound off the bar from a Marcus Schroen free-kick. Hameed scored almost an identical second goal to his first, and very late in the game Kevin Yu and Skowronski finished well to take the scoreline to double figures. 
  -  Next game is 7 May at Home to Bulleen. Everyone should be there NO LATER than 10.15 am for an 11.15 am kick-off. 

(Update 23 April)

-  [Game vs Box Hill]:In an identical outcome to last season, our opening game against Box Hill ended in a tense but exciting  0-0 draw. The team looked good once settled into the first half and was playing comfortably for the opening period of the seond half. Chris Parra came closest to breaking the deadlock with a cracking free-kick in the first half, and a dipping volley late in the second half. A fine 'Peter Crouch-like' performance from Henry Kertens provided support for peppering runs by Adam Skowronski and later Anthony Anastasio. The whole of the defense played very solid and denied Box Hill any chances in the penalty box (Curran Ferns, Kevin Yu, Alon Grusman and Stelios). Jamie Dimopoulos once again found inspiration and denied Box Hill with a low left-hand save. Ali Hameed was back on track to his best form and was unfortunate to take a knock on the cheek-bone, but should be fine after a couple of days ice and rest. Marcus Schroen and Jordan Michaelis were strong in the midfield and provided quality passing. The late substitutes (Chis Graham, Xav Malin and Jack Gow) provided great support for the team and did well to enter and try to settle in to a highly charged game. 

  
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Team Fixtures & Results

Date	Time	Opposition	Venue	Score	Result
Pre-Season 2006
12 Feb 2006	5.00 pm	Mornington U13 SL	Argyle Reserve	8 - 0	Won
19 Feb 2006	11.30 am	Knox City U13 SL	Argyle Reserve	5 - 0	Won
24 Feb 2006	7.30 pm	Bulleen U13 SL	Argyle Reserve	2 - 1	Won
5 Mar 2006	12.00 pm	Keilor Park U13 SL	Keilor Park	1 - 0	Won
8 Mar 2006	7.30 pm	Box Hill U13 SL	Wembley Park	0 - 2	Loss
11 Mar 2006	6.00 pm	Fawkner Whittlesea U13 SL	Argyle Reserve	2 - 0	Won
18 Mar 2006	10.00 am	Adelaide City U13 A	Adelaide (SA)	2 - 1	Won
19 Mar 2006	12.00 pm	Campbelltown U13 A	Adelaide (SA)	5 - 1	Won
19 Mar 2006	5.30 pm	Adelaide City U13 A	Adelaide (SA)	3 - 2	Won
26 Mar 2006	11.15 am	Green Gully U13 SL	Green Gully Reserve	2 - 2	Draw
9 April 2006	2.00 pm	Essendon Royals U13 SL	Caloola Reserve	0 - 0	Draw
14 - 17 April 2006	- - - - - -	Easter Weekend Break
23 April 2006	11.15 am	Season Fixtures Commence

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