2009/10 Hyundai A-League Thread

[Adelaide Titan]

Adelaide United - 1 (Dodd)
Perth Glory - 0
@ Hindmarsh Stadium

Crowd was an impressive 13.5k+!

Adelaide's defence was solid but maybe could improve on the attack a bit more. When Owusu is fit, watch out!

GO YOU REDS!!!

[DIEHARD]

God the Fury and Roar jerseys are awful. Maroon clashing with orange and lime green clashing with dark green. I like the Sydney jersey.

[kwigibo]

Go United! keep it up in the 2nd.

[daveyk]

whats the score and what channel is it on???

[kwigibo]

whats the score and what channel is it on???

It's on fox sports news, the whole game live, 2-0 to GCU

[kwigibo]

Roar get a shot in front. 2-1

[kwigibo]

Robson! Whoooooooooooooooooo, 3-1.

[Adelaide Titan]

Very nice debut game for the Coast, a serious threat. Nth Qld got so close to getting a point from Sydney but lost it late. Good to see Fowler scoring on debut as well. theres been 4 penalties this round already. I'm liking the look of this season a lot

---

Nth Qld Fury - 2 (Fowler, Griffiths)
Sydney FC - 3 (Aloisi x 2, Danning)
@ Dairy Farmers Stadium

Brisbane Roar - 1 (Van Dijk)
Gold Coast United - 3 (Smeltz, Culina, Robson)
@ Suncorp Stadium


Tomorrow:
Newcastle Jets vs Wellington Phoenix
@ Energy Australia Stadium

Don't waste your time watching it guys

[Adelaide Titan]

Okay so i was wrong and it wasnt a bad game...The Jets stole it late. They were up 2-0 but the Nix clawed back to 2-2.

Newcastle Jets - 3 (Hoffman x 2, Naidovski)
Wellington Phoenix - 2 (Sigmund, Greenacre)
@ Energy Australia Stadium

[Adelaide Titan]

There were upsets, controversy, thrilling comebacks and heartbreaking losses in Round 1 of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season; just what the doctor ordered. If this is what Round 1 is going throw up for us this season, then we have a season to look forward to.

Results ? Round 1
Melbourne Victory 0 lost CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 2
ADELAIDE UNITED 1 beat Perth Glory 0
North Queensland Fury 2 lost SYDNEY FC 3
Brisbane Roar 1 lost GOLD COAST UNITED 3
NEWCASTLE JETS 3 beat Wellington Phoenix 2

Game Wraps

Who would have guessed it; last season?s Champions being beaten by a massive underdog, whose in 2009 had failed to win a competition match. Central Coast Mariners secured their first win at Etihad Stadium in a tough match, which Melbourne Victory never really got into. Two goals inside the first 15 minutes from Matt Simon and former Celtic midfielder Michael McClinchey (via a massive deflection off Rod Vargas) had the Mariners in control and the Victory crowd stunned into silence. As expected Victory then dominated possession for the remainder of the game, but never really looked like pegging back the two-goal deficit. Victory?s night was made even worse with captain Kevin Muscat forced off with a heel injury that is likely to sideline him for a few weeks.

A new look Perth Glory, with all three new Qantas Socceroos signings in toe, headed to Adelaide to try and break a three-game losing streak against the Red?s. But it was a fired up Adelaide that continued their domination of Glory, with a 1-0 win thanks to a Travis Dodd penalty in the 31st minute. Glory?s Chris Coyne was ruled to have tugged at the shirt of Robert Cornthwaite as they went for a corner and on linesman?s advice the penalty was awarded and Dodd made no mistake. Adelaide?s tenacity without the ball never really allowed Perth and rhythm and the win was made a little bit closer than it should have been, such was Adelaide domination of the match. Both teams suffered injuries in the match with Adelaide losing Lucas Pantelis and Paul Reid, while Perth will lose Jamie Coyne to a knee injury for at least six weeks.

New boys North Queensland Fury gave a good account of themselves up in Townsville, despite going down to Sydney FC 3-2. Sydney got off to a flyer, when John Aloisi scored on a quick counter-attack after just 4 minutes and then Kofi Danning scored a great individual goal in the 28th minute. Royston Griffiths has the honour of being the first goalscorer for Fury when he headed home just before half time and then on the hour mark, the goal all Fury fans wanted to see came, when marquee player Robbie Fowler leveled the game with a cool finish from the penalty spot. But Sydney eventually came out on top, with Aloisi scoring a penalty of his own in the 73rd minute after Alex Brosque was brought down by Paul Henderson in the box. For Aloisi scoring the double is just the start he wanted, after scoring just as many for the whole of last season.

