Adelaide United FC
Encyclopedia
Adelaide United Football Club is a professional football (soccer) club based in Adelaide
, South Australia
, Australia
. It currently participates 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's home ground is Hindmarsh Stadium
. The club was founded in 2003 to fill the place vacated by Adelaide City
in the former National Soccer League
(NSL). Adelaide United were premiers in the inaugural 2005–06 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 2006–07 and 2008–09 seasons, but failed to win either of the grand finals. The 2009-10 season proved to be a disaster as the club's poor form continued throughout the season with the club ending the season at the bottom of the premiership table for the first time since inception. As of 2010, Adelaide is one of only two A-League clubs to be present at the AFC Champions League on three occasions, and progressing past the group stage on two occasions, making them the most successful Australian club in Asia.
Adelaide United hold the record for the largest win in an A-League game and the most amount of goals scored in one game. Adelaide defeated North Queensland Fury eight goals to one at Hindmarsh Stadium on 21 January 2011 in front of 10,829 fans. The game was also the first in the league to host two hattricks - one to Marcos Flores
and the other to Sergio van Dijk
.
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.
, 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
from them. The team also signed Brazilian legend Romario for a 5 game guest stint in November/December 2006.
after winning 4-3 on penalties (1-1 AET) against the . Adelaide United played at the Telstra Dome
in the 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. Following a controversial post grand final interview, Ross Aloisi was sacked as captain of Adelaide United, and left the club to move to . He was replaced as captain by Angelo Costanzo on 22 February 2007. At the same as this announcement was made, it was also announced that coach 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. Assistant Coach Aurelio Vidmar was appointed interim coach. On 22 October 2007, former Adelaide United coach John Kosmina took up the role as the new head coach of Sydney FC.
The 2006-07 season also saw Brazilian
international Romario
join the club for a four-game guest player stint.
"marquee", Ivorian Jonas Salley
and current Olyroo
Kristian Sarkies
. 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, who joined from Santa Cruz FC, 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
.
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 had failed to make the top two in A-League history.
from Willem II
for two years on a free transfer. Another key signing to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Richie Alagich
was Alemão
formerly of CA Juventus. Saša Ognenovski
joined the club from Queensland Roar to help shore up the defence, midfielder Paul Reid
joined from Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
, while promising youngsters Scott Jamieson
, Daniel Mullen, Mark Birighitti
and Robert Younis
also signed. Bobby Petta
, Shaun Ontong, Milan Susak
, Dez Giraldi
and Robert Bajic
were all released, Bruce Djite
was sold for an A-League record of A$
850,000 to Genclerbirligi
, whilst Nathan Burns
also transferred to pursue his European dreams, joining Greek first division outfit AEK Athens for A$500,000. Kristian Sarkies, Lucas Pantelis and Fabian Barbiero
all had their contracts renewed.
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.
The round 18 A-League match against at the Adelaide Oval
saw $23,002 donated to the Starlight Foundation as $1 from every ticket sold for the match went to the charity.
By the end of round 27, Adelaide had drew level for first, equaling Melbourne's 38 points on the ladder, having needed to win 2–0 against the Central Coast Mariners away to win the premiership and only securing a 1–0 win. Adelaide was pushed down to second because of goal difference. The Reds, along with Melbourne, the Queensland Roar and Central Coast, proceeded to the finals where they lost 1–0 against Melbourne Victory in the grand final at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne.
(FFA). Regardless of this situation, the FFA ensured that Adelaide would have the funds available to recruit in the off-season and to maintain the club, whilst they would negotiate the new ownership deals. Adelaide United managed to secure major sponsors Modern Solar as well as Jim's Plumbing
for their 2009-10 season.
Adelaide made a number of signings to replace the players which left in the off-season, most notably the departure of Saša Ognenovski
to K-League
side Seongnam Ilhwa
. To fill the void, Adelaide signed former Sydney FC
defenders, Iain Fyfe
and Mark Rudan
, Korean youngster Inseob Shin
and former Drogheda United
midfielder Adam Hughes
. Arguably the biggest off-season signing was former Cheltenham Town
and Brentford
striker, Lloyd Owusu
, a capped Ghana
ian international. The Reds also elevated a handful of players from their Youth squad to the senior team, namely Francesco Monterosso
, Michael Marrone
and Joe Costa
.
After making a rather average start to the 2009-10 season, the Reds made their final signing in promising young Bulleen Lions winger, Mathew Leckie
prior to the Round 5 clash against Wellington Phoenix
. Leckie made an immediate impression, and scored his first goal in his second game off the bench against North Queensland Fury
and would soon become a fan favourite.
With two rounds to go, and Adelaide sitting at the base of the table, the Reds made a surprise announcement that Argentine
playmaker, Marcos Flores
, who had signed on for 2 years starting with the club's third AFC Champions League
venture, was to make his debut as an injury replacement for fellow import Cristiano
. The South American made his presence felt in the final two games of the regular season, and helped Adelaide United finish the season with two consecutive wins. This however, was still not enough to lift the club up from its 2009-10 wooden spoon status - the club's worst performing season in its short history.
, moving away from the Adelaide United tradition of local coaches seen in its prior seasons.
As of 9 September 2010, Adelaide United has made Australian Soccer history by becoming the first team to climb from the bottom of the table to the top, whilst the 2009–10 premiers and champions, , remain rooted at the bottom. Adelaide United also claimed the record for longest undefeated streak in A-League history with their win over in Week 11 of the league, consisting of thirteen games stretching back to the penultimate round of the 2009–10 A-League season. This surpassed 's previous record of twelve games undefeated set back in the 2005–06 A-League season. Unfortunately for Adelaide United, surpassed this newly set record, when the Roar comprehensively won their Week 16 fixture against at Bluetongue Stadium.
Following 18 months under Football Federation Australia
(FFA) financial administration, it was announced on 8 November 2010 that a South Australia
n consortium had taken over ownership of the club with a ten year license. New co-owner Greg Griffin steps in as Chairman of the club, whilst North Adelaide Football Club CEO, Glenn Elliott replaces Sam Ciccarello, who now takes up a role at the FFA.
