Danzo Stunner Sends Rockdale Into the Semi-Finals

Rockdale Ilinden booked their place in the semi-finals of the NPL NSW Men’s Finals Series with a gritty 1–0 win over Blacktown City at the Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre.

First Half

The match was decided in its opening stages thanks to a moment of brilliance from Issac Danzo. In the 6th minute, Danzo struck a powerful effort from outside the box, sending the ball beyond the Blacktown goalkeeper to give Rockdale a crucial lead. With the crowd behind them, Rockdale took control of possession and dictated much of the tempo through the half.

Second Half

Blacktown City attempted to claw their way back after the break, pushing numbers forward and pressing higher up the pitch. However, Rockdale’s defence remained compact and disciplined, limiting Blacktown to just a handful of half-chances. Despite their efforts, the visitors managed only a single shot on target, leaving Rockdale to close out the game and secure progression.

Key Statistics

    •    Ball Possession: Rockdale Ilinden 58% – 42% Blacktown City

    •    Total Shots: Rockdale 8 – 5 Blacktown

    •    Shots on Target: Rockdale 4 – 1 Blacktown

What’s Next

The narrow victory sends Rockdale Ilinden into the semi-finals, where they will look to build on their defensive solidity and attacking sharpness. Blacktown City bow out after a spirited performance but were ultimately undone by Danzo’s early long-range strike.

Match Details

Rockdale Ilinden FC:

    1.    Nicholas Sorras, 2. Hunter Elliott, 5. Giorgio Speranza, 6. Isaac Danzo, 7. Alec Urosevski (C), 9. Moudi Najjar (23. Oliver Puflett 90’), 10. Brendan Cholakian (88. Christopher McStay 81’), 11. Lochlan Constable (18. Jerry Skotadis 90’), 14. Brayden Sorge, 22. Blake Ricciuto, 24. Ali Auglah (4. James Nikolovski 90’)

Substitutes Not Used: 20. Ronan Mulgrew, 46. Paul Kalamvokis

Yellow Cards: Ricciuto 39’, Urosevski 90+7’

Red Cards: None

Blacktown City FC:

    1.    Cayden Henderson, 4. Lachlan Campbell (19. Sebastian Hayward 51’), 5. Grant Lynch (C), 6. Adam Berry, 10. Maksim Jez, 16. Benjamin Berry, 18. Nicholas O’Brien, 22. Jacob Maniti, 23. Jakob Cresnar (9. Keanu Moore 75’), 25. Reuben Awaritefe (17. Martin Fernandez 58’), 35. Riley Nolan (11. Danny Choi 58’)

Substitutes Not Used: 20. Cooper Rogers, 24. Jackson Bandiera

Yellow Cards: Nolan 33’, Lynch 73’, Jez 81’, O’Brien 90+7’

Red Cards: None