Gold Coast United showed they are the real deal with a terrific 3-1 win over Brisbane Roar in a passionate first up Queensland derby game at Suncorp Stadium. While Brisbane had the majority of the play, Gold Coast showed just how clinical they can be in front of goal, scoring three times of their few chances. Last season?s Player of the Year and leading goalscorer Shane Smeltz opened the scoring with his first chance of the night, expertly tucking away a cross from Joel Porter. United?s marquee player Qantas Socceroo Jason Culina then made it 2-0 with a cool finish early in the second half to have his team in the box seat. Brisbane had a lifeline on 90 minutes when they received a penalty which Sergio van Dijk converted, but two minutes later, Robson strolled through the parting Roar defence to strike home truly and give Gold Coast a dream debut.

The final match was another five-goal thriller with last season?s wooden-spooners Newcastle Jets coming out on top 3-2 thanks to a late winner from Qantas Young Socceroo Jason Naidovski. Naidovski?s international team mate Jason Hoffman also had a dream match, scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes, for his first goals in the Hyundai A-League. Hoffman was hand to lob a shot over Mark Paston in the 12th minute and then picked up a real goal poacher?s goal eight minutes later; slamming home after Paston couldn?t hold a Jin-Hyung Song shot. Wellington though showed their fighting qualities, with Ben Sigmund heading home in the 26th minute and two minutes before half time Chris Greenacre saw his shot squirm under the dive of Ben Kennedy to make it even at the break. In a tense second half, Naidovski?s winner came from a cross by Sean Rooney in the 84th minute, heading home past the outstretched dive of Paston.

Weekend Goals Tally: 17

Attendances (total / average): 68,156

Goal of the Week
Kofi Danning is one of the hottest young talents in the Hyundai A-League this season and he gave us a glimpse of just why with his brilliant goal for Sydney against North Queensland. Receiving a long ball out wide on the right with his back to goal and surrounded by two defenders; he turned them inside out and raced towards goal and unleashed a thunderous low drive from the corner of the box past a stunned Paul Henderson and inside the far post.

Player of the Week
One thing that would have pleased Qantas Young Socceroos coach Jan Versleijen in the opening round was the performance of some of his players that will most likely play at the FIFA World Youth Cup in several months time. One player in the frame is Newcastle Jets striker Jason Hoffman and his two goals on the opening weekend of the season will have put a big smile on the Dutchman?s face. It was Hoffman?s first goals in the Hyundai A-League after 20 previous appearances without a goal and there is no doubt a few more will be expected of the lanky striker for both club and country.

One to Watch
The Mariners caused the biggest boilover of the opening round with their 2-0 win over Melbourne Victory on Thursday night. Former Celtic midfielder Michael McClinchey was a late signing and was thrust straight into the limelight and came through with flying colours. He was industrious and it was his shot, which did take a big deflection that resulted in the second goal for the Mariners after just 15 minutes. The more games and time he gets with his new team mates should ensure he becomes a key figure for the Mariners this season.

Leading Goalscorers
2 ? John Aloisi (SFC), Jason Hoffman (NJ)
1 - Sergio Van Dijk (QR), Matt Simon (CCM), Michael McClinchey (CCM), Travis Dodd (AU), Robbie Fowler (NQF), Royston Griffiths (NFC), Kofi Danning (SFC), Jason Culina (GCU), Shane Smeltz (GCU), Robson (GCU), Jason Naidovski (NJ), Ben Sigmund (WP), Chris Greenacre (WP


www.a-league.com.au

[Adelaide Titan]

Adam Griffiths has left Gold Coast United to play in Saudi Arabia. He's only in it for the money. I wouldnt wanna leave a new promising club like GCU to play there just for money. Big loss for you guys in defence but have the depth to cover for it.

Round 2 Preview to come...

[kwigibo]

Adam Griffiths has left Gold Coast United to play in Saudi Arabia. He's only in it for the money. I wouldnt wanna leave a new promising club like GCU to play there just for money. Big loss for you guys in defence but have the depth to cover for it.

Round 2 Preview to come...

The GC ain't perfect but it'd take a buttload of cash to make Saudi Arabia look better.

[kwigibo]

And who's going to the game on saturday?

[shamus]

And who's going to the game on saturday?

Me......but the Brother In Law won't be happy as it is his 50th.

I haven't told him yet..