During the January 2011 transfer window, Coolen made a move to strengthen United's squad by signing former Uruguayan youth international Francisco Usúcar, and former Dutch international Andwélé Slory
. Both have signed until the end of the season and have replaced former imports Lloyd Owusu
and Inseob Shin
, whose contracts were mutually terminated to allow the transfers to occur early in the year. Cameron Watson
was also signed on as a mainstay squad member after his injury replacement contract expired at the end of December. Iain Fyfe
, arguably Adelaide's most consistent defender in the season transferred to K-League
outfit Busan I'Park
for an undisclosed transfer fee, where he will join up with former team-mate Shin. As a replacement, Coolen brought in former Croatia
n youth international Dario Bodrušić
to cover in defensive duties.
On 9 January 2011, Adelaide broke its longest winless streak against its rival club by posting a 4-1 away win in Melbourne at AAMI Park
. Adelaide United then went on to make A-League
history by recording the highest winning margin in the league's history with an 8-1 win over on 21 January 2011. This also marked the first time two players from the same side scored hat-tricks in one game (Sergio van Dijk
and Marcos Flores
), and matched the all-time highest match aggregate score of 9 goals scored in one match.
After a form slump in the second half of the season, United saw itself lose 10 of its last 19 games, but rebounded well in the final week of competition by winning 2-1 at Adelaide Oval
against in front of 21,038 spectators - the club's largest crowd of the season. This ensured the club third place in overall standings at the end of the season, and hosting rights for at least the first week of the knock-out Finals Series.
Adelaide United went on to defeat in the first week of the Finals under torrential rain, but succumbed to in the second week and were knocked out of the competition on the back of a 2-3 home loss.
Shandong Luneng Taishan, 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.
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 an 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 at Hindmarsh Stadium.
In the second leg of the semi finals Adelaide United lost 1-0 to FC Bunyodkor but went through to the final 3-1 on aggregate. Thus they became the first Australian team to make it to the final of Asia's premier club competition. In the two legged final, they took on Japanese team Gamba Osaka
who deposed 2007 champions Urawa Red Diamonds
in the other semifinal.
This result ensured that Adelaide would participate in the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup
either as the AFC
representatives or as the highest placed non-Japanese team - as the rules do not allow more than one Japanese team to participate.
Adelaide lost heavily over two legs to Gamba Osaka. The score was 3-0 to Gamba Osaka away and 2-0 to Osaka at home in Adelaide, the Japanese club winning 5-0 on aggregate.
On 7 December 2009, Adelaide were drawn into Group H of the Champions League alongside 2009 Asian Champions Pohang Steelers
, Chinese sister club Shandong Luneng
and the winners of the 2009 Japanese Emperor's Cup
. Because Gamba Osaka, the winner of the Emperor's Cup, had already qualified through league placing, 4th placed Sanfrecce Hiroshima
became Adelaide United's final opponent in Group H of the Champions League.
In Adelaide's first match of the campaign played on 24 February against Pohang Steelers, Adelaide secured an important victory at Hindmarsh Stadium winning 1-0 courtesy of a fantastic individual effort by youngster Mathew Leckie
on the stroke of half-time. They then continued their winning form by beating Shandong Luneng 2-0 and then coming from a 1-2 deficit to beat Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3-2. Despite not quite playing to the standard set in their opening three matches, Adelaide United managed to hold on to top spot in the group by securing a 0-0 draw against Pohang in Korea in between narrow 1-0 losses to Hiroshima in Hiroshima and then to Shandong Luneng at Hindmarsh in Adelaide.
Other results fell Adelaide's way and they finished on top of Group H resulting in a home match in the Round of 16. In an exciting, nerve-racking match, Adelaide lost to Jeonbuk Motors 3-2. Adelaide came back twice in the game, including a goal in the final seconds of the match. Jeonbuk won the match with a goal in the second half of extra time.
playoff round by finishing third in the 2010–11 A-League
. If Adelaide can qualify through to the group stages they will join fellow A-League
teams Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners. This will be the forth time Adelaide have competed in the AFC Champions League, the most of any Australian team.
. Their first match was a play-off against OFC Champions League 2007-08
champions Waitakere United
from New Zealand
. The Reds defeated Waitakere 2-1 via two set plays from Paul Reid
to secure a rematch with ACL rivals Gamba Osaka on 14 December. After a third meeting in three weeks, Adelaide came up against Gamba Osaka yet again at Toyota Stadium. The Reds fought valiantly and created many opportunities, in particular Travis Dodd
, but ultimately lost 0-1 after a 23rd minute shot by Gamba midfielder, Yasuhito Endō
. On 18 December, Adelaide played in the fifth-place match against Egyptian
club Al-Ahly
, defeating them 1-0 to be rewarded the Club World Cup's fifth-place winnings of US$
1.5 million. Adelaide United were also awarded the Fair Play award upon the completion of the tournament.
Adelaide United's original strip was made using the three South Australian state colours
: red, blue and yellow. The shirt was mainly red with a large yellow stripe down both sleeves with blue being used for the short colour and the stripe running down each side of the top. The badge also uses the state colours in a stylized swoosh, above what appears to be a football made with the Southern Cross, as opposed to the traditional hexagonal panels of a football.
Since their inception into the A-League, Adelaide United's kits, along with the rest of the league, have been manufactured by Reebok
. United's kit has moved towards a predominately all-red kit, both top and shorts, with black trim. Originally, the away strip was predominantly white, with red sleeves and yellow trim however in 2009 the club launched a predominantly black 'clash' strip.
The launch of the new national league also saw Adelaide launch a new badge; while keeping a similar look and feel as its predecessor the new badge takes the form of more traditional football badge with its shield like border.
Adelaide United's 2009/10 playing kit didn't feature a sponsor on the front of their kit. Towards the end of the season, United signed a deal with Jim's Group which saw the Jim's Plumbing logo feature on the front of United's home and away kits. The deal only lasted for the remainder of the season as the logo isn't displayed on Adelaide's home or away kits in the 2010/11 season.
On 16 December 2010, Coopers Brewery
announced that their logo would feature on the front of the jersey for the remainder of the season, in a deal worth to be around $200,000.
