Gold Coast City Bolster Defences
Words: Mark Guy & Michael Flynn
Image: Albert Perez/Football Queensland
Gold Coast City have added further steel to their defensive ranks this week, confirming the return of fan favourite Martin Vazquez and the addition Benjamin Lyvidikos to the club.
Vazquez re-joins the club following a stint with PlayStation 4 NPL New South Wales Blacktown Spartans earlier this season, while Lyvidkos is a Gold Coast product and was previously part of Brisbane Roar's highly regarded youth system.
Both players are expected to line-up for City this weekend in their PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues clash against Brisbane City in the capital.
Central defender Vazquez, 24, was part of the then-named Palm Beach SC side that won the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2014 Premiership-Championship double and put the side on the map nationally in the Westfield FFA Cup in the past two years.
City coach Grae Piddick said he was delighted to have Vazquez back in his squad as the club looks to build on a solid start to the season, which includes a current six-match unbeaten run.
“He’s a good central defender, composed and effective at playing out and great at organising the team from a defensive stand point,” Piddick said.
Right fullback Lyvidikos, 19, previously played at Gold Coast Knights before joining Queensland Academy of Sport and gaining valuable PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues and Foxtel National Youth League experience with Young Roar.
Returning to competitive football for the first time this calendar year after battling osteitis pubis, his transition into the squad is eased by a reunion with his former Young Roar teammates Benjamin Litfin and Jordan Lampard.
“Benji is reknowned as a dynamic defender with the ability to get forward and trouble opposing defences,” Piddick said.
“He’ll be looking to bounce back and return to playing regularly following significant injury.”
On a negative note for City on the injury front is confirmation that impressive off-season recruit Morgan Saunders will miss the remainder of the season with injury.
Scans this week confirmed the 19-year-old attacking utility has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee.
“Morgan is a huge loss to the team with his attacking spark and goal scoring ability. All of us at the club wish him a speedy and full recovery,” Piddick said.
PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues – Round 8
Saturday, April 23
Brisbane City FC v Gold Coast City FC
Corporate Travel Management Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off at 6:30PM
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