Adelaide United FC

Football club infobox
clubname = Adelaide United


fullname = Adelaide United FC
nickname = The Reds, United
founded = 2003
ground = Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide Oval,
Adelaide
capacity = 16,500, 33,597
chairman = flagicon|Australia Dario Fontanarosa
ceo = flagicon|Australia Sam Ciccarello
manager = flagicon|Australia Aurelio Vidmar
league = A-League
season = 2007–08
position = 6th (league)
pattern_la1=|pattern_b1=_Kit_frount_AU_reebok_spikes|pattern_ra1=
leftarm1=FF0000|body1=FF0000|rightarm1=FF0000|shorts1=FF0000|socks1=FF0000
pattern_la2=|pattern_b2=|pattern_ra2=
leftarm2=FF0000|body2=FFFFFF|rightarm2=FF0000|shorts2=FFFFFF|socks2=FFFFFF
firstgame = 1-0 at home vs Brisbane Strikers, October 17, 2003 [ [http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2003/09/12/944949.htm Adelaide United Enters NSL] ABC News Online, Friday September 13, 2003 "Retrieved on June 13th, 2008"]
largestwin = 5-1 vs Newcastle Jets, September 8, 2006
worstdefeat = 0-6 vs Melbourne Victory, February 18, 2007
topscorer = Travis Dodd 19
fansgroup = The Gate, Red Army

Adelaide United Football Club is a football (soccer) team in the Australian A-League based in Adelaide, South Australia. They currently participate in the A-League as the sole team from the state of South Australia. Adelaide is one of the most successful clubs in the A-League.

The club was founded in 2003 to fill the place vacated by Adelaide City Force in the former National Soccer League (NSL). They were minor premiers in the inaugural 2005-2006 A-League season, finishing 7 points clear of the rest of the competition, before finishing 3rd in the finals, The Reds were also Grand Finalists in the 2006-2007 A-League season.

The 2006/07 Season saw Brazilian international Romario join the club for a four-game stint. AUFC have the best winning record of all clubs in the Hyundai A-League. Adelaide is the only A-League club to be present at the Asian Champions League more than once, making them the most successful Australian club in Asia. Adelaide however have not won the domestic A-league Championship.

The 2007/08 season was a season to forget for Adelaide as they battled a huge amount of player injury throughout the season. This effectively ended their finals hopes and it was the first time Adelaide failed to make the top 2 in A-League history.

History

National Soccer League

In August 2003, Adelaide City withdrew from the National Soccer League, leaving Adelaide with no NSL presence for the first time since the beginning of the league in 1977. In response, Adelaide United was created in September 2003, and a team was scraped together within a couple of weeks. In October, Adelaide United won its first NSL match, against the Brisbane Strikers 1-0 in front of a crowd in excess of 16,000 people. After an impressive home-and-away season, including a seven-match unbeaten streak during November and December 2003, Adelaide United reached the NSL preliminary final, losing to Perth Glory. The NSL came to an abrupt close at the end of the 2003-04 season.

A-League

Adelaide United were announced as one of eight teams to compete in the first season of the Hyundai A-League, and are, along with the Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets, one of only three teams to survive from the National Soccer League's last season. United began preparation earlier than most of the other clubs and had announced two thirds of the 20 man squad before February 2005.

The club focused on bringing several Adelaide born players back to South Australia, such as Angelo Costanzo, Travis Dodd and Lucas Pantelis, who had previously played for Adelaide City SC in the NSL. Shengqing Qu was signed from Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua as the clubs "marquee" signing (a ruling allowing each club one player to be paid outside the salary cap) in March 2005.

Aurelio Vidmar announced his retirement before the A-League had even started. He was replaced before the fifth round by striker Fernando from Brazil, a former 'player of the year' in the old NSL. By moving to Adelaide, he was reunited with former coach John Kosmina who introduced him to Australian audiences at the Brisbane Strikers.

Adelaide United established links with American club Miami FC, setting up a 'sister club' relationship, with whom they played a number of friendlies and leading to signing Diego Walsh from them.

The team also signed Brazilian legend Romario for a 4 game guest stint in November/December 2006.

A-League 06/07

Adelaide United advanced to the 2006-07 Grand Final at after winning 4-3 on penalties (1-1 AET) against Newcastle Jets. Adelaide United played Melbourne at the Telstra Dome in the 2006-2007 A-League Grand Final on 18 February 2007 losing 6-0 whilst playing most of the game with only 10 men after captain Ross Aloisi was sent off for his second bookable offense. After a controversial post grand final interview, Ross Aloisi was sacked as Captain of Adelaide United, and now plays for Wellington Phoenix FC and replaced by Angelo Costanzo on 22 February 2007. At the same as this announcement was made, it was also announced that John Kosmina would be sacked. It was widely speculated that Kosmina had been told to resign by the board of Adelaide United the Thursday after the grand final. [ [http://www.theage.com.au/news/soccer/kosmina-takes-a-dive/2007/02/22/1171733932992.html Kosmina takes a dive] , The Age] [ [http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=410162&cc=3436 Adelaide coach quits after A-League final loss] , Soccor Net on ESPN] Assistant Coach Aurelio Vidmar was appointed interim coach. On October 22, 2007, former Adelaide United coach John Kosmina took up the role as the new head coach of United's rival Sydney FC, the same club that defeated Adelaide 2-1 in the 2005-6 A-league Semi-finals.

