Latest news with #NoahBotic
News.com.au
26-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Departing Western United striker Noah Botic has plenty of options abroad
A-League star Noah Botic is mulling over a host of offers from clubs across 10 European nations, with the striker's future expected to be confirmed as early as next week. Botic scored in his final appearance for Western United in a 1-1 semi-final second-leg weekend draw with Melbourne City, who progressed to this Saturday's grand final with a 4-1 aggregate win. With his United contract expiring next month, the 23-year-old marksman has rejected offers to a sign a new deal and is set to move abroad. 'His mind is set to go overseas, and I wish him all the best,' United coach John Aloisi said of the player who scored 16 goals this season. Botic has already been linked with a move to Bundesliga club St. Pauli, the home of Socceroos pair Jackson Irvine and Connor Metcalfe, and there is at least one other German top-flight club interested in his services. Also chasing Botic are clubs in the English Championship, Scotland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Turkiye, Croatia and Slovenia. In settling on his new club, Botic is weighing up a host of factors, including game time, coaching, style of player and wages. 'That's another decision on my mind – how well I fit into the league, what their style is like, and (whether) I'm going to do as well there as I did here in the A League,' said Botic, who is also hopeful of being named in the Socceroos squad for next month's FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Newcastle midfielder Eli Adams – who has two years remaining on his Jets contract – is being chased by Austria Vienna and English League Two (fourth tier) club MK Dons.
RNZ News
10-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
A-League semis: Auckland FC to face Melbourne Victory after upset
Auckland FC celebrate their A-League Premier Plate success. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ Auckland FC are into the two-leg A-League semi-finals, after lifting the Premiers Plate in their first season in the competition. The newcomers had a week off, while they waited to see who they would face next. Now the final four have been found. Auckland FC - Finished top of the league. Auckland set all kinds of records this season - six wins in their first six games, five games before conceding a goal and longest unbeaten streak of any team this season at 14 games. Finished the regular season with 15 wins, eight draws and three losses. Melbourne City - Finished the regular season as the second-placed side and also secured a place in the AFC Champions League. Champions League football is normally reserved for the A-League premiers, but Auckland cannot play in Asian tournaments, so City fill the place and takes the NZ$1.3 million cheque qualification cheque. City finished the regular season with 14 wins, six draws and six losses. Western United - Finished third in the regular season and won an elimination final, thanks to a record-breaking hat-trick from Noah Botic, to earn a semi-final berth. Western had 14 wins, five draws and seven losses in the regular season. Melbourne Victory - Finished fifth in the regular season and caused an upset in the elimination final, beating Western Sydney Wanderers for the first time this season and ending the Wanderers 14-game unbeaten run. Victory ended the regular season with 12 wins, seven draws and seven losses. Auckland v Melbourne Victory Last time they played Auckland FC won 2-0 on 19 April in Melbourne. Melbourne City v Western United Last time they played, Melbourne City won 2-0 on 7 January in Melbourne. The semi-finals are played over two legs - home and away - with the team that score the most goals across both matches (aggregate score) moving on to the Grand Final on 31 May. Auckland FC chose to play the away leg first on 17 May, which will be held at Melbourne's AAMI Park at 9.35pm, and the second leg will be played at Go Media Stadium on 24 May at 6pm. Capacity will be increased at Mt Smart for the semi-final. Melbourne City are 'away' in the first leg on 16 May AAMI Park at 9.35pm and the second leg will again be played at AAMI Park on 24 May 9.35pm. Western United's normal home ground is Ironbark Fields in Tarneit, but the Australian Professional Leagues has decided they will host City at City's home ground. The one-off Grand Final will either be at Mt Smart Stadium, if Auckland win their semi-final series, or at AAMI Park. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
The Guardian
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Noah Botić treble helps Western United overcome Adelaide in elimination final