As of 1 April 2011, all A-League
clubs were able to negotiate new kit supplier deals as the previous contract with Reebok
had elapsed and as such, Adelaide United negotiated a 3 year deal with Erreà
.
Hindmarsh Stadium seating capacity is 17,000. Adelaide United's first home game in the now defunct National Soccer League
saw over 15,000 supporters watch Adelaide win 1-0 over the Brisbane Strikers
.
A-League crowds have averaged 10,947 in 2005-06
and over 12,000 supporters attending in both 2006-07
and 2007-08
seasons. Despite a lack of on-field success, crowds at United's games remained healthy during the 2009-10 season relative to other clubs, largely due to the club's strong community-based initiatives. The record attendance for Hindmarsh Stadium was a full house of 17,000 on 12 November 2008 against Gamba Osaka in the historic second leg of the ACL final.
.
Adelaide's two main rivals are considered to be Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory:
Sydney and Adelaide were two of the leading teams in the inaugural A-League season where Sydney finished as champions and Adelaide as premiers. Results in recent seasons have heavily favoured Sydney with Adelaide. The rivalry was further intensified during the 2006-07
season when ex-Reds manager John Kosmina was hired as Sydney FC coach.
Adelaide was again one of two of the leading teams in the 2006-07
season this time against Melbourne what saw an altercation between John Kosmina, the Adelaide United manager, and Kevin Muscat
after the Victory captain knocked Kosmina over after entering the technical area to retrieve a ball. Kosmina then jumped up and grabbed Muscat around the throat for a few seconds. Season events culminated in the year's grandfinal that saw Adelaide captain, Ross Aloisi
, sent off and Melbourne winning 6-0. The rivalry went beyond extreme after Melbourne defeated Adelaide United 1-0 in the 2008/09 grand final with United imported striker, Cristiano, given a controversial straight red card . The rivalry then went even further when Adelaide United defeated Melbourne 4-1 at AAMI Park, in Victoria, after United had been suffering a record-breaking 10-game losing streak against the Victory. (see Adelaide-Melbourne rivalry
).
Perth Glory are also close rivals of Adelaide's not only because the team is Perth's closest geographical A-League opponent but also because the two clubs are two of the three former NSL teams in the A-League (the 3rd being the Newcastle Jets). In the last NSL season Perth Glory knocked Adelaide United out of the preliminary final. Adelaide United's rivalry with Perth Glory has grown considerably over the past year.
NSL Finalists:
International
Last updated 14 October 2011
Last updated 20 November 2011
* Second finals draw went to a penalty shoot-out which Adelaide United won 4-3 which then led to a Grand Final berth.
* The finals draw went to a penalty shoot-out which Adelaide United won 5-4 to be crowned Pre-Season Champions 2006
Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million...
, South Australia
South Australia
South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. It currently participates in the A-League
A-League
The A-League is the top Australasian professional football league. Run by Australian governing body Football Federation Australia , it was founded in 2004 following the folding of the National Soccer League and staged its inaugural season in 2005–06. It is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company...
as the sole team from the state of South Australia. Adelaide is one of the most successful clubs in the A-League. The club's home ground is Hindmarsh Stadium
Hindmarsh Stadium
Hindmarsh Stadium is a rectangular stadium located in Adelaide, South Australia. It is the home of the Australian A-League team, Adelaide United....
. The club was founded in 2003 to fill the place vacated by Adelaide City
Adelaide City
Adelaide City is a football club in Adelaide, South Australia. They are also known as The Zebras. They played in the National Soccer League for 27 Seasons but withdrew just prior to the 2003/2004 season. They now play in the South Australian Super League. City won the inaugural Super League...
in the former National Soccer League
National Soccer League
The National Soccer League is the former national association football competition in Australasia, overseen by Soccer Australia and later the Australian Soccer Association. The NSL spanned 28 seasons from its inception in 1977, until its demise in 2004...
(NSL). Adelaide United were premiers in the inaugural 2005–06 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 2006–07 and 2008–09 seasons, but failed to win either of the grand finals. The 2009-10 season proved to be a disaster as the club's poor form continued throughout the season with the club ending the season at the bottom of the premiership table for the first time since inception. As of 2010, Adelaide is one of only two A-League clubs to be present at the AFC Champions League on three occasions, and progressing past the group stage on two occasions, making them the most successful Australian club in Asia.
Adelaide United hold the record for the largest win in an A-League game and the most amount of goals scored in one game. Adelaide defeated North Queensland Fury eight goals to one at Hindmarsh Stadium on 21 January 2011 in front of 10,829 fans. The game was also the first in the league to host two hattricks - one to Marcos Flores
Marcos Flores
Marcos Abel Flores Benard, is an Argentine footballer. He currently plays as a midfielder for the Chinese Super League club Henan Jianye.-Biography:...
and the other to Sergio van Dijk
Sergio van Dijk
Serginho "Sergio" van Dijk is a Dutch-born Indonesian footballer player, who currently plays for Adelaide United in the A-League...
.
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 StrikersBrisbane Strikers
The Brisbane Strikers are an Australian football club from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia who play in the Queensland State League.-National Soccer League:...
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
Perth Glory FC
Perth Glory Football Club is a professional football club in Perth, Western Australia, Australia, competing in Australia's top football competition the A-League. Perth Glory is one of only three clubs to survive from the now defunct National Soccer League...
. 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 A-League, and are, along with the Perth Glory and Newcastle JetsNewcastle United Jets
Newcastle United Jets Football Club is a professional football club based in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. The club competes in the A-League and plays its home games at Ausgrid Stadium . The Jets have won one A-League championship, defeating arch rivals the 1–0 in the 2007–08 Grand Final...
, 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
Angelo Costanzo
Angelo Costanzo is an Australian football player.He is instantly recognizable by his trademark long hair, which has earned him the nickname "The Divine Ponytail" among Adelaide and Newcastle fans.-Club career:In 1994 at 18 years of age he won the SA player of the year award at Salisbury United,...
, Travis Dodd
Travis Dodd
Travis Dodd is an Indigenous Australian football player who plays for Perth Glory in the A-League. He plays as an attacking midfielder or winger.-Club career:...
and Lucas Pantelis
Lucas Pantelis
Lucas Pantelis is a Greek Australian football player. He currently plays for Wellington Phoenix in the Hyundai A-League.-Club career:...