A-League 07/08

For the 2007-08 season AUFC recruited ex-Socceroo Paul Agostino"marquee", Ivorian Jonas Salley and current Olyroo Kristian Sarkies. [ [http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=7349&pageid=11 Sarkies joins United] , A-League Official News] They also signed Issy Erdogan of Preston Lions. One of the success stories of the season was the signing of former Flamengo FC player Cássio on a free transfer from Brazilian club. Cássio formerly of Santa Cruz FC, he won the Club Champion award in his first season.Shaun Ontong and Matthew Mullen from the AIS, were also signed to replenish their defensive stocks after the departure of Kristian Rees, Adam van Dommele and Aaron Goulding.

A-League 08/09

For the upcoming 2008-09 season Adelaide United FC have made some significant signings, including striker Cristiano from Willem II for two years on a free transfer. It has been hailed as one of the biggest signings in A-League history to dateFact|date=June 2008. Another key signing to fill the vacancy due to the retirement of Adelaide United FC legend Richie Alagich is Alemão formerly of CA Juventus. Sasa Ognenovski was another key signing from Queensland Roar to help shore up the defense. Ex-Bolton Wanderers FC Defender/Midfielder Scott Jamieson (19yrs) has also been signed on for two years to act as an utility. Bobby Petta, Shaun Ontong, Milan Susak, Dez Giraldi and Robert Bajic were all released. Bruce Djite has been sold for an A-League Record of A$850,000 to Genclerbirligi, whilst Nathan Burns has also transferred to pursue his European dreams, joining Greek first division outfit AEK Athens [ [http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/77984,burns-is-athens-bound--official.aspx?r=rss Burns is Athens bound] "Retrieved on June 11th, 2008"] for A$500,000 ["Rivaldo Inspires Burns", Adelaide Advertiser, Friday June 13th, 2008, p118] .

Kristian Sarkies, Lucas Pantelis and Fabian Barbiero had their contracts renewed for two years and one year respectively. Striker Robert Younis is one of the brightest talents in Australia and has been signed for two years.

This season, Adelaide United passed the one millionth spectator milestone of total crowds since the inception of the A-League. They reached this achievement when their 7,052nd fan passed through the gate, for the Round 3 match against Wellington. Adelaide United are only the third A-League club to do so thus far, the other two being Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC. [ [http://www.adelaideunited.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=23354 Adelaide United set to reach magic million] ]

AFC Champions League

2007 Campaign

Adelaide United were selected, along with Sydney FC, as the first Australian representatives to play in the 2007 AFC Champions League. They received their Asian berth as A-League premiers. Adelaide was drawn into Group G with Chinese champion Shandong Luneng, Korean champions Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma and Vietnamese league and Super Cup champions Gach Dong Tam Long An.

Adelaide lost to Shandong 1-0, defeated Long An 2-0, drew with Seongnam 2-2, then lost to the Korean team 1-0. The Reds broke Shandong's winning streak in a 2-2 draw, before finishing its campaign with a 3-0 win over Long An, thanks to a hat trick from Travis Dodd. This match marked the last Adelaide United appearances of Fernando Rech and Carl Veart as the 1-0 loss to Seongyam knocked Adelaide out of Quarter Finals contention. Adelaide finished 3rd in its group, ahead of Long An and behind Shandong; with group winner Seongnam making the semi-finals. Dodd scored on 4 occasions, Rech 3 times, and Olyroos players Bruce Djite and Nathan Burns one a piece.

2008 Campaign

Adelaide United participated in the 2008 AFC Champions League after finishing runner-up in the 2006-07 regular season and finals series to Melbourne Victory. Adelaide was drawn into Group E, along with V-League and Super Cup winners Bình Dương F.C., CSL champions Changchun Yatai, and K-League winners Pohang Steelers.

In their opening match of the 2008 campaign, Adelaide United defeated Pohang 2-0 in Korea. United drew against Changchun 0-0 in their second game, defeated Bình Dương 2-1 in Vietnam and followed this up with a 4-1 victory in the return leg. In their final group tie at home, Adelaide defeated Pohang 1-0, setting up a deciding away tie against Changchun to determine the Group E winner. In Changchun, Adelaide withstood considerable pressure to achieve a historic 0-0 draw, thus becoming the first Australian team to ever progress to the knockout stage of the Asian Champions League.

Adelaide drew J-League and Emperor's Cup champions Kashima Antlers in a two legged Quarter final starting in Japan, where they managed a 1-1 draw. Adelaide captain Travis Dodd scored first in the opening half, but right before halftime the Japanese side were gifted an equaliser when Robert Cornthwaite scored passed his own goalkeeper. In the return leg at the Hindmarsh Stadium a week later, Adelaide became the first Australian team to progress to the semifinals of the competition with a 1-0 win. Cornthwaite redeemed himself from his own goal in the first leg by scoring the only goal of the game midway through the second half.

