Melbourne University Sport -

Soccer's do or die
07 September 2009; Paul Traianedes

Round 22 of the Victorian Soccer season was a “do or die” affair for the State 3 and the Provisional 3 University squads.

Only having been promoted to State 3 from Provisional 1 last seasons, our State 3 squad had a horrific year, losing a significant number of players to injury and thereby depleting an otherwise formidable team. The last game of the season required the State 3 squad to win the match to avoid relegation back to Provisional 1. The return of key players Adam Griffith and Danny Greenwood saw the side lift on what was arguably the most important day for the State 3 squad against Yarraville, who themselves were looking for promotion to State 2.

Like most other games throughout the season, the State 3 squad dominated play but found it difficult to score for the better part of the match. Whilst the pressure was on Uni to win the match to stay in State 3, it didn’t show as the team stepped up a gear in the second half. Yarraville, a technically accomplished side, were just not fit enough on the day. Uni’s fast wing men set up what could only arguably be described as two of the best and most important goals of the season. Danny Greenwood, missing most of the season due to severe ligament strain, returned to the team’s line up and put his body on the line to help the squad. It was his magnificent strike from 30 yards out, something that would be seen on the English Premier League highlights, that rocketed past the Yarraville keeper’s reach and went into the top right hand corner of the Goal, securing both the win and State 3 status for season 2010. A job very well done by the State 3 squad.

The Provisional 3 Reserves and Firsts were at the opposite end of the spectrum to the State 3 Squad. For the first time in the club’s history, both the Reserves and Firsts were sitting on top of the table and playing for both promotion to Provisional 2 and the Championship. Both teams needed a draw in the last game at the very least to secure promotion and the Championship. Having lost their first 5 games of the season, the Provisional 3 Reserves fought hard throughout the season to get to the top of the table. In what could only be described as an extremely physical league, the Reserves held their own throughout the season and greatly improved in technical ability towards the end of the season due to the strong coaching skills of former club president Statios Konstantinopoulos. From the outset, the Reserves dominated the game and ran out 2 – 0 winners against Noble Park.

The Provisional 3 Firsts were in somewhat of a more precarious situation. Whilst sitting one point clear at the top of the table, The Provisional 3 Firsts had to either draw or win against 2nd place Noble Park in the last game of the season. 3rd Placed Bayside had a game in hand to be played on Wednesday 9 September. With two wins, Bayside could easily leapfrog into second place and would most likely do so as they were playing the bottom two sides for their last two games of the season. This meant that whoever lost on Saturday would in all circumstances lose the chance for promotion.

The first half saw Noble Park go 1 – 0 up in a very fast counter attack and a messy goal mouth scramble. The Provisional 3 squad appeared to be disheartened and began playing defensively, letting Noble Park pepper the Uni goal with numerous shots. It wasn’t until just before half time that Uni had a quick break away towards the Noble Park goal and midfielder Alex King was brought down in the penalty area for a free kick. Neil Docherty stepped up to take the penalty kick in place of penalty kick specialist, Paul Traianedes who was on the sideline recovering from injury. In what could only be described as a “pressure cooker moment” Neil Doherty artfully wrong footed the Noble Park goal keeper and put Uni back into the match.

The Provisional 3 team started the second half with renewed purpose, fight and speed and began to wear down Noble Park’s bigger men. All of a sudden, it didn’t look as if it was a question of whether Uni may score another goal, but when. With 20 minutes to go, the ball was sunk deep into the Noble Park goal mouth by Ben Lewis, resulting in a goal mouth scramble. Central midfielder Rod Clarke ran straight through the goal area and managed to get his head onto the ball through a diving header, pushing the ball over the line and making Uni go 2 – 0 up. Some people say the goal was scored by Rod’s hair given its length and thickness.

Going from four defenders to two, Noble Park pushed players forward in a vain attempt to score an equaliser. Noble Park suddenly found their goal own being sprayed with shots by the Uni forwards for the remainder of the match. Uni was extremely unlucky not to go ahead by at least another two, or three goals, but nevertheless hung on for the win. Provisional 3 Firsts and Reserves now become Provisional 2 for season 2010.

Congratulations to all the Uni soccer squads. From the outset, it appeared that season 2009 was going to be a big year for the club, however, it looks as if season 2010 will be even greater. Thanks again to all the players, coaching staff and committee, all made up from the players and putting in a great effort year after year.