, who had previously played for Adelaide City SC in the NSL. Shengqing Qu was signed from Chinese
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
club Shanghai Shenhua
Shanghai Shenhua
Shanghai Shenhua is a professional Chinese football club currently playing in Chinese Super League. The club is currently owned by Zhu Jun , Shanghai SVA Group, SMEG and Huangpu Investment Ltd. . The current head coach is Dražen Besek...
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
Fernando Rech
Fernando Rech is a Brazilian former football player. He played either as a striker or an attacking midfielder.-Life and career:...
from Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, a former 'player of the year' in the old NSL. By moving to Adelaide, he was reunited with former coach John Kosmina
John Kosmina
Alexander John Kosmina , known as John Kosmina, is a former Australian football player and manager of Polish Australian ethnicity. He was most recently the manager of Sydney FC...
who introduced him to Australian audiences at the Brisbane Strikers.
Adelaide United established links with American club Miami FC
Miami FC
Fort Lauderdale Strikers is an American professional association football team based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid...
, setting up a 'sister club' relationship, with whom they played a number of friendlies and leading to signing Diego
Diego Walsh
Diego Walsh is a Brazilian footballer currently playing for TOT S.C. in the Thai Premier League.-Youth and College:...
from them. The team also signed Brazilian legend Romario for a 5 game guest stint in November/December 2006.
2006/07 season
Adelaide United advanced to the 2006-07 Grand FinalA-League Grand Final 2007
-Finals series:The 2007 A-League Grand Final took place at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, on 18 February 2007. The match was contested by premiers Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United...
after winning 4-3 on penalties (1-1 AET) against the . Adelaide United played at the Telstra Dome
Telstra Dome
Docklands Stadium is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment stadium in the Docklands precinct of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia...
in the Grand Final on 18 February 2007 losing 6-0 whilst playing most of the game with only 10 men after captain Ross Aloisi
Ross Aloisi
Ross Aloisi is a former Australian football player who was known for being the captain of Adelaide United in the Hyundai A-League - a team he guided to a minor premiership, a pre-season cup and earning entry into 2 Asian Champions League campaigns...
was sent off for his second bookable offense. Following a controversial post grand final interview, Ross Aloisi was sacked as captain of Adelaide United, and left the club to move to . He was replaced as captain by Angelo Costanzo on 22 February 2007. At the same as this announcement was made, it was also announced that coach 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. Assistant Coach Aurelio Vidmar was appointed interim coach. On 22 October 2007, former Adelaide United coach John Kosmina took up the role as the new head coach of Sydney FC.
The 2006-07 season also saw Brazilian
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
international Romario
Romário
Romário de Souza Faria , better known simply as Romário , is a former footballer who played striker,manager and current politician where is currently running for a mayor like position in his hometown...
join the club for a four-game guest player stint.
2007/08 season
For the 2007-08 season Adelaide recruited ex-Socceroo Paul AgostinoPaul Agostino
Paul Agostino is an retired Australian football player who played as a striker. He played the majority of his club football outside Australia, most notably with 1860 Munich in Germany for ten years...
"marquee", Ivorian Jonas Salley
Jonas Salley
Gyawe Jonas Salley is an Australian football midfielder who plays for Gold Coast United in the Hyundai A-League, on loan from Chengdu Blades F.C. in the Chinese Super League.-Club career:...
and current Olyroo
Australia national under-23 football team
The Australia Olympic football team, more commonly known as the Olyroos, is controlled by Football Federation Australia and represents Australia at association football in the Olympic Games...
Kristian Sarkies
Kristian Sarkies
Kristian Sarkies is an Australian football player who currently plays for Melbourne Heart...
. They also signed Issy Erdogan
Isyan Erdogan
İsyan Erdogan is an Australian football player who plays for Hume City in the Victorian Premier League.-Club career:...
of Preston Lions. One of the success stories of the season was the signing of former Flamengo FC
Clube de Regatas do Flamengo
Clube de Regatas do Flamengo , also known as Flamengo and familiarly as Mengão, is a Brazilian sports club based in the Flamengo bairro, Zona Sul, Rio de Janeiro, best known for its professional football team...
player Cássio
Cássio José de Abreu Oliveira
Cássio José de Abreu Oliveira known as Cássio is a Brazilian professional football player who currently plays for Adelaide United in the Australian A-League.-Biography:...
on a free transfer from Brazilian club. Cássio, who joined from Santa Cruz FC, won the Club Champion award in his first season.Shaun Ontong
Shaun Ontong
Shaun Ontong is an Australian football player.-Club career:Shaun grew up in Canberra playing junior football for local clubs Belwest Foxes and later Belconnen United, and watching the Canberra teams such as the Canberra Cosmos playing in the NSL...
and Matthew Mullen
Matthew Mullen
Matthew Mullen Matthew Mullen Matthew Mullen (born 24 February 1989 in Adelaide is an Australian football (soccer) midfielder who currently plays for in the National Youth League...
from the AIS, were also signed to replenish their defensive stocks after the departure of Kristian Rees
Kristian Rees
Kristian Rees is an Australian football player who plays in the position as a central defender.-Club career:He made his NSL debut playing for Adelaide City...
, Adam van Dommele
Adam van Dommele
Adam van Dommele is an Australian football player. He currently plays for MetroStars in the South Australian Super League.-Club Career:...
and Aaron Goulding
Aaron Goulding
Aaron Goulding is an Australian football player who currently plays for Para Hills Knights in the South Australian Premier League.-Club Career:...
.
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 had failed to make the top two in A-League history.