Success for Western United's ambitious part-football, part-real estate project will not be determined for a decade or more, but powerful young striker Noah Botić showed he is a man of the present with a hat-trick in a 3-2 A-League Men elimination final victory over Adelaide on Friday. Financial uncertainty has swirled around the club in recent weeks, and the visiting Reds shocked the small yet passionate crowd of 3,080 at Ironbark Fields with an early goal through Luka Jovanović. But in front of Socceroos assistant Hayden Foxe, Botić scored twice in the first half and once in the second to keep Western United's season alive and make his case for Australian selection. The 23-year-old said he was just focusing on playing for Western United at the moment, but it would be 'special' to receive a call-up. 'If that call comes, then obviously I'm going to be extremely happy and proud to represent my country,' he said. Botić's three goals take him to 15, two more than the next highest scorer in the A-League Men. His coach and former Socceroos striker John Aloisi said a senior call-up is inevitable if he keeps improving. 'I keep on saying that eventually Noah will become a Socceroo but we know, and I think Noah knows, there's still a lot of improvement, so he just needs to keep on improving like he's going and then eventually the call-up will come.' The resounding victory sets up a two-legged semi-final against crosstown rivals Melbourne City, with both legs to be held at AAMI Park. Botić picked up a knock to the quad on Friday, but was confident he would take part next week. The prolific youngster remains unsigned next season and is almost certain to move overseas, meaning Friday was likely to be his final game at Ironbark Fields. 'I'm not going to say too much, but if it was, it's been a pleasure playing here, especially in front of these fans,' he said. Like that of their star striker, Western United's future is far from certain. There is much to like about the long-term strategy of basing a club in the booming suburbs to the west of Melbourne. But there are fears that the footballing entity – which is part of a larger property development working with Wyndham city council – might not last until the promise that secured one of the A-League's expansion berths in 2018 can be realised. Supporters still dream of a privately-owned stadium, filled with those from Melbourne's multicultural west watching local talent dominate the A-League, but that vision remains some way off. The club's cash-flow challenges are obvious. Crowds this season are the lowest in the league at 3,644 on average, and players were late in getting paid last month. Western United is subject to a winding up application from the Australian Taxation Office and other creditors, including the commissioner of state revenue, a web design company and the local licence-holder of Kappa, the manufacturer of the team's playing strips. That matter is due to be heard later this month. In this context, the announcement a week ago of investment by the KAM Sports group of Maciek Kaminski and his son Mikhail – Americans who have built wealth in real estate – is significant. The level of investment reportedly is around $100m, which would help meet Western United's debts. But the deal – as noted by APL chair Stephen Conroy in the release – remains 'pending', and is subject to 'successful completion of the necessary approval processes by Wyndham city, the APL and regulatory processes by Football Australia'. While many in the football community have hailed the announcement as good news, others have been more cautious. The Kaminskis were reportedly set to buy Belgian club KV Kortrijk in 2023, but the deal never eventuated. Professional Footballers Association chief executive, Beau Busch, is hopeful the investment secures Western United's future, but wants to ensure it is 'subject to a thorough and transparent due diligence process' – including by his own organisation – to ensure the best interests of the players, and the integrity of the competition, are upheld. 'Our clubs are operating in arguably the world's toughest and most competitive sports market in the world, as such we need to be clear on the fundamentals that are required to succeed,' he said. Busch cited clubs such as Western Sydney, Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC and Auckland who have strong backing, a clear market demand, the right match day infrastructure, and ambition to grow and build something for the local community. 'We've seen it time and again over the past 20 years,' he said. 'Clubs that fail on one or more of these fundamentals have been unable to succeed and have dragged the league down as well.' Of these four clubs, all but Sydney are taking part in the A-League Men finals, which continue on Saturday with another elimination clash between Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory. The winner of that match meets premiers Auckland in a two-legged semi-final.
