Round 2 preview
V 
Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets
Friday 22 August 22, Kick-Off 7pm (9pm AEST)
Equity Stadium
Referee: Craig Zetter
Perth Glory Squad: 1. Jason Petkovic (gk), 2. Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 4. Jamie Coyne (Captain), 5. Jamie Harnwell, 6. Dino Djulbic, 7. Nick Rizzo, 9. Adrian Trinidad, 10. Amaral, 11. Scott Bulloch, 13. Nikita Rukavytsya, 14. Eugene Dadi, 15. Hayden Doyle, 16. Adriano Pellegrino, 17. James Downey, 20. Frank Juric (gk), 21. Mark Lee, 24. Anthony Skorich
* two to be omitted
In. Jamie Harnwell (return from injury), Nick Rizzo (promoted), Adrian Trinidad (return from injury).
Out. David Tarka (Thigh – 1 week).
Unavailable. James Robinson (stomach – 1 week), Josip Magdic (ankle – 1 week), Hayden Foxe (foot – 2 weeks), Naum Sekulovski (hamstring – 2 weeks).
Newcastle Jets Squad: 1. Ante Covic, 2. Adam Griffiths, 3. Jade North, 5. James Holland, 7. Kaz Patafta, 8. Matt Thompson, 9. Joel Griffiths, 10. Jin-Hyung Song, 11. Tarek Elrich, 12. Jobe Wheelhouse, 13. Adam Dapuzzo, 16. Ben Kantarovski, 18. Noel Spencer, 20. Ben Kennedy, 23. Edmundo Zura, 24. Marko Jesic.
*one to be omitted
In. Jade North (return from Olyroo duties), Kaz Patafta (promoted), Marko Jesic (promoted)
Out. Jason Hoffman (Qantas Young Socceroos duties), Antun Kovacic (not selected)
Unavailable. Jason Naidovski (Qantas Young Socceroos duties), Shaun Ontong (ankle – indefinite), Jesper Hakansson (calf – 1 week).
V 
Central Coast Mariners v Sydney FC
Saturday, August 23, Kick-Off 7pm AEST
Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Referee. Ben Williams
Central Coast Mariners Squad: 4. Pedj Bojic, 5. Bradley Porter, 6. David D’Apuzzo, 7. John Hutchinson, 9. Nik Mrdja, 10. Adrian Caceres, 11. Dylan Macallister, 13. Paul O’Grady, 15. Andrew Clark, 16. Nigel Boogaard, 17. Matthew Osman, 18. Alex Wilkinson, 19. Matt Simon, 20. Danny Vukovic (gk), 21. Ahmad Elrich, 22. Sasho Petrovski, 40. Mark Bosnich (gk)
*two to be omitted.
In. 11. Dylan Macallister (Returns from Injury), 16. Nigel Boogaard (Returns from Injury), 40. Mark Bosnich (New signing).
Out. 30. Andrew Redmayne (gk) (International Duty Qantas Young Socceroos).
Unavailable. 2. Andre Gumprecht (Knee Indefinite), 8. Dean Heffernan (Leg – Indefinite), 12. Greg Owens (Hamstring Indefinite), 23. Mile Jedinak (Groin Indefinite).
Sydney FC Squad: 1. Clint Bolton (gk), 2. Iain Fyfe, 4. Simon Colosimo, 7. Robbie Middleby, 8. Stuart Musialik, 10. Steve Corica, 12. Shannon Cole, 14. Alex Brosque, 15. Terry Mcflynn, 16. Chris Payne, 17. Jacob Timpano, 18. Adam Casey, 19. Mark Bridge, 20. Ivan Necevski (gk), 25. Robert Mileski, 26. Dez Giraldi
*One to be omitted
In. Alex Brosque (return suspension), Stuart Musialik (return national duty), Dez Giraldi (return suspension).
Out. Nik Tsattalios (national duty), Ryan Walsh (trial period ended).
Unavailable. Tony Popovic (virus – 1 week), Adam Biddle (ankle injury – 1 week), John Aloisi (foot injury – 1 week), Mitchell Prentice (suspended – 1 week) Brendon Santalab (thigh injury – 2 weeks) and Mike Enfield (knee injury – 6 weeks).