2008/09 season
For the 2008–09 season, Adelaide United made some significant signings to strengthen the squad, most notably striker CristianoCristiano dos Santos Rodrigues
Cristiano dos Santos Rodrigues , commonly known as Cristiano, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a striker for South Australian Premier League side White City FC.-Early career:...
from Willem II
Willem II Tilburg
Willem II , also known as Willem II Tilburg, is a football club based in Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands. The team was founded on 12 August 1896 as Tilburgia...
for two years on a free transfer. Another key signing to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Richie Alagich
Richie Alagich
Richie Alagich is a retired Australian football player. He was a right full back mostly known for playing for Adelaide United in the A-League...
was Alemão
Everson Arantes de Oliveira
Everson Arantes de Oliveira is a Brazilian professional football player who plays for Esporte Clube Santo André in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série C.-Biography:...
formerly of CA Juventus. Saša Ognenovski
Sasa Ognenovski
Saša Ognenovski is an Australian football player who currently plays as a central defender for Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma and the Australia national team. Since moving to South Korea, Ognenovski's success has rapidly risen. In 2010, he was named Asian Footballer of the Year, won a position in the...
joined the club from Queensland Roar to help shore up the defence, midfielder Paul Reid
Paul Reid (Australian footballer)
Paul James Reid is a professional football player who last played for A-League club Adelaide United. Reid previously played for Wollongong Wolves during their championship winning seasons before moving to England where he played for six years with Bradford City and Brighton & Hove Albion before...
joined from Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are an English association football club based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. They currently play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system....
, while promising youngsters Scott Jamieson
Scott Jamieson
Scott Jamieson is an Australian football player who plays for Sydney FC in the Hyundai A-League.-Club career:...
, Daniel Mullen, Mark Birighitti
Mark Birighitti
Mark Birighitti is an Australian football player who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Adelaide United in the A-League. He is the youngest keeper to partake in an international club final—a record previously held by Real Madrid's Iker Casillas.- Club career :Mark started his career at the AIS...
and Robert Younis
Robert Younis
Robert Younis is an Australian football who plays for APIA Leichhardt Tigers in the New South Wales Premier League.-Club career:...
also signed. Bobby Petta
Bobby Petta
Alfred Manuel "Bobby" Petta is a retired Dutch professional footballer and is currently a personal trainer based in Glasgow...
, Shaun Ontong, Milan Susak
Milan Susak
Milan Susak is an Australian football player who plays as a defender for Adelaide United in the A-League.- Club career :...
, Dez Giraldi
Dez Giraldi
Dezmon Wallace Giraldi is a football player.-Club career:Giraldi signed with Australian A-League club Adelaide United for the 2006-07 season, after a four-week stint with the Central Coast Mariners during the 2005-06 A-League season...
and Robert Bajic
Robert Bajic
Robert Bajic , is an Australian football player of Croatian background. He last played as a goalkeeper for Sông Lam Nghệ An in the V-League.- Club career :...
were all released, Bruce Djite
Bruce Djite
Bruce José Djite is an American-born Australian football striker who currently plays for Adelaide United F.C. in the A-League.-Club career:...
was sold for an A-League record of A$
Australian dollar
The Australian dollar is the currency of the Commonwealth of Australia, including Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, and Norfolk Island, as well as the independent Pacific Island states of Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu...
850,000 to Genclerbirligi
Gençlerbirligi
Gençlerbirliği Spor Kulübü is a professional Turkish football club located in the city of Ankara, which is the capital of Turkey. Formed in 1923, Gençlerbirliği are nicknamed Ankara Rüzgârı . The club colours are black and red. They play their home matches at Ankara 19 Mayıs Stadium.Domestically,...
, whilst Nathan Burns
Nathan Burns
Nathan Burns is an Australian international football player currently playing as a right winger for AEK Athens F.C. in the Greek Super League.-Adelaide United:He formerly played for Parramatta Eagles and trained at the AIS....
also transferred to pursue his European dreams, joining Greek first division outfit AEK Athens for A$500,000. Kristian Sarkies, Lucas Pantelis and Fabian Barbiero
Fabian Barbiero
Fabian Giuseppe Barbiero is an Australian football midfielder who currently plays for in the A-League.-Club career:Before joining Adelaide United Barbiero played for the North Eastern MetroStars...
all had their contracts renewed.
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.
The round 18 A-League match against at the Adelaide Oval
Adelaide Oval
The Adelaide Oval is a sports ground in Adelaide, South Australia, located in the parklands between the Central Business District and North Adelaide...
saw $23,002 donated to the Starlight Foundation as $1 from every ticket sold for the match went to the charity.
By the end of round 27, Adelaide had drew level for first, equaling Melbourne's 38 points on the ladder, having needed to win 2–0 against the Central Coast Mariners away to win the premiership and only securing a 1–0 win. Adelaide was pushed down to second because of goal difference. The Reds, along with Melbourne, the Queensland Roar and Central Coast, proceeded to the finals where they lost 1–0 against Melbourne Victory in the grand final at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne.
2009/10 season
After a stellar season in the A-League and internationally, Adelaide United began its pre-season without a financial owner; Nick Bianco relinquishing his A-League license back to Football Federation AustraliaFootball Federation Australia
Football Federation Australia is the governing body for the sport of football in Australia. Before 1 January 2005, it was known as the Australian Soccer Association , which succeeded Soccer Australia in this role in 2003...
(FFA). Regardless of this situation, the FFA ensured that Adelaide would have the funds available to recruit in the off-season and to maintain the club, whilst they would negotiate the new ownership deals. Adelaide United managed to secure major sponsors Modern Solar as well as Jim's Plumbing
Jim's Mowing
Founded in 1982 by Jim Penman, Jim's Mowing has expanded to become Jim's Group, the largest franchise in Australia with 3000 franchises, as well as becoming the world's largest home franchise business ....
for their 2009-10 season.
Adelaide made a number of signings to replace the players which left in the off-season, most notably the departure of Saša Ognenovski
Sasa Ognenovski
Saša Ognenovski is an Australian football player who currently plays as a central defender for Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma and the Australia national team. Since moving to South Korea, Ognenovski's success has rapidly risen. In 2010, he was named Asian Footballer of the Year, won a position in the...
to K-League
K-League
The Korea Professional Football League is South Korea's only fully professional association football league. At the top of the South Korean football league system, it is the country's highest and most prestigious level of football competition currently contested by 16 clubs.-Establishment:The...
side Seongnam Ilhwa
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma is a South Korean professional football club, based in Seongnam, South Korea, that plays in the K-League...