[Adelaide Titan]

Round 2 Preview

After an exciting opening round that saw 17 goals, Round 2 is set to explode with the F3 Derby, another Queensland derby with Gold Coast United’s first home match at Skilled Park, and three other important matches in Melbourne, Wellington and Sydney.

This is the Official Preview for the Hyundai A-League Round 2. Please note squads are subject to change.

Stats, Facts & Milestones

Round 2 looks set for even more football action and excitement with the Hyundai A-League preparing for its 1000th goal.

With 990 goals scored in the Hyundai A-League to date, Round 2 looks set to see a new milestone in its history with the 1000th Hyundai A-League goal up for grabs and the first F3 Derby for the season when 2nd-placed Central Coast take on close neighbours, 3rd-placed Newcastle Jets.



Weekend Matches

Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets
Friday 14 August, 2009
Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Local kick-off 8.00pm
Referee: Ben Williams

Live & exclusive broadcast on Fox Sports 3 and Sky Sports 1.
Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is Coast FM 96.3 (Gosford).
To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au

Central Coast Mariners: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 4. Pedj BOJIC, 5. Brad PORTER, 7. John HUTCHINSON, 8. Dean HEFFERNAN, 9. Nik MRDJA, 11. Dylan MACALLISTER, 14. Michael MCGLINCHEY, 16. Nigel BOOGAARD, 18. Alex WILKINSON (c), 19. Matt SIMON, 20. Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 21. Ahmad ELRICH, 22. Nicky TRAVIS, 23. Adam KWASNIK

In: Nik MRDJA (promoted)

Out: Chris DOIG (calf)

Others Unavailable: Shane HUKE (knee – 4/5 weeks)

Newcastle Jets Squad: 1. Ben KENNEDY (gk), 2. Angelo COSTANZO, 3. Adam D’APUZZO, 4. Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY, 5. Ljubo MILICEVIC, 7. Jin-Hyung SONG, 8. Matt THOMPSON (c), 9. Sasho PETROVSKI, 11. Tarek ELRICH, 15. Sean ROONEY, 16. Jason HOFFMAN, 17. Fabio VIGNAROLI, 19. Jason NAIDOVSKI, 20. Neil YOUNG (gk), 24. Chris TRIANTIS

In: Nil

Out: Nil

Others Unavailable: 6. Ben KANTAROVSKI (knee – 2 weeks), 10. Donny DE GROOT (knee – indefinite), 12. Jobe WHEELHOUSE (ankle – indefinite), 13. Shaun ONTONG (groin – 2 weeks), 18. Marko JESIC (knee – indefinite), 22. Kaz PATAFTA (back – indefinite)

Stats, Facts & Milestones
The Mariners will be aiming to avoid creating a new club record for most consecutive losses at home – having lost their last three home matches.
Newcastle Jets are aiming to avoid a similar record having lost their previous five matches away – never before have the Jets lost six consecutive matches on the road.

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS in all official competitions
All matches (played 17): Central Coast Mariners wins 5, Newcastle Jets wins 6 (6 draws).
In Gosford (played 8): Central Coast Mariners wins 3, Newcastle Jets wins 1 (4 draws)



Gold Coast United v North Queensland Fury
Saturday 15 August 2009
Skilled Stadium, Robina
Local Kick-off: 5.30pm
Referee: Chris Beath

Live & exclusive broadcast on Fox Sports 3.
To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au

Gold Coast United Squad: 20.Scott HIGGINS (gk), 2.Steve PANTELIDIS, 3.Michael THWAITE, 4.Daniel PIORKOWSKI, 5.ROBSON, 7.Zenon CARAVELLA, 9.Shane SMELTZ, 10.Jason CULINA (capt), 11.MILSON, 13.Bas VAN DEN BRINK, 14.Joel PORTER, 15.Tahj MINNIECON, 16.Kristian REES, 17.Matt OSMAN, 22.Adama TRAORE, 23.Steve FITZSIMMONS, 30.Jerrad TYSON (gk – yth). *two to be omitted

In: Zenon CARAVELLA (return from groin injury), Adama TRAORE (promoted), Steve FITZSIMMONS (promoted).

Out: Adam GRIFFITHS (not selected).