V 
Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory
Sunday, August 24, Kick-Off 5pm (3pm AEST)
Westpac Stadium
Referee: Strebre Delovski
Wellington Phoenix Squad: 1. Mark Paston (gk), 2. Jeremy Christie, 3. Tony Lochhead, 4. Jon Mckain, 5. Karl Dodd, 7. Leo Bertos, 9. Shane Smeltz, 10. Michael Ferrante, 11. Daniel, 12. Richard Johnson, 13. Troy Hearfield, 15. Adam Kwasnik, 18. Ben Sigmund, 20. Glen Moss (gk), 21. Leilei Gao, 22. Andrew Durante (Captain), 25. Manny Muscat.
* two to be omitted
In. Leilei Gao (return from injury), Ben Sigmund (promoted).
Out. Nil.
Unavailable. Vince Lia (knee season).
Melbourne Victory Squad: 2. Kevin Muscat (Captain), 3. Michael Thwaite, 4. Steven Pace, 6. Steve Pantelidis, 7. Matthew Kemp, 8. Grant Brebner, 9. Danny Allsopp, 11. Ney Fabiano, 12. Rodrigo Vargas, 14. Billy Celeski, 15. Tom Pondeljak, 16. Carlos Hernandez, 17. Jose Luis Lopez, 18. Leigh Broxham, 19. Evan Berger, 20. Mitchell Langerak (gk), 30. Tommi Tomich (gk)
*Two to be omitted
In. Grant Brebner, Tommi Tomich (on loan).
Out. Nathan Elasi (National U/20 duties), Sebastian Ryall (National U/20 duties), Michael Theoklitos (injured ankle – 1week).
Unavailable. Archie Thompson (ankle – 1 week), Daniel Vasilevski (hip – 3 weeks), Nick Ward (calf – 1 week).
V 
Queensland Roar v Adelaide United
Sunday, August 24, Kick-Off 5pm AEST
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Referee: Mark Shield
Queensland Roar Squad: 1. Liam Reddy (gk), 4. Craig Moore, 5. Josh McCloughan, 6. Dave Dodd, 7. Michael Zullo, 8. Massimo Murdocca, 9. Sergio Van Dijk, 10. Charlie Miller, 11. Reinaldo, 13. Chris Grossman, 14. Ben Griffin, 15. Matt Mckay, 16. Hyuk-Su Seo, 18. Danny Tiatto, 20. Griffin McMaster (gk), 22. Robbie Kruse, 23. Tim Smits.
*two to be omitted.
In. Craig Moore (returns from suspension), Chris Grossman (promoted), Robbie Kruse (promoted).
Out. Luke Devere (national team duty).
Unavailable. 2 Andrew Packer (injured), 19 Isaka Cernak (injured).
Adelaide United Squad: 20. Eugene Galekovic (gk), 3. Alemao, 4. Angelo Costanzo, 7. Lucas Pantelis, 8. Kristian Sarkies, 10.Cristiano, 25. Robert Younis, 24. Paul Reid, 13.Travis Dodd (Captain), 14. Scott Jamieson, 15.Jonas Salley, 18. Fabian Barbiero, 19. Sasa Ognenovski, 21. Jason Spagnuolo, 30. Julian Torresan (gk).
*one to be omitted
In. Kristian Sarkies (returns from Olyroo duty).
Out. Mark Birighitti (gk) – international duties), Paul Agostino (corked thigh).
Unavailable. Daniel Mullen ( international duties), Cassio (calf 2 weeks), Diego (hamstring 2 weeks), Michael Valkanis (knee 2 weeks), Daniel Beltrame (knee season), Isyan Erdogan (hamstring indefinite).
The cringe still lives
Plenty of copy has been produced since the Olyroos’ limp exit from the Beijing Olympics, most of the pundits having completely forgotten that merely qualifying for the event was a significant achievement in itself, given the arduous qualifying campaign the Olyroos endured.
…continue reading The cringe still lives
Brisbane to host first Socceroos qualifier
Australias first home match in round 4 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup AFC Qualifiers will be held at the Brisbane Stadium, Milton (Suncorp Stadium) on Wednesday, October 15 with kick-off set for 7.30pm AEST.
Australia’s other round 4 group opponents are Japan, Uzbekistan and Bahrain, and a top two finish in this group will guarantee qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Tickets for the 15 October match will go on sale for members of ‘My Football Family on Tuesday 26 August and for the general public on Friday 29 August. Tickets are available from Ticketek or agencies.
Ticket Prices for an adult will range from $52 for a Category C ticket to $122 for a Category A ticket.
Bosnich signs for Mariners
Central Coast Mariners have confirmed that Mark Bosnich will join the club on a Guest Player contract and could take the field as early as this weekend.
Bosnich had been on trial during the past month and impressed coach Lawrie McKinna enough to offer the goalkeeper a contract to be the Mariner’s first ever guest player.