News.com.au
09-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
A-League finals results and news: Botic fires Western United into semis, ends Adelaide's season
Noah Botic fired a hat-trick as Western United recovered from a nightmare start to beat Adelaide United and set up an A-League semi-final against Melbourne City. Just the third men's treble in Western's history saw them come from behind at Ironbark Fields after an upset had been threatened when Luka Jovanovic struck inside three minutes. The Adelaide striker, deputising for joint golden boot winner Archie Goodwin, sidelined by a hamstring injury, found space inside the penalty area to firmly head in Javi Lopez's precise cross. This, as it turned out, was an ill-advised red rag to a bull, and the direction of traffic quickly shifted, with the turnaround completed shortly past the half-hour mark. Botic's curler, finding the far corner via the unfortunate Bart Vriends, levelled matters when Adelaide, through some scrambled defence, were hoping the danger had passed. It, led by Botic, was just getting going. Angus Thurgate's swirling ball forward was gathered by the impish Riku Danzaki, who gave Botic the ingredients to produce a first-time, left-footed finish at the near post. A third unanswered goal, completing Botic's first senior hat-trick, proved critical for not only securing him the matchball but the team's progression, as Stefan Mauk gave the visitors faint hope during the closing exchanges. NOAH BOTIC IS ON FIRE - SPREAD THE WORD 🙌😮â€�ðŸ'¨ The @wufcofficial star notches a hat-trick in the Elimination Final. He's just inevitable 🚀 ðŸ'° Watch #WUNvADL live and exclusive NOW on Paramount+ — Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) May 9, 2025 WESTERN MAKE GOOD ON BAD BEGINNING Adelaide's opening act indicated the Reds had rested well thanks to their round 29 bye, but they would not last the distance. Contrastingly, Western did not have a kick up to Jovanovic's opener, with this serving as a much-needed wake-up call. From the moment they fell behind, it was wave after wave of green and black attacks. There was a Matthew Grimaldi rebound correctly ruled out for an offside in the build-up, and Michael Ruhs - through a one-on-one and a free header - could have scored twice before Botic wrestled the tie in Western's direction, taking his goal tally to 15 for the campaign. . @AdelaideUnited pull a goal back thanks to Stefan Mauk! 🫡ðŸ'´ He gives the Reds a glimmer of hope in the Elimination Final. Is a comeback on the cards?! ðŸ'° Watch #WUNvADL live and exclusive NOW on Paramount+ — Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) May 9, 2025 CARL VEART: OVER AND OUT Adelaide lost their first elimination finals match under Carl Veart's stewardship in his final game as their manager. His departure was announced in April and appeared scheduled for the first weekend of May when they ended 2024/25 by winning one in 11. Instead, back-to-back Sydney FC losses saw the Reds cling onto sixth. However, the 54-year-old's stay of execution was almost as short-lived as his team's lead in Tarneit. MELBOURNE CITY MATCHUP NEXT John Aloisi's side, the highest-ranked elimination final winner, courtesy of finishing third, will do battle with their Victoria neighbours over the next two weekends. It is, though, doubtful they will be able to stage a home semi-final at Ironbark Fields, with the likelihood that both legs will be played at AAMI Park. This was the venue for each of their regular-season clashes, during which City claimed two victories to nil.
The Advertiser
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Hat-trick hero Botic sends Western into ALM semis
Western United will meet Melbourne City in the A-League Men semi-finals after star striker Noah Botic's hat-trick inspired a 3-2 elimination final comeback win over Adelaide. John Aloisi's charges will meet City in back-to-back legs at AAMI Park after beating the Reds - in what proved departing Adelaide coach Carl Veart's final game - in a pulsating encounter before 3078 fans at Ironbark Fields. It was third-placed United's first men's final at their Tarneit base, and they won't play there again this season. Reds striker Luka Jovanovic, deputising for injured golden boot winner Archie Goodwin, headed Adelaide in front after just three minutes. But Botic's deflected strike in the 20th minute put Western level, then he delivered the lead 11 minutes later. On his finals debut, Socceroos aspirant Botic sealed his first senior hat-trick with a wonderful finish in the 63rd minute, with Tony Popovic's assistant Hayden Foxe among those watching on. Botic, 23, is just the third United ALM player to score a hat-trick, and the youngest of five finals hat-trick scorers in league history. Stefan Mauk gave Adelaide a pulse in the 79th minute but Western held their nerve. The hosts' night was soured by an injury to veteran centre-back James Donachie, who suffered an adductor strain and was immediately substituted for Tate Russell in the 13th minute. Things were looking peachy for Adelaide, who just sneaked into sixth place ahead of Sydney FC, when Javi Lopez whipped a wicked cross into the near post, where Jovanovic beat Matt Sutton with a wicked bullet header. The goal kicked Western into action and they dominated proceedings. Their goal arrived when an attempted Adelaide clearance deflected off Rhys Bozinovski and toward Botic, who neatly turned and shot. The ball took a deflection off Bart Vriends to beat Max Vartuli. For Western's second, Bozinovski brilliantly won possession from Ethan Alagich in the middle of the park, drove