. To fill the void, Adelaide signed former Sydney FC
Sydney FC
Sydney FC is a professional football club based in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and competes in the country's premier football competition, the A-League...
defenders, Iain Fyfe
Iain Fyfe
Iain Fyfe is an Australian football player who currently plays as defender for Busan I'Park in the K-League.- Club career :On completion of his SASI program in 2000, Iain joined hometown NSL club Adelaide City...
and Mark Rudan
Mark Rudan
Mark Rudan is a former Australian football player who last played for Adelaide United in the A-League.-Club career:...
, Korean youngster Inseob Shin
Shin In-Seob
Shin In-Seob also written as Inseob Shin, is a South Korean footballer who currently plays for Busan I'Park in the K-League.-Early life:...
and former Drogheda United
Drogheda United
Drogheda United Football Club is an Irish football club currently playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club hails from Drogheda, Ireland and, since 1979, plays its home matches at Hunky Dorys Park....
midfielder Adam Hughes
Adam Hughes (footballer)
Adam Hughes is an Australian football player who is currently playing with Perth Glory in the A-League.-Club career:He had a 2 year spell with English club Doncaster Rovers but never found his feet and left the club in 2006....
. Arguably the biggest off-season signing was former Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham Town F.C.
Cheltenham Town Football Club is an English football club playing in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. Founded in 1887, the team has played at four different grounds, namely Agg-Gardner's Recreation Ground, Carter's Field and now the Abbey Business Stadium, although it is more...
and Brentford
Brentford F.C.
Brentford Football Club are a professional English football club based in Brentford in the London Borough of Hounslow. They are currently playing in Football League One....
striker, Lloyd Owusu
Lloyd Owusu
Lloyd Magnus Owusu is a professional footballer who plays for Hayes & Yeading United on loan from Barnet.After a move from non-League Slough Town, his career took off at Brentford, where he scored 64 goals in 163 league games between 1998 and 2002. He then moved to Sheffield Wednesday, and two...
, a capped Ghana
Ghana
Ghana , officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south...
ian international. The Reds also elevated a handful of players from their Youth squad to the senior team, namely Francesco Monterosso
Francesco Monterosso
Francesco Monterosso is an Australian football player who currently plays for the North Eastern MetroStars in the South Australian Super League.-Club career:...
, Michael Marrone
Michael Marrone (footballer)
Michael Marrone is an Australian football player who currently plays for Melbourne Heart.-Club career:Marrone made his professional debut on 18 December 2008 in the FIFA Club World Cup fifth-placed match against Al-Ahly...
and Joe Costa
Joe Costa
Joe Costa is an Australian football Midfield player who currently plays for Enfield City in the FFSA Premier League.-Club career:...
.
After making a rather average start to the 2009-10 season, the Reds made their final signing in promising young Bulleen Lions winger, Mathew Leckie
Mathew Leckie
Mathew Leckie is an Australian football player who currently plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the German Bundesliga as a right winger or attacking midfielder.-Club career:...
prior to the Round 5 clash against Wellington Phoenix
Wellington Phoenix FC
Wellington Phoenix Football Club is a professional association football club based in Wellington, New Zealand. The club competes in the Football Federation of Australia A-League. Ricki Herbert has been the coach since the club's inception to the A-League in July 2007. The current club captain is...
. Leckie made an immediate impression, and scored his first goal in his second game off the bench against North Queensland Fury
North Queensland Fury FC
North Queensland Fury FC were a professional football club based in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, which competed in the A-League. North Queensland played its home fixtures at Dairy Farmers Stadium. The club was closed on 1 March 2011, due to financial instability.-History:A Townsville bid was...
and would soon become a fan favourite.
With two rounds to go, and Adelaide sitting at the base of the table, the Reds made a surprise announcement that Argentine
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
playmaker, Marcos Flores
Marcos Flores
Marcos Abel Flores Benard, is an Argentine footballer. He currently plays as a midfielder for the Chinese Super League club Henan Jianye.-Biography:...
, who had signed on for 2 years starting with the club's third AFC Champions League
AFC Champions League
The AFC Champions League is the premier Asian club football competition hosted annually by Asian Football Confederation . The tournament is contested among the top thirty-two clubs from the top 10 Asian leagues, two of which must qualify through the playoffs...
venture, was to make his debut as an injury replacement for fellow import Cristiano
Cristiano dos Santos Rodrigues
Cristiano dos Santos Rodrigues , commonly known as Cristiano, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a striker for South Australian Premier League side White City FC.-Early career:...
. The South American made his presence felt in the final two games of the regular season, and helped Adelaide United finish the season with two consecutive wins. This however, was still not enough to lift the club up from its 2009-10 wooden spoon status - the club's worst performing season in its short history.
2010/11 season
For the first time in the club's history, the Adelaide United was to be managed by an international manager in Rini CoolenRini Coolen
Rini Coolen is a former football defender from the Netherlands, who played for Go Ahead Eagles, Heracles Almelo, De Graafschap and AZ Alkmaar.-Biography:...
, moving away from the Adelaide United tradition of local coaches seen in its prior seasons.
As of 9 September 2010, Adelaide United has made Australian Soccer history by becoming the first team to climb from the bottom of the table to the top, whilst the 2009–10 premiers and champions, , remain rooted at the bottom. Adelaide United also claimed the record for longest undefeated streak in A-League history with their win over in Week 11 of the league, consisting of thirteen games stretching back to the penultimate round of the 2009–10 A-League season. This surpassed 's previous record of twelve games undefeated set back in the 2005–06 A-League season. Unfortunately for Adelaide United, surpassed this newly set record, when the Roar comprehensively won their Week 16 fixture against at Bluetongue Stadium.
Following 18 months under Football Federation Australia
Football Federation Australia
Football Federation Australia is the governing body for the sport of football in Australia. Before 1 January 2005, it was known as the Australian Soccer Association , which succeeded Soccer Australia in this role in 2003...
(FFA) financial administration, it was announced on 8 November 2010 that a South Australia
South Australia
South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...
n consortium had taken over ownership of the club with a ten year license. New co-owner Greg Griffin steps in as Chairman of the club, whilst North Adelaide Football Club CEO, Glenn Elliott replaces Sam Ciccarello, who now takes up a role at the FFA.