Others Unavailable: JEFFERSON (knee injury – 10 weeks), James BROWN (shin injury – 1 week), Jess VANSTRATTAN (ankle injury – 2 weeks)

North Queensland Fury Squad: 1. Paul HENDERSON (gk), 2. Robbie MIDDLEBY, 3. Chris TADROSSE, 7. Jason SPAGNUOLO, 8. Shane STEFANUTTO, 9. Robbie FOWLER (c), 11. David WILLIAMS, 12. Jack HINGERT, 13. Beau BUSCH, 14. Chris GROSSMAN, 15. Fred AGIUS, 16.Paul KOHLER, 18. James ROBINSON, 19. Daniel MCBREEN, 20. Justin PASFIELD (gk)

In: 8. Shane STEFANUTTO (new signing)

Out: 17. Osama MALIK (thigh 1-2 weeks)

Others Unavailable: Jeremy BROCKIE – quadriceps (6-8 weeks), Jacob TIMPANO – hamstring (8weeks), U*** TALAY – calf (2-3 weeks), Scott WILSON – foot (6-8 weeks)

Stats, Facts & Milestones
Gold Coast United are aiming to be the first Hyundai A-League club to win their first two matches.
North Queensland Fury players Karl Dodd and Paul Kohler are each set to make their 50th Hyundai A-League appearance

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD in all official competitions
N/a



Melbourne Victory v Brisbane Roar
Saturday 15 August, 2009
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Local kick-off 7.30pm
Referee: Stebre Delovski

Live & exclusive broadcast on Fox Sports 3.
To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com.au

Melbourne Victory: 1.Mitchell LANGERAK (gk), 5.Surat SUHKA, 6.Leigh BROXHAM, 7.Matthew KEMP, 8.Grant BREBNER, 9.Danny ALLSOPP, 10.Archie THOMPSON, 11.NEY FABIANO, 12.Rodrigo VARGAS (c), 14.Billy CELESKI, 15.Tom PONDELJAK, 16.Carlos HERNANDEZ, 19.Evan BERGER, 20.Glen MOSS (gk), 22.Nick WARD

In: 5.Surat SUHKA (promoted)

Out: 2.Kevin MUSCAT (hamstring – 4-6 weeks)

Others Unavailable: Nil

Brisbane Roar Squad: 1. Liam REDDY (gk), 3. Luke DEVERE, 4. Craig MOORE (c), 5. Josh McCLOUGHAN, 6. David DODD, 7. Michael ZULLO, 9. Sergio VAN DIJK, 10. Charlie MILLER, 12. Matt MUNDY, 13. HENRIQUE, 15. Matt McKAY, 16. Bob MALCOLM, 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 18. Danny TIATTO, 20. Griffin McMASTER (rgk), 24. Robbie KRUSE. *one to be omitted

In: 6. David DODD (promoted), 12. Matt MUNDY (promoted)

Out: 2. Andrew PACKER (torn adductor 2-3 months)

Others Unavailable: 8. Massimo Murdocca (fractured leg – 3-4 months)

Stats, Facts & Milestones
Melbourne Victory midfielder Grant Brebner is set to celebrate his 300th appearance at national league level making 192 league appearances in Scotland (with Hibernian and Dundee United) and 51 appearances in England (Cambridge, Reading and Stockport)

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS in all official competitions
All matches (played 12): Melbourne Victory wins 7, Brisbane Roar wins 4 (1 draw).
In Melbourne (played 6): Melbourne Victory wins 3, Brisbane Roar wins 3 (0 draws)



Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory
Sunday, 16 August 2009
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Local kick-off: 5.00pm (3.00pm AEST)
Referee: Peter O’Leary

Live & exclusive broadcast on Fox Sports 3 and Sky Sports 1.
Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is The Radio Network 1035 AM (Wellington) and 6PR 882 AM (Perth).
To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.co.nz

Wellington Phoenix Squad: 1. Mark PASTON (gk), 2. Manny MUSCAT, 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 4. Jon McKAIN, 5. DIEGO, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL. 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Michael FERRANTE, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 16. David MULLIGAN. 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 20. Reece CROWTHER (gk), 21. Marco ROJAS, 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Costa BARBAROUSES. *four to be omitted

In: Nil

Out: Nil

Others Unavailable: Nil

Perth Glory Squad: 1.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 4.Andy TODD, 6.Chris COYNE, 7.Jacob BURNS (c), 8.Victor SIKORA, 10.Wayne SRHOJ, 11.Branko JELIC, 12.Scott NEVILLE, 14.Eugene DADI, 15.Howard FONDYKE, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.Todd HOWARTH, 18.Brent GRIFFITHS, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20.Aleks VRTESKI (gk), 21.Mile STERJOVSKI, 23.Andrija JUKIC *two to be omitted

In: 10.Wayne SRHOJ (return from injury)

