FV Latrobe Valley – Round 1
Match Report
FV Latrobe Valley Senior Men's – Round 1
Falcons 2000 SC v Monash SC
Sunday April 15, 2026, 2pm
Venue: Morwell Recreation Reserve (Synthetic)
FALCONS PUNISHED BY CLINICAL, PHYSICAL MONASH
A wet, cold and blustery opening round set the tone for a bruising encounter as Monash SC produced a ruthless second-half display to overwhelm Falcons 2000 SC 5–1 on the Morwell Recreation Reserve synthetic field.
The reserve will serve as the Falcons’ temporary home for the 2026 season while works continue at the Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park, scheduled for completion in October.
Despite the conditions, both sides tried to play with intensity early, but it was Monash who settled first. Adam Semple opened the scoring in the 11th minute, finishing from long-range to give the visitors an early advantage.
Monash continued to impose themselves physically in a match that quickly became stop-start amid heavy challenges and a growing list of cautions.
Falcons were forced into defence for long periods, and matters worsened in the 37th minute when a Theo Pepere free-kick doubled Monash’s lead, capitalising on sustained pressure.
The first half was also marked by a series of yellow cards, including cautions to Ethan Lawrence for Monash, and Toby Capp and Thomas D’Alia for Falcons in a match that had the feel of two sides unwilling to yield an inch.
At 2–0 down, Falcons regrouped after the break and showed signs of life. Their persistence was rewarded in the 63rd minute when Thomas D’Alia found the net to bring the home side back into the contest at 2–1, briefly shifting momentum and lifting the home crowd.
However, Monash quickly extinguished any hopes of a comeback.
Semple struck again from the penalty spot in the 65th minute to restore the two-goal buffer, before Ryan McCluskey added a fourth in the 75th minute. Braden Paulet rounded out the scoring just three minutes later, completing a commanding late surge.
Further cautions to Edi Ali and Lachlan Spiteri reflected Falcons’ frustration as the game slipped away, while Monash’s physical and clinical approach proved decisive throughout.
For the Falcons, who finished third last season and entered 2026 with ambitions of mounting a title challenge, it was a sobering opening to the campaign.
Monash – last year’s Battle of Britain runners-up – showed exactly why they remain one of the league’s most difficult opponents, combining defensive resilience with ruthless finishing in testing conditions.
Match Details:
Falcons starting XI: Benjamin Nicholls (GK), Edi Ali, Gabrielle Bochicchio, Toby Capp, Thomas D'Alla, Joshua Gangi, Joshua Patterson, Lachlan Spiteri, Mohamad Taleb, Jayden Unmack, Jamie Pistrin (c).
Subs: Andrew Carbone, Benjamin Johnstone, Jordi Vacca.
Coach: Adrian Salvatore
Scorer: Thomas D'Alla 63'.
Cautions: Edi Ali 60', Toby Capp 40', Thomas D'Alla 42', Lachlan Spiteri 70'
Monash starting XI: Ryan Davis, Jesse Davis (c), Adam Semple, Jared Baldacchino, Ethan Lawrence, Theo Pepere, Kyle Jennings, Shawn Lawrence, Jamie Kent (GK), Cooper Baldacchino, Ryan McCluskey.
Subs: Braden Paulet, Justin Allman, Jake Dickason, Harry Shelley, Ryan Harvey.
Coach: Callum Polo & Ethan Lawrence
Scorers: Adam Semple 11', 65', Theo Pepere 37', Ryan McCluskey 75'.
Cautions: Ethan Lawrence 30', Ryan McCluskey 50'
Next Match:
FV Latrobe Valley Senior Men's – Round 2
Churchill United v Falcons 2000
Sunday 19 April 2026, 3pm
Venue: Hazlewood South Reserves
Match Report
FV Latrobe Valley Senior Women's – Round 1
Falcons 2000 v Monash SC
Sunday April 15, 2026, 4pm
Venue: Morwell Recreation Reserve (Synthetic)
LAPENTA SISTERS SHINE IN OPENING DAY MASTERCLASS
The 2026 season could not have begun in more emphatic fashion for Falcons 2000’s women’s side, producing a commanding 7–1 victory over Monash SC in a performance that combined attacking flair, relentless pressure and composure in difficult conditions.
On a wet and windy afternoon at the Morwell Recreation Reserve synthetic field, conditions steadily deteriorated as the match wore on, with fading light eventually forcing the venue's lights to be switched on late in proceedings.
Despite the challenging environment, Falcons never lost control as they hunted goal after goal.
It was a dream start for the home side, with Savannah Lapenta – playing her 50th game for the club – striking in the opening minute to set the tone immediately.
Falcons doubled the lead in the 12th minute through her sister, Monique Lapenta, signalling the beginning of a match to remember for the pair.
Sofia Crivari added a third just two minutes later, punishing Monash early and decisively.
Monash struggled to contain the tempo and movement of Falcons, who continued to create chances at will.
Savannah Lapenta added her second of the match in the 47th minute, before Monique Lapenta took complete control of the contest with a dominant second-half display.
The champion striker added further goals in the 49th, 62nd, and 86th minutes to finish with a four-goal haul and underline her influence in the final third.
Monash managed a consolation goal in the 70th minute through Tylah Bechaz but it did little to interrupt Falcons’ rhythm in a one-sided contest that showcased their attacking depth and intent for the season ahead.
It was also a memorable debut for new Falcons head coach Rob Guarascio, whose first competitive match in charge could scarcely have gone better. His side executed a stylish, front-foot style that Monash were unable to match, with enough chances to reach double figures.
For the Morwell-based side, the performance sets an early benchmark after last season's disappointing 8th-placed finish. They're clearly going to push higher in 2026, with the Lapenta duo already winning plaudits as the league's 'box office' combination.
Full Time: Falcons 2000 SC 7–1 Monash SC
Match Details:
Falcons starting XI: Gabriella Crivari (GK), Sheeny Whadcoat, Arielle Crivari, Madison Rossi, Malaya Noppert, Savannah Lapenta, Sofia Crivari, Kujile Mahmud, Talia Cook, Jade Derham, Monique Lapenta (c).
Coach: Robert Guarascio
Subs: Kryss Parrilla, Holly Pritchard, Rebekah Poynton.
Scorers: Sofia Crivari 14', Savannah Lapenta 47', Monique Lapenta 12', 49', 62', 86'.
Cautions: None
Monash starting XI: Brooklyn Valasek, Kate Wheldon, Madeleine Potts, Paris Portbury, Kyah Brown, Kiara Hiriart, Lara Bacon, Tylah Behcaz (c), Kelly-Lee Soles, Kaitlyn Jones, Laetesha Bird.
Coach: Lachlan Getzendorfer
Subs: Tia Jamieson, Alecja Flores De La O, Emma Bacon, Madalyn Valasek.
Scorer: Tylah Behcaz 70'.
Cautions: None
Next Match:
FV Latrobe Valley Senior Women's – Round 2
Churchill United v Falcons 2000
Sunday 19 April 2026, 11am
Venue: Hazlewood South Reserve
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