The sunshine continued as Melbourne served up a riveting day two of the 2025 Emerging Socceroos Championships.
Day two of the tournament proved to be a learning experience as the sides walked away with two losses.
The under-15s had a disappointing start to the day after they fell short to Football South Australia 6-2.
Football South Australia opened the scoring in the 11th minute, but NNSWF responded two minutes later.
Levi van Haren sent the ball towards the goal from the bottom left corner of the box forcing Football South Australia’s goalkeeper to punch the ball towards Jack Middleby who headed it into the goal.
Two back-to-back goals for Football South Australia in the 16th and 18th minutes gave them the upper hand when they went into half-time leading 3-1.
Football South Australia added their fourth to the board in the 44th minute.
NNSWF responded in the 49th minute when Zac Zigic curled the ball from the top of the box and into the back of the net.
South Australia got two more goals in the 52nd and 58th minutes and walked away with a 6-2 victory.
The under-16s had a hard-fought battle against Football South Australia that saw them go down 2-0.
The two sides came out of the blocks firing, but it was Football South Australia who appeared to have opened the scoring in the eighth minute but was ruled offside.
NNSWF’s Kai Thompson looked to get on the board in the 19th minute after beating two defenders but Football South Australia’s goalkeeper put a stop to it.
The two teams continued to push in hopes of breaking the deadlock, but the score remained 0-0.
Football South Australia took the lead in the 34th minute, but NNSWF continued to push to find an equaliser.
A goal in the 51st minute doubled Football South Australia’s lead where the score would remain when the full-time whistle blew.
NNSWF Technical Director Ryan Doidge was glad to see positive individual performances across day two.
“It was a tough day in terms of results but for me there were real positive individual performances in both games,” Doidge said.
“In the under-15s the scoreline blew out a little bit but I still feel that there were some real moments that the boys can reflect on and build upon for the remainder of the season.
“In the under-16s they were building on the second half of their last performance against NSW Country and the boys showed good enthusiasm and determination.
“Looking at it from an individual perspective I’m really pleased with some of the players and the things that they are trying to do.
“I’m certainly looking forward to what they can produce tomorrow on a very big day for both squads.”
Both teams will face Football Queensland tomorrow in must-win matches.
More on the Emerging Socceroos Championships
CLICK HERE to view the Official Emerging Socceroos Championships Digital Program with Fixtures
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CLICK HERE to view the live tables and results
