Sharks All-Stars Call On Cup Experiences
Words: Garry McKenzie
Image: Getty Images
Palm Beach SC’s trio of PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland All-Stars will draw on their Westfield FFA Cup experiences against Brisbane Roar this weekend.
The PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 All-Stars will face the three-time Hyundai A-League Champions this Saturday at QSAC in a curtain raiser to the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Finals Series clash between Moreton Bay United and Edgeworth Eagles
Sharks have contributed three players to the squad chosen by online vote, with fullback Eoghan Murphy, goalkeeper Shane Viitakangas and midfielder Roman Hofmann earning selection following outstanding seasons.
Viitakangas, 21, is widely considered one of the league's stand-out goalkeepers since linking with Sharks for the 2014 campaign - winning the 2014 Safe Hands Award and boasting a league record 16 clean-sheets in 43 appearances.
He said the Sharks' All-Stars contingent are well aware of the challenge the Roar will provide after facing fellow Hyundai A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers in the Westfield FFA Cup in recent weeks.
“The pace of that game was faster and I need to have the defence organised quicker. When Wanderers countered they were on us in a flash,” he explained.
Viitakangas previously benefitted from a training stint with Roar and said the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 All-Stars was a great opportunity for players to display their wares.
“You don't get many chances to play against an A-League team so you have to be ready to give it your all and leave nothing in the locker room,” Viitakangas said.
Murphy, 19, is also looking forward to a good performance against Brisbane Roar but suggested the All-Stars should avoid putting too much pressure on themselves.
“The way things work over here in the A-League most of their squads are all tied up so my advice would be to just go out there and not bother with anything else but enjoying it,” Murphy said.
The hulking fullback knows first hand that success is a long term game after his chance to sign a professional contract at Sheffield Wednesday was thwarted by administrative errors.
Murphy returned to Australia to play two successful seasons with Sharks, but said advancing his football career was no longer his sole passion after pursuing a parallel career in real estate.
“I suppose if someone were to come knocking and the numbers added up then it would be hard to say no but like I said it’s not my only ambition,” Murphy explained.
Instead, he is looking forward to discovering which Roar star he will face on the flank, as well as playing with a new group of players.
“To be honest I don’t know any of the lads personally but they’re all in the squad for a reason so it’ll be good to combine with some new players,” Murphy concluded.
The PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 All-Stars are proudly sponsored by Soccer World.
Match Details:
PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 All-Stars vs Brisbane Roar FC
Saturday, 19 September
Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre (QSAC), Brisbane
Kick-off at 4:30PM
PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Elimination Final
Moreton Bay United FC v Edgeworth Eagles FC
Saturday, 19 September 2015
QSAC, Brisbane
Kick-off at 7:30PM
Gates Open at 3:30PM
Admission: $10 Adults, $5 Concesssion, Under 5's FREE, FFA Registered Players Under 16 FREE
Both matches will be LIVE streamed at www.nplqld.com.au
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