During the January 2011 transfer window, Coolen made a move to strengthen United's squad by signing former Uruguayan youth international Francisco Usúcar, and former Dutch international Andwélé Slory
Andwélé Slory
Andwélé "Andy" Cedric Slory is a retired Dutch footballer who last played as a right winger for Adelaide United FC in the Hyundai A-League. After his professional debut for Stormvogels Telstar at the age of 18, Slory promoted to the Eredivisie with his next club Excelsior.In the Eredivisie, Slory...
. Both have signed until the end of the season and have replaced former imports Lloyd Owusu
Lloyd Owusu
Lloyd Magnus Owusu is a professional footballer who plays for Hayes & Yeading United on loan from Barnet.After a move from non-League Slough Town, his career took off at Brentford, where he scored 64 goals in 163 league games between 1998 and 2002. He then moved to Sheffield Wednesday, and two...
and Inseob Shin
Shin In-Seob
Shin In-Seob also written as Inseob Shin, is a South Korean footballer who currently plays for Busan I'Park in the K-League.-Early life:...
, whose contracts were mutually terminated to allow the transfers to occur early in the year. Cameron Watson
Cameron Watson
Cameron Watson is an American actor, screenwriter, and director, best known for playing Bart Fallmont in the TV miniseries Dynasty: The Reunion....
was also signed on as a mainstay squad member after his injury replacement contract expired at the end of December. Iain Fyfe
Iain Fyfe
Iain Fyfe is an Australian football player who currently plays as defender for Busan I'Park in the K-League.- Club career :On completion of his SASI program in 2000, Iain joined hometown NSL club Adelaide City...
, arguably Adelaide's most consistent defender in the season transferred to K-League
K-League
The Korea Professional Football League is South Korea's only fully professional association football league. At the top of the South Korean football league system, it is the country's highest and most prestigious level of football competition currently contested by 16 clubs.-Establishment:The...
outfit Busan I'Park
Busan I'Park FC
Busan I'Park is a South Korean football club. Busan was founded in 1983 and play at K-League in South Korea.-History:The Busan I'Park football team was found in 1983 in the city of Busan by the Daewoo corporation....
for an undisclosed transfer fee, where he will join up with former team-mate Shin. As a replacement, Coolen brought in former Croatia
Croatia
Croatia , officially the Republic of Croatia , is a unitary democratic parliamentary republic in Europe at the crossroads of the Mitteleuropa, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. Its capital and largest city is Zagreb. The country is divided into 20 counties and the city of Zagreb. Croatia covers ...
n youth international Dario Bodrušić
Dario Bodrušic
Dario Bodrušić is a Bosnian-born Croatian football defender who last played for Adelaide United in the Hyundai A-League.-Club career:...
to cover in defensive duties.
On 9 January 2011, Adelaide broke its longest winless streak against its rival club by posting a 4-1 away win in Melbourne at AAMI Park
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
The Melbourne Rectangular Stadium is an outdoor sports stadium on the site of Edwin Flack Field on Olympic Boulevard in the Sports and Entertainment Precinct, in inner Melbourne, Victoria, Australia....
. Adelaide United then went on to make A-League
A-League
The A-League is the top Australasian professional football league. Run by Australian governing body Football Federation Australia , it was founded in 2004 following the folding of the National Soccer League and staged its inaugural season in 2005–06. It is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company...
history by recording the highest winning margin in the league's history with an 8-1 win over on 21 January 2011. This also marked the first time two players from the same side scored hat-tricks in one game (Sergio van Dijk
Sergio van Dijk
Serginho "Sergio" van Dijk is a Dutch-born Indonesian footballer player, who currently plays for Adelaide United in the A-League...
and Marcos Flores
Marcos Flores
Marcos Abel Flores Benard, is an Argentine footballer. He currently plays as a midfielder for the Chinese Super League club Henan Jianye.-Biography:...
), and matched the all-time highest match aggregate score of 9 goals scored in one match.
After a form slump in the second half of the season, United saw itself lose 10 of its last 19 games, but rebounded well in the final week of competition by winning 2-1 at Adelaide Oval
Adelaide Oval
The Adelaide Oval is a sports ground in Adelaide, South Australia, located in the parklands between the Central Business District and North Adelaide...
against in front of 21,038 spectators - the club's largest crowd of the season. This ensured the club third place in overall standings at the end of the season, and hosting rights for at least the first week of the knock-out Finals Series.
Adelaide United went on to defeat in the first week of the Finals under torrential rain, but succumbed to in the second week and were knocked out of the competition on the back of a 2-3 home loss.
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 championChinese Super League 2006
This article is about the 2006 season of the Chinese Football Association Super League , also known as Chinese Super League , which is the premier football league in China under the auspices of the Chinese Football Association....
Shandong Luneng Taishan, Korean champions
K-League 2006
The 2006 season of the K-League kicked off on March 12. The season and playoff format will be the same as the one used in the 2005 season. The playoff fixtures are set to take place in early November, with the Final being played on two legs in late November....
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma is a South Korean professional football club, based in Seongnam, South Korea, that plays in the K-League...
and Vietnamese league
V-League
The number of foreign players is restricted to five per team. A team could use three foreigners on the field each game.As 2009 statistics, about half of V-League foreign players are Brazilian and the rest come from Argentina, Nigeria, Ghana, Czech Republic, Thailand and others.-Attendance:V-League...
and Super Cup
Vietnamese Super Cup
The Vietnamese Super Cup was an annual football match contested by the winners of the previous season's V-League and Vietnamese Cup competitions.-Past winners:*1999 - The Cong*2000 - Sông Lam Nghệ An*2001 - Sông Lam Nghệ An*2002 - Sông Lam Nghệ An...
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 LeagueAFC Champions League 2008
The 2008 AFC Champions League was the 27th AFC Champions League, the top-level Asian club football tournament, and the 6th under the current AFC Champions League title...
after finishing runner-up in the 2006-07 regular season and finals series
A-League Grand Final 2007
-Finals series:The 2007 A-League Grand Final took place at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, on 18 February 2007. The match was contested by premiers Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United...
to Melbourne Victory. Adelaide was drawn into Group E, along with V-League
V-League
The number of foreign players is restricted to five per team. A team could use three foreigners on the field each game.As 2009 statistics, about half of V-League foreign players are Brazilian and the rest come from Argentina, Nigeria, Ghana, Czech Republic, Thailand and others.-Attendance:V-League...
and Super Cup
Vietnamese Super Cup
The Vietnamese Super Cup was an annual football match contested by the winners of the previous season's V-League and Vietnamese Cup competitions.-Past winners:*1999 - The Cong*2000 - Sông Lam Nghệ An*2001 - Sông Lam Nghệ An*2002 - Sông Lam Nghệ An...
winners Bình Dương F.C.