Out: 3.Jamie COYNE (knee – 4 weeks)

Others Unavailable: Jimmy DOWNEY (knee – 6 weeks), Jamie HARNWELL (hamstring – 2 weeks), Scott BULLOCH (achilles – 2 weeks), Anthony SKORICH (hip – 7 weeks)

Stats, Facts & Milestones
Wellington Phoenix defender Jon McKain is due to play his 200th national league match. McKain previously played at Brisbane Strikers in the old NSL before moving to Romania where he played with National Bucharest and Politehnica Timisoara

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS in all official competitions
All matches (played 6): Wellington Phoenix wins 3, Perth Glory wins 2 (1 draw)
In Wellington (played 3): Wellington Phoenix wins 2, Perth Glory wins 0 (1 draw)



Sydney FC v Adelaide United
Sunday 16 August, 2009
Sydney Football Stadium
Local kick-off 5.00pm
Referee: Matthew Breeze

Live & exclusive broadcast on Fox Sports 1.
Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is LIFE FM.
To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au

Sydney FC Squad: 1. Clint BOLTON (gk), 3. Stephan KELLER, 4. Simon COLOSIMO, 5. Mitchell PRENTICE, 6. Karol KISEL, 7. Brendan GAN, 8. Stuart MUSIALIK, 9. John ALOISI, 10. Steve CORICA (c), 11. Kofi DANNING, 12. Shannon COLE, 14. Alex BROSQUE, 15. Terry MCFLYNN, 17. Matthew JURMAN, 19. Mark BRIDGE, 20. Ivan NECEVSKI (gk), 22. Sung Hwan BYUN. *two to be omitted

In: 5. Mitchell PRENTICE (promoted), 8. Stuart MUSIALIK (promoted).

Out: n/a

Others Unavailable: 2. Sebastian RYALL (suspended – 3 weeks)

Adelaide United Squad: 1.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk), 2.Robert CORNTHWAITE, 3.ALEMAO, 4.Iain FYFE, 6.CASSIO, 7.Lucas PANTELIS, 9.CRISTIANO, 10.Adam HUGHES, 12.Paul REID, 13.Travis DODD (c), 14.Scott JAMIESON, 15.Francesco MONTEROSSO, 16.Inseob SHIN, 17.Michael MARRONE, 20.Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk), 23.Joe COSTA, 30.Daniel GODLEY (gk). *two to be omitted

In: 16.Inseob SHIN (promoted), 20.Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk) (returns from international duty)

Out: Nil

Others Unavailable: Daniel MULLEN (hamstring – 2 weeks), Kristian SARKIES (calf – 2 weeks), Fabian BARBIERO (groin – 2 weeks)



Stats, Facts & Milestones
Adelaide United goalkeeper and reigning Hyundai A-League goalkeeper of the year Eugene Galekovic is set to make his 50th appearance in the Hyundai A-League

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS in all official competitions
All matches (played 14): Sydney FC wins 7, Adelaide United wins 5 (2 draws)
In Sydney (played 7): Sydney FC wins 5, Adelaide United wins 1 (1 draw)

Note: Match date and kick-off times are subject to change without notice.



BIRTHDAY BOYS

It’s a big week for birthdays with six teams lighting the candles for their players
• It’s a big Happy Birthday to Melbourne Victory’s Danny Allsopp who today turns 31.
• Central Coast Mariners Captain, Alex Wilkinson, turns 25 this Thursday while team mate Nigel Boogaard turns 23 the following day (14 August)
• Newcastle Jets will also be cutting the cake for two players. Jin-Hyung Song turns 22 on Thursday while Donny De Groot turns the big 30 on Sunday
• And another player turning 22 is Melbourne Victory’s Evan Berger also on Sunday


www.a-league.com.au

Battle of the 2 new teams..interesting! I would hope there would be at least 20k at that game with plenty making the trip from Townsville. Definately will watch the game. Serious bragging rights on the line here! But GCU i think have the edge. Also, good luck to a mate of mine, Osama Malik who should possibly be making his debut this after he recovers from his injury, one of the best young talents in the country from Adelaide!

Lots of grudge matches this week with the 2 new teams facing off and the F3 derby between the MAriners and Jets. If only Adelaide were playing Melbourne and Brisbane played Sydney it would be an all out rivalry, state of origin type weekend of soccer!


My Tips:

Mariners vs Jets
Gold Coast vs Fury
Victory vs Roar
Phoenix vs Glory
Sydney vs Reds


COME ON ADELAIDE!!!