Club News
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
" DEMONS WIN GRAND FINAL IN A THRILLER"
The Northern Demons took out the U19s 2009 state league championship on the weekend with a thrilling penalty shootout win over the Enfield Falcons.With plenty of support the Demons went into the game full of confidence following their hard fought win over the minor champions a fortnight ago, however it took the last kick of the day to separate the two sides.Dominating most of the first 90 minutes of play the travelling red and whites were unable to find the back of the net and game was forced into extra time.Following another tense 30 minutes of play and chances at both ends the deadlock still wasn’t broken and the dreaded penalty shootout would now decide the champions for 2009. The Demons held their nerve as James Spadavecchia, Sam Keane and Connie Koumitzas cooly converted from the spot and with Enfield missing their second spot kick and Reds keeper Ryan Rodda expertly saving their third the Demons were now one goal away from the ultimate prize.Vincent Lobasso stepped up and made no mistake with a low hard drive under the Enfield keeper ,giving his team championship glory and kicking off scenes of wild celebrations amongst the players and the large contingent of Demons Supporters.The win by the young reds secured the club’s second U19s championship in 6 years ,proof of their continued commitment to junior development in the the town.To coach Phil Hodges and all the players well done on a great achievement. “GO YOU REDS”
COMMENTS FROM COACH PHIL HODGES.
Our first half was exceptional the boys came out firing and were unlucky not to be leading at half time.
Everyone was able to play their specific role for the team and stick to a concentrated game plan that has brought about success throughout the entire season.
Our defence was outstanding lead by Ryan Rodda in goals. James Spadavaecchai at sweeper and our two centre halves Captain Jarrad Brevi and Kai Solomon. These players lead by example, they showed great discipline and were hard at the ball.
Our Midfield was hard working and consisted of Connie Kouimtzis, Damian Introna and Cameron Slessor. Connie was able to work into some dangerous attacking areas while Cameron and Damian showed great concentration in holding together the team structure and shape. Chris Annese and George Korniotakis took up positions on the flanks providing great drive and additional attacking options throughout the game.
Our striking duo of Sam Keane and Tyron Warren were exceptional. These two players have pace to burn and had the opposition defence under constant pressure.
Support from the bench was critical given that the game went to extra time. Matthew Spadavecchai and Vincent Lobasso provided the fresh legs that were required. Throughout the final series I have been blessed with the opportunity to select from 18 players. The depth of this group cannot be underestimated. With the right attitude to contribute in whatever role you may take has an enormous impact. Other substitutes included Oliver Burt, Reece Parker, Daniel Spadavecchia and Drew Champion.
Although we should have won the game in regular time, finals and in particular grand finals don’t always go to plan. In the end the boys got over the line and ultimately this is all that matters.
It is exciting to think that we have now won two U19 Premierships in six years, I believe this shows outstanding junior development within our club.
Our supporter base was tremendous on the day and I would personally like to thank all those people who attended the game.
Full time score: 0-0
Penalties - Northern demons 4 - 2 Enfield
Penalty goal scorers – James Spadavecchia, Sam Keane, Connie Kouimtzis, Vincent Lobasso
Best players: Kai Solomon, Cameron Slessor, Ryan Rodda, Sam Keane
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Demons U/19 Grand Final Block-Buster
The Virtus Soccer Club will get its first taste of Grand Final soccer since 2004 when the Demons U/19’s take on Enfield City in the 2009 State League U/19 Grand Final.
The U/19’s finished 2nd after the minor rounds only a few points short of their grand final opposition Enfield City Falcons making the game a delightful match up and one that is sure to be closely contested to the final whistle.
The Demons have the upper hand on Enfield after beating them in the Semi Final 1-0 to secure the grand final birth. The Demons clean-sweep of the final series so far, also included a 3-1 win against NAB in the Qualifying final.
Demons coach Phill Hodges, currently on the long term injury list for the Demons Senior team, has the young reds playing quality soccer. The demons style of play see’s much attacking drive come from wingers Chris Anesse and Daniel Spadavecchia and it has been South African recruit Tyrone Warren scoring goals right throughout the finals series, Warren is complemented well up forward with the speedy Sam Keane.
The forward line along with a hard working midfield anchored well by the menacing Cameron Slessor and a solid back line including imposing Central Defenders Jarrad Brevi and Kye Solomon have been significant in the Demons success and will be significant in deciding Saturdays Results.
Saturday’s Grand final will also call for big games from Conrod Koumitzis, a player who likes to score goals on big occasions, creative midfielder Damiano Introna and sweeper James Spadavecchia.