forward and worked the ball to Angus Thurgate. The midfielder unleashed a wonderful cross-field ball to Riku Danzaki, who flicked it on for Botic to take a touch and beat Vartuli at his near post. For Botic's third, Danzaki slipped the striker through on the edge of the box and he took a touch before rifling home with his left. Adelaide revived their night when Dylan Pierias burst down the right and whipped in a cross, with Mauk steaming in at the back post to score. Vartuli brilliantly denied Hiroshi Ibusuki in the 83rd minute but Adelaide couldn't conjure an equaliser. Western United will meet Melbourne City in the A-League Men semi-finals after star striker Noah Botic's hat-trick inspired a 3-2 elimination final comeback win over Adelaide. John Aloisi's charges will meet City in back-to-back legs at AAMI Park after beating the Reds - in what proved departing Adelaide coach Carl Veart's final game - in a pulsating encounter before 3078 fans at Ironbark Fields. It was third-placed United's first men's final at their Tarneit base, and they won't play there again this season. Reds striker Luka Jovanovic, deputising for injured golden boot winner Archie Goodwin, headed Adelaide in front after just three minutes. But Botic's deflected strike in the 20th minute put Western level, then he delivered the lead 11 minutes later. On his finals debut, Socceroos aspirant Botic sealed his first senior hat-trick with a wonderful finish in the 63rd minute, with Tony Popovic's assistant Hayden Foxe among those watching on. Botic, 23, is just the third United ALM player to score a hat-trick, and the youngest of five finals hat-trick scorers in league history. Stefan Mauk gave Adelaide a pulse in the 79th minute but Western held their nerve. The hosts' night was soured by an injury to veteran centre-back James Donachie, who suffered an adductor strain and was immediately substituted for Tate Russell in the 13th minute. Things were looking peachy for Adelaide, who just sneaked into sixth place ahead of Sydney FC, when Javi Lopez whipped a wicked cross into the near post, where Jovanovic beat Matt Sutton with a wicked bullet header. The goal kicked Western into action and they dominated proceedings. Their goal arrived when an attempted Adelaide clearance deflected off Rhys Bozinovski and toward Botic, who neatly turned and shot. The ball took a deflection off Bart Vriends to beat Max Vartuli. For Western's second, Bozinovski brilliantly won possession from Ethan Alagich in the middle of the park, drove forward and worked the ball to Angus Thurgate. The midfielder unleashed a wonderful cross-field ball to Riku Danzaki, who flicked it on for Botic to take a touch and beat Vartuli at his near post. For Botic's third, Danzaki slipped the striker through on the edge of the box and he took a touch before rifling home with his left. Adelaide revived their night when Dylan Pierias burst down the right and whipped in a cross, with Mauk steaming in at the back post to score. Vartuli brilliantly denied Hiroshi Ibusuki in the 83rd minute but Adelaide couldn't conjure an equaliser. Western United will meet Melbourne City in the A-League Men semi-finals after star striker Noah Botic's hat-trick inspired a 3-2 elimination final comeback win over Adelaide. John Aloisi's charges will meet City in back-to-back legs at AAMI Park after beating the Reds - in what proved departing Adelaide coach Carl Veart's final game - in a pulsating encounter before 3078 fans at Ironbark Fields. It was third-placed United's first men's final at their Tarneit base, and they won't play there again this season. Reds striker Luka Jovanovic, deputising for injured golden boot winner Archie Goodwin, headed Adelaide in front after just three minutes. But Botic's deflected strike in the 20th minute put Western level, then he delivered the lead 11 minutes later. On his finals debut, Socceroos aspirant Botic sealed his first senior hat-trick with a wonderful finish in the 63rd minute, with Tony Popovic's assistant Hayden Foxe among those watching on. Botic, 23, is just the third United ALM player to score a hat-trick, and the youngest of five finals hat-trick scorers in league history. Stefan Mauk gave Adelaide a pulse in the 79th minute but Western held their nerve. The hosts' night was soured by an injury to veteran centre-back James Donachie, who suffered an adductor strain and was immediately substituted for Tate Russell in the 13th minute. Things were looking peachy for Adelaide, who just sneaked into sixth place ahead of Sydney FC, when Javi Lopez whipped a wicked cross into the near post, where Jovanovic beat Matt Sutton with a wicked bullet header. The goal kicked Western into action and they dominated proceedings. Their goal arrived when an attempted Adelaide clearance deflected off Rhys Bozinovski and toward Botic, who neatly turned and shot. The ball took a deflection off Bart Vriends to beat Max Vartuli. For Western's second, Bozinovski brilliantly won possession from Ethan Alagich in the middle of the park, drove forward and worked the ball to Angus Thurgate. The midfielder unleashed a wonderful cross-field ball to Riku Danzaki, who flicked it on for Botic to take a touch and beat Vartuli at his near post. For Botic's third, Danzaki slipped the striker through on the edge of the box and he took a touch before rifling home with his left. Adelaide revived their night when Dylan Pierias burst down the right and whipped in a cross, with Mauk steaming in at the back post to score. Vartuli brilliantly denied Hiroshi Ibusuki in the 83rd minute but Adelaide couldn't conjure an equaliser.