The fallen star now has the opportunity to take part in top flight football, in Australia, for the first time since 1991 and is available as soon as this Saturday, August 23, when Central Coast host Sydney FC at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford.
“Since joining us as a triallist, Mark has proven to be an exceptional role model for not only the younger members of our playing group, but also our senior players,” said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.
“I have every confidence that by Mark continuing his stay with us in the capacity of a guest player, we have significantly boosted our aspirations on and off the pitch for the current season.”
Socceroos and Safas play out an entertaining draw
A SECOND HALF super-strike by South African Teko Modise ensured the friendly match between Australia and South Africa ended in a 2-2 draw at Loftus Road, London.
…continue reading Socceroos and Safas play out an entertaining draw
Verbeek forced into Socceroos reshuffle
Socceroos Head Coach Pim Verbeek has made a number of changes to his squad for the friendly match against South Africa at Loftus Road Stadium in London on Tuesday night (London time).
Michael Beauchamp, Brett Emerton and Harry Kewell have been omitted due to niggling injuries, while David Carney, Bruce Djite, Richard Garcia, Mark Milligan and Matthew Spiranovic have been added to the squad.
Scott Chipperfield joins the Socceroos for the first time since recovering from a foot injury that has prevented him from appearing in the previous eight international matches.
“Most of the players have just started, or are about to start, their respective domestic competitions and we can now start focusing of the World Cup qualifiers which are just around the corner,” Verbeek said from London.
“With that in mind, we will be looking to try a few different things in the match against South Africa on Tuesday night, he concluded.
Meanwhile South Africa coach Joel Santana has introduced some fresh faces into his 23-man squad and intends on using the match to give younger players an opportunity to impress.
“Unlike at club level, at national level you don’t have the luxury of having your players day in and day out. For instance, this is a short camp with only two limited training sessions.” Santana said
“My players come from different parts of the world and from all corners of the country, and will leave immediately afterwards. So one therefore has to improvise on the given circumstances.”
Australia vs
Tuesday, August 19, 2008.
Kick-Off 8pm BST (5am AEST, Wednesday, August 20)
Round 1 A-League full time results
ADELAIDE United captain Travis Dodd sent the Reds to the top of the A-League table after sealing a 1-0 home win over Perth Glory with a thumping first-half strike.
…continue reading Round 1 A-League full time results
A-League season opener ends in a stalemate
AN INJURY time spot kick from Joel Griffiths has helped the Newcastle Jets to a 1-1 draw against the Central Coast Mariners in tonight’s A-League openers.
…continue reading A-League season opener ends in a stalemate
Round 1 Preview
V
Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners
Friday, August 15, 2008, 8pm AEST
EnergyAustralia Stadium, Newcastle
Referee: Matthew Breeze
It’s the 2007/08 Grand Final rematch, local derby and the season opener all in the one match as Newcastle host the Mariners at EnergyAustralia Stadium on Friday night.
Some betting agencies have the Jets at $13 to retain their title, but it was a similar story last season, as Newcastle fans will no doubt remind anyone who will listen.
“Banned” goalkeeper Danny Vukovic will start for Central Coast and will surely be reminded of his misdemeanour by Jets supporters.
Newcastle’s Danish import Jesper Hakansson is missing due to a calf injury, while Jade North and James Holland will not be available having just compled international duty with the Olyroos in Beijing.
The match will be an early test of squad depth for the Mariners, as they have Mile Jedinak, Nigel Boogaard, Andre Gumprecht, Greg Owens and Dylan Macallister all unavailable.
Newcastle Jets Squad: 1. Ante Covic (gk), 2. Adam Griffiths, 7. Kaz Patafta, 8. Matt Thompson, 9. Joel Griffiths, 10. Jin-Hyung Song, 11. Tarek Elrich, 12. Jobe Wheelhouse, 13. Adam D’Apuzzo, 15. Jason Hoffman, 16. Ben Kantarovski, 17. Antun Kovacic, 18. Noel Spencer, 20. Ben Kennedy(gk), 23.Edmundo Zura.
