Seven in merit heaven
THE Gold Coast’s growing influence in Football Queensland’s elite competitions has been rewarded with seven players selected in NPL merit teams at the halfway point of the season.
With Gold Coast United defying expectations to sit fifth after 15 rounds of the men’s competition, captain Michael Thwaite (defender) and Englishman Conor Smith (midfielder) were this week named in the NPL Team of the Season.
Gold Coast Knights attacker Jayden Prasad, who has been a key figure in his side’s charge to third place, was also chosen, while teammate and midfielder Max Brown earned a spot on the bench.
United’s women, who sit seventh, were also recognised with the selection of defender Momo Hayashi and midfielder Rie Kitano in the NPL Women’s Team of the Season.
American striker Mackenzie Akins was a substitute.
Throughout the season, FQ has collected coaches’ votes to determine the Team of the Week for each round, with players selected in the Team of the Season based on how many times they have appeared in the weekly XI.
United’s men will return from a week’s break to host Moreton Bay United at 7pm today, while the Knights will play away to Mackay and Whitsundays at the same time.
Grae Piddick’s side was forced to play the final halfhour of Sunday’s 3-3 draw against Olympic with 10 men following an injury to Jaiden Walker, with Oskar Dillon netting an injury-time equaliser.
“It shows the strength of the squad to work together,” Piddick said.
“I’m really pleased with the boys coming (to Olympic) and playing out of position and just doing what they had to do. They did that job really well.
“There’s a lot to look forward to from that. When you’re 3-2 down in the 94th or 95th minute and you get an equaliser, you’ll take that every day of the week.”
Coming off a 2-2 draw with high-flying Lions, United’s women host Easts at 5pm today.