The Geelong Holiday Inn & Suites Royals Men’s Match Preview: Geelong SC vs Essendon Royals
The Essendon Royals are looking to bounce back in Round 3 of the NPL3 as they face a tough challenge against Geelong SC at Stead Park, kicking off at 6:00 PM on Saturday, April 1st. With two difficult opening games behind them, the Royals are eager to secure their first points of the season.
The Royals went down 3-0 last week against Nunawading.
Geelong SC has made a strong start to the campaign, sitting fourth on the table with two victories in as many games. They claimed a 1-0 home win over Doveton SC in Round 1 and a 2-1 triumph on the road against Ballarat City in Round 2. With three goals coming from three different scorers, Geelong has showcased its balanced attacking threat.
The Royals boast two former Geelong players in their ranks: goalkeeper Kieran McDowell and forward Moheb Khamisi, who will undoubtedly be eager to make their mark against their former club.
Royals captain Matteo Ballan was missing through injury against Nunawading City FC and remains on the comeback trail.
With the Royals still adjusting to life in a higher division, they continue to create a host of great chances, and will hoping to better convert in the big moments as they look to break their scoring duck.
The two sides have a history of tightly contested games in State League 1 North-West before Geelong’s promotion as league champions in 2018. The last encounter between the teams took place at Ormond Park, the Royals’ traditional home, in July 2018, with Essendon losing 2-1.
In the earlier kick-off, the Royals under-21s aim to maintain their perfect start to the season. Both the Geelong and Essendon U21s have enjoyed strong starts, winning their opening two games. This promises to be a challenging away day for the Royals as they seek to break into the win column in the NPL3 season.
This is the third of three straight away games to start the season, ahead of the Men’s first home game of the season against Melbourne Victory on Saturday, April 8.
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