Home Membership Facilities Aquatics Group Fitness Health Services Boot Camp Clubs Sport and Recreation Photo Gallery Ski Lodge About Us Staff Contact Us News Archive Merchandise	Soccer's do or die 07 September 2009; Paul Traianedes Round 22 of the Victorian Soccer season was a “do or die” affair for the State 3 and the Provisional 3 University squads. Only having been promoted to State 3 from Provisional 1 last seasons, our State 3 squad had a horrific year, losing a significant number of players to injury and thereby depleting an otherwise formidable team. The last game of the season required the State 3 squad to win the match to avoid relegation back to Provisional 1. The return of key players Adam Griffith and Danny Greenwood saw the side lift on what was arguably the most important day for the State 3 squad against Yarraville, who themselves were looking for promotion to State 2. Like most other games throughout the season, the State 3 squad dominated play but found it difficult to score for the better part of the match. Whilst the pressure was on Uni to win the match to stay in State 3, it didn’t show as the team stepped up a gear in the second half. Yarraville, a technically accomplished side, were just not fit enough on the day. Uni’s fast wing men set up what could only arguably be described as two of the best and most important goals of the season. Danny Greenwood, missing most of the season due to severe ligament strain, returned to the team’s line up and put his body on the line to help the squad. It was his magnificent strike from 30 yards out, something that would be seen on the English Premier League highlights, that rocketed past the Yarraville keeper’s reach and went into the top right hand corner of the Goal, securing both the win and State 3 status for season 2010. A job very well done by the State 3 squad. The Provisional 3 Reserves and Firsts were at the opposite end of the spectrum to the State 3 Squad. For the first time in the club’s history, both the Reserves and Firsts were sitting on top of the table and playing for both promotion to Provisional 2 and the Championship. Both teams needed a draw in the last game at the very least to secure promotion and the Championship. Having lost their first 5 games of the season, the Provisional 3 Reserves fought hard throughout the season to get to the top of the table. In what could only be described as an extremely physical league, the Reserves held their own throughout the season and greatly improved in technical ability towards the end of the season due to the strong coaching skills of former club president Statios Konstantinopoulos. From the outset, the Reserves dominated the game and ran out 2 – 0 winners against Noble Park. The Provisional 3 Firsts were in somewhat of a more precarious situation. Whilst sitting one point clear at the top of the table, The Provisional 3 Firsts had to either draw or win against 2nd place Noble Park in the last game of the season. 3rd Placed Bayside had a game in hand to be played on Wednesday 9 September. With two wins, Bayside could easily leapfrog into second place and would most likely do so as they were playing the bottom two sides for their last two games of the season. This meant that whoever lost on Saturday would in all circumstances lose the chance for promotion. The first half saw Noble Park go 1 – 0 up in a very fast counter attack and a messy goal mouth scramble. The Provisional 3 squad appeared to be disheartened and began playing defensively, letting Noble Park pepper the Uni goal with numerous shots. It wasn’t until just before half time that Uni had a quick break away towards the Noble Park goal and midfielder Alex King was brought down in the penalty area for a free kick. Neil Docherty stepped up to take the penalty kick in place of penalty kick specialist, Paul Traianedes who was on the sideline recovering from injury. In what could only be described as a “pressure cooker moment” Neil Doherty artfully wrong footed the Noble Park goal keeper and put Uni back into the match. The Provisional 3 team started the second half with renewed purpose, fight and speed and began to wear down Noble Park’s bigger men. All of a sudden, it didn’t look as if it was a question of whether Uni may score another goal, but when. With 20 minutes to go, the ball was sunk deep into the Noble Park goal mouth by Ben Lewis, resulting in a goal mouth scramble. Central midfielder Rod Clarke ran straight through the goal area and managed to get his head onto the ball through a diving header, pushing the ball over the line and making Uni go 2 – 0 up. Some people say the goal was scored by Rod’s hair given its length and thickness. Going from four defenders to two, Noble Park pushed players forward in a vain attempt to score an equaliser. Noble Park suddenly found their goal own being sprayed with shots by the Uni forwards for the remainder of the match. Uni was extremely unlucky not to go ahead by at least another two, or three goals, but nevertheless hung on for the win. Provisional 3 Firsts and Reserves now become Provisional 2 for season 2010. Congratulations to all the Uni soccer squads. From the outset, it appeared that season 2009 was going to be a big year for the club, however, it looks as if season 2010 will be even greater. Thanks again to all the players, coaching staff and committee, all made up from the players and putting in a great effort year after year.