Adelaide drew 2007 Uzbek League Runners-up FC Bunyodkor in the semi-final, after the Uzbeks knocked out Saipa F.C. in their quarter-final. In the first leg of the semi-final, Adelaide won 3-0 with Diego, Barbiero, and Cristiano (via a penalty) scoring. The match was witnessed by 16,998 fans (498 over capacity) at the Hindmarsh Stadium.Fact|date=October 2008

Current squad

"Players in bold have senior international caps."

misleading/inaccurate

Notable former players

*flagicon|China Qu Shengqing
*flagicon|Netherlands Bobby Petta
*flagicon|Brazil Fernando
*flagicon|Brazil Romário
*flagicon|Australia Ross Aloisi
*flagicon|Australia Carl Veart
*flagicon|Australia Aurelio Vidmar
*flagicon|Australia Matthew Kemp
*flagicon|Australia Greg Owens
*flagicon|New Zealand Shane Smeltz
*flagicon|Australia Richie Alagich
*flagicon|Australia Bruce Djite
*flagicon|Australia Nathan Burns

International Representatives

"Senior caps only. Players in bold currently active with Adelaide United"
*flagicon|China Shengqing Qu
*flagicon|Brazil Romário
*flagicon|Australia Paul Agostino
*flagicon|Australia Ross Aloisi
*flagicon|Australia Nathan Burns
*flagicon|Australia Ang Costanzo
*flagicon|Australia Bruce Djité
*flagicon|Australia Travis Dodd
*flagicon|Australia Kristian Sarkies
*flagicon|New Zealand Shane Smeltz
*flagicon|Australia Michael Valkanis
*flagicon|Australia Carl Veart
*flagicon|Australia Aurelio Vidmar (as Coach)

Club officials

Football Department

*"Manager": flagicon|Australia Aurelio Vidmar
*"Assistant Coach": flagicon|Australia Phil Stubbins
*"Goalkeeping Coach": flagicon|Australia Peter Blazincic
*"Football Director": flagicon|Australia Michael Petrillo
*"Football Operations Manager": flagicon|Australia Ryan Peremiczko
*"Sports Science Consultant": flagicon|Australia Michael Nunan
*"Performance & Conditioning Manager": flagicon|Australia Carlos Ohanian
*"Property Steward": flagicon|Australia Jurgen Sanger
*"Gear Steward": flagicon|Australia John Brannigan
*"Youth Team Coach": flagicon|Australia Joe Mullen
*"Women's Team Coach": flagicon|Australia Michael Barnett

Medical Staff

*"Club Doctor": flagicon|Australia James Ilic
*"Head Trainer": flagicon|Australia Peter Duke
*"Club Physiotherapist": flagicon|New Zealand Glenn Dods
*"Strength & Conditioning Manager": flagicon|Australia Peter Janicki
*"Chiropractor": flagicon|Australia Margie Barry
*"Dietician": flagicon|Australia Anthony Mead
*"Sports Psychologist": flagicon|Australia Matti Clements
*"Rehabilitation Coordinator": flagicon|Australia Tim Kreis
*"Masseur": flagicon|Australia Paul Scott

Managers

* John Kosmina (2003-2007)
* Aurelio Vidmar (2007-present)

Captains

* Aurelio Vidmar (2003-2005)
* Ross Aloisi (2005-2007)
* Michael Valkanis (2007-2008)
* Travis Dodd (2008-present)

Affiliated Clubs

*flagicon|USA Miami FC

Honours

* "'A-League Premiership:
**Premiers (1): 2005-06
**Runners-Up (1): 2006-07

* "'A-League Championship:
**Runners-Up (1): 2006-07

* "'A-League Pre-Season Cup:
**Winners (2): 2006, 2007

* "'A-League Finalists:
**Finalists (2): 2005-06, 2006-07

* AFC Champions League:
**Group Stage (1): 2007
**Semi Finalist (1): 2008

* "'NSL Finalists:
**Finalists (1): 2003-04

* Club Champions:
**2005-06 : Carl Veart
**2006-07 : Jason Spagnuolo
**2007-08 : Cássio

Top Goal Scorers

"Excludes goals scored in NSL. Appearances in brackets. Players in bold still active."

"Last updated 9 October 2008"

^Second finals draw went to a penalty shoot-out which AU won 4-3 which then led to a Grand Final berth.

All-time AFC Champions League Win/Loss

"Last updated 9 October 2008"

Home Attendances by Season

"Last updated 29 September 2008"

References

External links

* http://www.adelaideunited.com.au/ Official club website
* http://www.gateaufc.com/forum - Adelaide United Fan Forum
* http://www.redarmyaufc.com/ Red Army - Supporters of AUFC
* http://www.oztifo.com/gallery/v/adelaideunited/ Adelaide United fans pictures