Melbourne City FC has announced its Foxtel National Youth League Squad for the 2015/16 Season, which commences this Saturday 14 November against Perth Glory at CB Smith Reserve.
Head Coach Joe Palatsides has retained seven players from last season’s championship winning squad with Captain Phil Petreski, Matthew Millar, Leo Athanasiou, Stefan Zinni, Luke Gallo, Tomislav Fadljevic and Yaren Sozer all returning for the upcoming campaign.
Zinni and Millar, who scored on his senior debut against Perth Glory in the Westfield FFA Cup, have risen through the Club’s youth ranks to become regular fixtures in Melbourne City FC squads at Hyundai A-League level this season, highlighting the tangible pathway for the Club’s youth players to senior football.
The two players have impressed for John van’t Schip’s side this season alongside youth team graduates Wade Dekker and Hernan Espindola, both whom started City’s opening round clash against Sydney FC.
Palatsides continues as Head Coach for the fourth consecutive season after leading the Club to the FNYL championship last season.
The squad will compete in a restructured Foxtel National Youth League competition, involving a total of eight fixtures in a four-team conference format, and will feature players born from 1995 to 1999.
Melbourne City FC will participate in Conference A of the revamped competition, playing two matches each against Adelaide United, Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory, with all home matches being hosted at the Club’s FNYL and Westfield W-League base, CB Smith Reserve in Fawkner.
The team will look to kick-start its title defence next Saturday with a win against Perth Glory at CB Smith Reserve, as a prelude to Melbourne City Women’s W-League fixture against Adelaide United at 4pm.
Melbourne City FC National Youth League Squad: (1995 born) Philip Petreski, Christopher Cristaldo; (1996) Matthew Millar, Leo Athanasiou, Stefan Zinni; (1997) Luke Gallo, Ali Eyigun, Yusuf Ahmed, Tomislav Fadljevic, Yaren Sozer (GK), Medhi Suwari, Nicolas Gonzales, Giuseppe Marafioti, Austin Wong, Joseph Monek, Anthony Casset; (1998) Jordan Hall, Andy Kecojevic, Jack West-Astuti, Bailey Row, Yianni Skliros, Marcus Dimanche, Jordan Maricic; (1999) Denis Genreau, Connor Metcalfe, Gerry Sylaidos
Match Details
Foxtel National Youth League Round 2
Saturday, 14 November 2015
Melbourne City FC vs Perth Glory
CB Smith Reserve, Fawkner
Kick-Off :1pm (W-League Kick-off at 4pm)
