Match Report 2025 Annual Charity Soccer Match

By Alarah Rodrigues

Just two minutes into the game and the Pick A Local, Pick SA! Team were on the board with Captain Peter Mercurio notching the first score for the day.

With no time wasted, this was quickly followed by another from Lucas Cosmidis and that set the tone for the rest of the match.

While supporters outside Coopers Stadium could no doubt hear Katrine Hildyard’s sideline cheering, it wasn’t enough to get the Government team through the Pick A Local, Pick SA ! defences. Gov keeper Mark Spagnoletti had his work cut out.

Despite some valiant mid-field stoushes and a number of attempts, Gov couldn’t get the numbers on the board.  Sensational effort by industry keeper Jack Cafcakis who didn’t let any slip past.

Gov Captain Shane Pearce looked like he’d done it in the final minutes of the first half with the scoreboard reflecting Gov’s first goal, only for it to be called offside and the board went back to 2 for industry and  0 for the Gov team as the whistle called half-time.

While Gov Coach Marcelo Carrusco searched for answers short of taking to the ground himself, Pick a Local, Pick SA! Coach Mark Brazzale had his team fired up for the second half.

It may have been questionable at times just how many players both teams had on the ground, but the next three goals went to industry thanks to Jamie Demasi and Cosmidis again with Carlos Romeo sealing the fate of the Gov team who couldn’t find the answer this year.

Pick a Local, Pick SA! took the 2025 Rural Support Charity Match 5-0.

The Gov Team would like it noted that they did win the previous two games, so overall it actually is now Gov- 2, Industry -1.

The real winners are those it is all about….  The 2025 Rural Support Charity Match raised an amazing $173,000 for the farmers doing it tough.

Thanks to all who have donated, and particular thanks to; Adelaide United, Foodland, BankSA, South Australian Produce Markets and Rural Business Support.  Thanks also to the incredible businesses sponsoring all players.