Matchday five of the 2022 U-NITE Cup was completed in wet and blustery conditions over the weekend as teams jostle for supremacy.
The U-NITE Cup is hosted by the Melbourne Chinese Soccer Association (MCSA) and has been running since 2014.
The tournament is a celebration of cultural diversity, bringing together teams representing nations from across the globe.
There are 24 Men’s and 10 Women’s teams competing in this year’s event with the Grand Final set to be held on Sunday, January 15.
Team China's James Robson and Turkey's Emre Dasoglu lead the male Golden Boot with eight goals so far, while Australia United's Georgia Groidis, Turkiye Girls' Molly Mae Ramsey and UNITE's Riahannon Jacobs top the women's competition with four goals.
After four weeks of competition, Afghan United sit a game clear on top of Group A in the men’s draw on the back of a 5-3 win against Iraq last week.
Second-placed Congo is in red-hot form after smashing Liberian Panthers 10-0, while Vietnam got the better of Egypt 6-5 in a thrilling contest.
China leads all-comers in Group B, following a 3-1 victory over Malaysia, while Somalia is only goal difference behind the group leaders after their 3-4 triumph over Australia B. In the final match of the group the Himalayan Tigers Nepal notched their first victory of the tournament against the Syria Eagles 1-3.
In Group C, Turkey remains the only undefeated side aft their 2-3 win over TL Galaxy. Brasil is one game behind as they defeated Timor Leste 1-3 and third-placed Columbia defeated Mauritius 4-1 to stay in touch with the top two.
Korea extended their unbeaten run in Group D with a 0-3 victory over Fiji, Afghan Premiers defeated SE South Sudan 4-0, and Sunshine South Sudan and Zimbabwe couldn’t be separated, finishing the match with one goal apiece.
In Group A of the women’s draw, Australia United extended their lead on top of the group with a 3-1 win over Mauritius. Second-placed Chile defeated Melbourne United A, while the winless Zebras had the bye.
UNITE maintained their supremacy of Group B in week four, accounting for Villarreal Melbourne 0-2 who remain in second spot. Melbourne United B is the next best in the group after defeating Viva Italia 0-3 and Turkiye girls enjoyed the week’s break.
Week five of the U-NITE Cup group games will be played across three sports venues on Sunday, November 27.
Be sure to come along and support your team and enjoy some classic community football with your family and friends.
The tournament winners will experience a unique Melbourne Victory matchday experience at the club’s January 26 doubleheader for the Club’s U-NITE match with Sydney FC.
The 2021 champions were Afghan United (Men) and Roxburgh Park United (Women).