The demons Squad oozes with depth and the game on Saturday is sure to be influenced by quality substitutes. Vincenzo Lobasso, Georgie Jim Kornitakis and Vice-Captain Matty Spadavecchia have all been key players.
Demons U/19 Captain Jarrad Brevi said ‘We all know Enfield City are a quality team so we all need to play the game of our lives and make no mistake in bringing the premiership to the Virtus Soccer Club’
‘I hope everyone can get behind us and nothing will lift the boys more than seeing a park full of red a white supporters’ said Brevi.
The Game is being played on Saturday (12/9) at Adelaide City Park, Oakden, with a 12:00pm kick Off. If the Demons win they will be only the Second team from out-side metropolitan Adelaide to take home FFSA silverware. The only other team being the Northern Demons U/19 team of 2004.
2009 Demons U/19 Stats:
Won 14 (matches), Drew 3, Lost 3
Scored 61 (goals), Conceded 20
Ladder Position after minor round completion – 2nd
Finals Campaign So Far – Qualifying Final: Defeated NAB 3-1, Semi Final: Defeated Enfield City 1-0
Head to Head with Enfield City (season 2009) – Won 2 (matches) Lost 1, Scored 5 (goals), Conceded 3
Northern Demons U/19 Squad:
Ryan Rodda (GK),Olliver Burt (GK), Jarrad Brevi (C), , Matty Spadavecchia (VC), James Sapadavecchia Daniel Spadavecchia, Damien Introna, Sam Keane, Kye Solomon, Tyrone Warren, Connie Koumitzis, Cameron Slessor, Chris Annese, Georgie Kornitakis, Drew Champion, Vincent Lobasso, Reece Parker, James Capurso
Tyrone Warren in action for the Northern Demons U/19 team earlier in the year, watched on by Vincenzo Lobasso.
Monday, 7 September 2009
Demons Senior’s Bow Out Admirably
The Northern Demons have been knocked out of the FFSA State League finals series after a 2 – 1 loss in the grand final play-off to the league minor premiers Enfield City .
The Red’s fielded a team without big name players such as Adrian Leet, Michael Edwards and John Motley, who were all suffering from injury, but, although these players were missed the team took the fight right up to Enfield only for a 90th minute deflection goal to break the hearts of the Virtus Soccer Club.
Enfield City took the lead early in the first half through State League Best and Fairest winner, Russel Waller. Chances then went begging for the Demons, with Sam Salvemini and Patrick Keane causing mayhem for the Enfield defenders. The equalising goal finally came for the Demons when Salvemini was fouled in the penalty area and Patrick Keane converted the penalty kick.
The game looked to turn in the demons favour when Enfield goal keeper Ian Kirk was sent off after deliberately charging Keane who was destined for goal. The sending off didn’t do the Demons justice as the foul was committed out of the penalty area, resulting only in a free kick from a fair distance in which was wasted.
The Demons went on to attack the 10 man Enfield team, but the game took a turn for the worst for the reds when a 90th minute Enfield attack resulted in a shot from distance being deflected away from goalkeeper Maurie Mezzino and into the back of the net giving Enfield City a 2 – 1 lead with no time for a equalising demons goal.
Although the game ended disappointingly for the Red and White, the Demons boys hold their heads high after a successful season in which only two big-spending Clubs with impressive player lists finished above them.
Enfield City 2 (R.Waller, A.Pavanello) Northern Demons 1 (P.Keane) (HT 1-0)
Northern Demons Best - P.Keane, A.Introna, A.Fasciano
The Players and the Virtus Soccer club wish to thank the many supporters for making the trip to the final, once again we had more away support than the home team!
Monday, 31 August 2009
The Demons Advance in the Finals
The Demon’s senior team and U/19’s have entered the FFSA finals series after the senior team finished in 3rd position and the U/19’s second after completion of the minor rounds.
The senior team have advanced to the semi finals after a heart stopping win against the Seaford Rangers at Byrne Park, which seen the game decided over a penalty shoot-out.
The U/19’s will play in the grand final in two weeks time after a clean sweep in the finals series, beating NAB 3-1 in the preliminary final and then Enfield City 1-0 in the major semi final. The U/19’s grand final will be played on Saturday 12th September at a venue and time to be announced by the FFSA in the coming weeks.
This Saturday, September 5th, the Northern Demons senior team will be playing to join the U/19’s in the grand final. The Demons face Enfield City in an elimination semi final block-buster.
Demons senior coach Anthony Brevi will have his boys primed for the occasion and the possibility of a grand final appearance and the first A grade premiership since 1991.
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