*Two to be omitted
In: Jobe Wheelhouse (promoted), Ben Kantarovski (promoted)
Out: Jason Naidovski (not selected), Beau Busch (trial period ended), Jesper Hakansson (calf injury 1 week)
Unavailable: Jade North, James Holland, Shaun Ontong (ankle indefinite), Jesper Hakansson (calf 1 week)
Central Coast Mariners Squad: 4. Pedj Bojic, 5. Bradley Porter, 6. David D’Apuzzo, 7. John Hutchinson, 8. Dean Heffernan, 9. Nik Mrdja, 10. Adrian Caceres, 13. Paul O’Grady, 15. Andrew Clark, 17. Matthew Osman, 18. Alex Wilkinson, 19. Matt Simon, 20. Danny Vukovic (gk), 21. Ahmad Elrich, 22. Sasho Petrovski, 30. Andrew Redmayne (gk).
In: Pedj Bojic (Promoted), David D’Apuzzo (Promoted), Dean Heffernan (Promoted), Andrew Clark (Returns From Suspension), Andrew Redmayne (Promoted), Matt Simon (Return from national team duty)
Out: Andre Gumprecht (Knee Indefinite), Dylan Macallister (Ribs – Indefinite), Nigel Boogaard (Groin Indefinite), Mark Bosnich (Triallist Period Concluded)
Unavailable: Greg Owens (Hamstring Indefinite), Nigel Boogaard (Groin Indefinite), Mile Jedinak (Groin Indefinite)
V
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
Saturday, August 16 2008, 7pm AEST
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Referee: Mark Shield
The second game of the season is another blockbuster with arch-rivals Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory doing battle at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday night.
The sky blues have three players suspended and a further three out through injury, while Stuart Musialik and Mark Bridge are unlikely to be rushed back into the squad after playing for the Olyroos in Beijing on Wednesday night.
Melbourne coach Ernie Merrick has named his representative players Billy Celeski and Leigh Broxham in the squad and also has Kevin Muscat and Steve Pantelidis coming back from injuries.
Meanwhile Sydney FC coach will be forced to throw rookie striker Chris Payne in at the deep end. Sydney’s chances of a result probably hinge on whether the 17-year old sinks or swims in his A-League debut.
Sydney FC Squad: 1. Clint Bolton (gk), 2. Iain Fyfe, 3. Nick Tsattalios, 4. Simon Colosimo, 6. Tony Popovic, 7. Robbie Middleby, 10. Steve Corica, 12. Shannon Cole, 15. Terry Mcflynn, 16. Chris Payne, 17. Jacob Timpano, 18. Adam Casey, 20. Ivan Necevski (gk), 21. Adam Biddle, 24. Ryan Walsh, 25. Robbie Mileski.
*One to be omitted
In: Simon Colosimo (return suspension), Chris Payne (new signing), Clint Bolton (return from injury), Shannon Cole (new signing), Robbie Mileski (replacement player)
Out: John Filan (trial period ended), Chris Van Leur (trial period ended), Alex Brosque (suspended – 1 week), Mitchell Prentice (suspended 2 weeks) and Dez Giraldi (suspended 1 week)
Unavailable: Stuart Musialik (national team duty) Mark Bridge (national team duty), John Aloisi (foot injury 1 week), Brendon Santalab (thigh injury 2 weeks) and Mike Enfield (knee injury 6 weeks)
Melbourne Victory Squad: 1. Michael Theoklitos (gk), 2. Kevin Muscat (Captain), 3. Michael Thwaite, 4. Steven Pace, 5. Sebastian Ryall, 6. Steve Pantelidis, 7. Matthew Kemp, 9. Danny Allsopp, 11. Ney Fabiano, 12. Rodrigo Vargas, 13. Nathan Elasi, 14. Billy Celeski, 15. Tom Pondeljak, 16. Carlos Hernandez, 17. Jose Luis Lopez, 18. Leigh Broxham, 19. Evan Berger, 20. Mitchell Langerak (gk).
*Three to be omitted
In: Kevin Muscat (return from injury), Steve Pantelidis (returned from injury), Billy Celeski (return from national team duty), Leigh Broxham (return from national team duty)
Out: Nick Ward (calf 1 week)
Unavailable: Grant Brebner (groin 2 weeks), Archie Thompson (ankle 2 weeks), Daniel Vasilevski (hip 4 weeks)
V
Wellington Phoenix v Queensland Roar
Sunday, August 17 2008, 5pm NZST (3pm AEST)
Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
Referee: Ben Williams
Many pundits have tipped Wellington to be the most improved team in the league this season and Queensland Roar will prove to be a solid initial test of their credentials on Sunday.
Off-season recruitment by Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert was certainly impressive, although his squad is probably short of a strong forward to take some pressure off striker Shane Smeltz.
Queensland have an abundance of attacking talent but could be found out in defence, with Craig Moore another year older and the departure of strong centre half Sasa Ognenovski.
