North Eastern MetroStars SC

History

The club was initially known as the Metro Knights before a name change in 1999 to avoid a naming conflict with the Para Hills Knights. A verbal agreement with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars of Major League Soccer was reached to rename the team to the North Eastern MetroStars. Committee members that founded the club were Peter Pipicella, Andrew Perrone, Tony Taormina, Ady DiBartolo, Frank Calipari and Rob Rende and the requirement was that the passion for good value soccer and love of the game would always be the driving force behind the club.

It started playing in Division 2 of the Saturday Amateur league in 1995, won promotion into Division 1, and quickly became the dominant side in the league.

The club entered the SASF State League in 1999 and won promotion to the Premier League in its first season.

MetroStars has subsequently cemented its position in the top South Australian football league and has developed into one of the league's leading clubs. During the formation of the FFSA and the Super League, MetroStars supported the federation, and in early 2006 was the first club to become a member.

They have recently become a more dominant force in the Super League over the last few years winning in both the senior and reserves squads. They have also produced young talents such as Jason Spagnuolo, Fabian Barbiero and Francesco Monterosso, all who have been recruited by Adelaide United, whilst Adriano Pellegrino and Shane Smeltz have gone onto other A-League clubs' books.

On 25 August 2012 they won the Federation Cup final against Para Hills Knights for the third time.

In September 2012, the club won its third League championship. MetroStars won back to back National Premier Leagues South Australia Minor Premierships in 2013 and 2014.

In October 2014, MetroStars defeated New South Wales outfit Bonnyrigg White Eagles 1–0 to claim the NPL National Championship.

In June 2016, MetroStars defeated Adelaide Comets 1–0 at Hindmarsh Stadium to win the FFSA Federation Cup and qualify for the FFA Cup.

In June 2017, MetroStars defeated Adelaide City 2–0 at Hindmarsh Stadium to win the FFSA Federation Cup and qualify for the FFA Cup Round of 32 for the third year running.

In July 2025, MetroStars won the NPL South Australia championship for the third consecutive year and subsequently qualified for the inaugural edition of the Australian Championship.

Current squad

Non-playing staff

Ref:

Notable former players

** List of professional footballers who have played for the club.*

• AUS Adam van Dommele
• AUS Adriano Pellegrino
• AUS Ariath Piol
• AUS Austin Ayoubi
• AUS Christian Esposito
• AUS Fabian Barbiero
• AUS Francesco Monterosso
• AUS Jason Spagnuolo
• AUS Lachlan Barr
• AUS Liam Wooding
• AUS Louis Brain
• AUS Michael Matricciani
• AUS Scott Tunbridge
• AUS Travis Dodd
• NZL Shane Smeltz
• AUS James Troisi

Club honours

National

• National Premier Leagues :Winners (1): 2014

State

• South Australian First Division Championship :Winners (3): 2004, 2009, 2012 :Runner-up (3): 2003, 2008, 2014

• South Australian First Division Premiership :Winners (12): 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2023, 2024, 2025 :Runner-up (2): 2008, 2018

• South Australian Second Division Championship :Runner-up (1): 1999

• Federation Cup :Winners (6): 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2023 :Runner-up (4): 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010

• Summer Night Series :Winners (4): 2003, 2005, 2008, 2011 :Runner-up (2): 2009, 2010

Ref:

References

References

1. "T.K. Shutter Reserve".
2. (30 October 2019). "MetroStars release 25 year commemorative logo". North Eastern MetroStars SC.
3. (12 January 2012). "Barbiero's unusual rise".
4. "History".
5. (4 October 2014). "MetroStars crowned PS4 NPL Champions".
6. "Liam Wooding's strike sends MetroStars into FFA Cup | Goal.com".
7. (28 June 2017). "MetroStars march on to Round of 32".
8. (8 October 2025). "Inaugural Australian Championship squads announced".
9. "Club Structure".
10. "Honour Roll".