Wellington Phoenix Squad: 1. Mark Paston (gk), 2. Jeremy Christie, 3. Tony Lochhead, 4. Jon McKain, 5. Karl Dodd, 6. Tim Brown, 7. Leo Bertos, 8. Vaughan Coveny, 9. Shane Smeltz, 10. Michael Ferrante, 11. Daniel, 12. Richard Johnson, 13. Troy Hearfield, 15. Adam Kwasnik, 16. David Mulligan, 18. Ben Sigmund, 20. Glen Moss (gk), 21. Leilei Gao, 22. Andrew Durante (Captain), 23. Costa Barbarouses, 25. Manny Muscat
* six to be omitted
In: Jeremy Christie (promoted), Tony Lochhead (return from trials), Tim Brown (promoted), Costa Barbarouses (promoted), Andrew Durante (return from suspension), David Mulligan (new signing)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Vince Lia (knee season), Greg Draper (national duty -1 week)
Queensland Roar Squad: 1. Liam Reddy (gk), 3. Luke Devere, 5. Josh Mccloughan, 6. Dave Dodd, 7. Michael Zullo, 8. Massimo Murdocca, 9. Sergio Van Dijk, 10. Charlie Miller, 11. Reinaldo, 14. Ben Griffin, 15. Matt Mckay, 16. Hyuk-Su Seo, 18. Danny Tiatto, 20. Griffin Mcmaster (Rgk), 23. Tim Smits.
In: Josh McCloughan (returned from injury)
Out: Craig Moore (suspended 1 week)
Unavailable: Andrew Packer (injured), Isaka Cernak (injured)
V
Adelaide United vs Perth Glory
Sunday, August 17 2008, 4.30pm ACST (5pm AEST)
Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
Referee: Peter Green
It will be interesting to see how much influence the off-season losses of young guns Bruce Djite and Nathan Burns will have on Adelaide United.
The Reds will be without Diego and Cassio through injuries and Olyroo Kristian Sarkies not named in the squad by Adelaide coach Aurelio Vidmar. However Paul Agostino returns and should provide a decent option up front.
It’s not good news for Perth, losing Jamie Harnwell and Hayden Foxe to injuries and with Olyroos representatives Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Nikita Rukavytsya and Tando Velaphi not available.
Adelaide United Squad: 20. Eugene Galekovic (gk), 2. Robert Cornthwaite, 3. Alemao, 4. Angelo Costanzo, 7. Lucas Pantelis, 9. Paul Agostino, 10. Cristiano, 11. Robert Younis, 12. Paul Reid, 13. Travis Dodd (Captain), 14. Scott Jamieson, 15. Jonas Salley, 16. Daniel Mullen, 18. Fabian Barbiero, 19. Sasa Ognenovski, 21. Jason Spagnuolo, 30. Mark Birighitti (gk).
*Two to be omitted
In. Paul Agostino (returns from injury), Sasa Ognenovski (returns from injury), Robert Younis (promoted), Paul Reid (promoted)
Out. Cassio (calf 2 weeks), Michael Valkanis (knee 2 weeks)
Unavailable. Diego (hamstring 2 weeks), Kristian Sarkies (international duty 1 week), Daniel Beltrame (knee season), Isyan Erdogan (hamstring indefinite)
Perth Glory Squad: 1. Jason Petkovic (gk), 3. David Tarka, 4. Jamie Coyne, 6. Dino Djulbic, 7. Nick Rizzo, 8. James Robinson, 9. Adrian Trinidad, 10. Amaral, 11. Scott Bulloch, 14. Eugene Dadi, 15. Hayden Doyle, 16. Adriano Pellegrino, 17. James Downey, 19. Naum Sekulovski, 20. Frank Juric (gk), 21. Mark Lee.
*One to be omitted
In. Dino Djulbic (promoted)
Out. Nil
Unavailable. Nikolai Topor-Stanley (International Team Duty), Jamie Harnwell (Hip Test), Josip Magdic (Ankle Test), Nikita Rukavytsya (International Team Duty), Hayden Foxe (Foot 3 Weeks), Tando Velaphi (International Team Duty)
Olyroos flop out of Olympic tournament against Ivory Coast
SALOMON Kalou has finally put Aussie Football fans and the Olyroos out of their misery by scoring the only goal of the game last night against a poor Graham Arnold side.
Ivory Coast secured second spot with this 1-0 win against Australia and now cruise into the quarter-final stage of the Olympic tournament.
…continue reading Olyroos flop out of Olympic tournament against Ivory Coast