Bình Duong F.C.
Becamex Binh Duong is a Vietnamese football club based in Thu Dau Mot, Vietnam and currently plays in Vietnam's top division, the V-League.The team plays at Go Dau Stadium, Thu Dau Mot...
, CSL
Chinese Super League 2007
The 2007 Chinese Super League season, the fourth since its establishment, started on March 3, 2007 and ended on November 14, 2007. This season is sponsored by Kingway brewery....
champions Changchun Yatai
Changchun Yatai
Changchun Yatai is a Chinese football team. It was founded on June 6, 1996 by Jilin Yatai Group at Changchun, Jilin. Their manager is Shen Xiangfu....
, and K-League
K-League 2007
The 2007 season of the K-League kicked off on March 3. The league's previous split-season format was replaced by a combined 26-game single-season schedule. Each team will play 26 matches consisting of a home and away fixture against every other team. After all games have been played, the top 6...
winners Pohang Steelers
Pohang Steelers
Pohang Steelers are a South Korean professional football club based in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do. They were originally called POSCO, after the Pohang Iron and Steel Company that owned it...
.
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 an 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
Emperor's Cup
, commonly known as or , is a Japanese association football competition. It has the longest tradition of any football tournament in Japan, dating back to 1921, before the formation of the J. League, Japan Football League and their predecessor, Japan Soccer League...
champions Kashima Antlers
Kashima Antlers
are a Japanese professional association football club playing in the J. League Division 1. Antlers is derived from the city name, Kashima, which literally means "deer island"....
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
Uzbek League
The Uzbekistan Professional Football League , is the top division of football in Uzbekistan, and is operated under the auspices of the Uzbekistan Football Federation.-Soviet time champions:*1926 : FC Tashkent*1927 : FC Tashkent*1928 : FC Fergana...
Runners-up FC Bunyodkor
FC Bunyodkor
FC Bunyodkor is an Uzbek football club based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.The club finished second in the 2007 Uzbek League season and made the semi-finals of the 2008 AFC Champions League...
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 at Hindmarsh Stadium.
In the second leg of the semi finals Adelaide United lost 1-0 to FC Bunyodkor but went through to the final 3-1 on aggregate. Thus they became the first Australian team to make it to the final of Asia's premier club competition. In the two legged final, they took on Japanese team Gamba Osaka
Gamba Osaka
is a Japanese professional association football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1. The team's name comes from the Italian word "gamba" meaning "leg" and the Japanese , meaning "to do your best" or "to stand firm". Located in Suita, Osaka, the team's home stadium is Osaka Expo '70...
who deposed 2007 champions Urawa Red Diamonds
Urawa Red Diamonds
are a professional association football club playing in Japan's football league, J. League Division 1. One of Japan and Asia's best supported teams, the club has been able to boast the highest average crowds for thirteen of the J-League's twenty season history...
in the other semifinal.
This result ensured that Adelaide would participate in the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup
2008 FIFA Club World Cup
-Play-off for Quarter-finals:-Quarter-finals:-----Semi-finals:-----Match for fifth place:-Match for third place:-Final:-Scorers:3 goals Wayne Rooney...
either as the AFC
Asian Football Confederation
The Asian Football Confederation is the governing body of association football in Asia. It has 46 member countries, mostly located on the Asian continent. However, due to the disputed boundary of Europe and Asia, nations such as Russia and Turkey which are located mostly in geographic Asia are...
representatives or as the highest placed non-Japanese team - as the rules do not allow more than one Japanese team to participate.
Adelaide lost heavily over two legs to Gamba Osaka. The score was 3-0 to Gamba Osaka away and 2-0 to Osaka at home in Adelaide, the Japanese club winning 5-0 on aggregate.
2010 campaign
Adelaide will compete in the Champions League in 2010 after finishing second on the 2008-09 A-League league table, and runner-up in the Finals series to cross-border rivals, Melbourne Victory. This will mark the return of Adelaide United to the continental club champions' tournament after a 1 year absence.On 7 December 2009, Adelaide were drawn into Group H of the Champions League alongside 2009 Asian Champions Pohang Steelers
Pohang Steelers
Pohang Steelers are a South Korean professional football club based in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do. They were originally called POSCO, after the Pohang Iron and Steel Company that owned it...
, Chinese sister club Shandong Luneng
Shandong Luneng
Shandong Luneng Taishan is a Chinese Super League football club owned by Shandong Luneng Group, the biggest supplier of electric energy in Shandong province. They play at the Shandong Stadium in Jinan, Shandong. The predecessor of Shandong Luneng Taishan was the Shandong Provincial team organised...
and the winners of the 2009 Japanese Emperor's Cup
2009 Emperor's Cup
The 89th Emperor's Cup began on September 19, 2009 and ended on January 1, 2010 with the final at National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. won the title for two years in a row. Since Gamba already confirmed 2010 AFC Champions League berth, the last spot of ACL for J. League club is awarded to , which...
. Because Gamba Osaka, the winner of the Emperor's Cup, had already qualified through league placing, 4th placed Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
is a Japanese association football club in the J. League Division 1.-Club name:The club name is a portmanteau of the Japanese numeral for three, San and an Italian word frecce or 'arrows'...
became Adelaide United's final opponent in Group H of the Champions League.
In Adelaide's first match of the campaign played on 24 February against Pohang Steelers, Adelaide secured an important victory at Hindmarsh Stadium winning 1-0 courtesy of a fantastic individual effort by youngster Mathew Leckie
Mathew Leckie
Mathew Leckie is an Australian football player who currently plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the German Bundesliga as a right winger or attacking midfielder.-Club career:...
on the stroke of half-time. They then continued their winning form by beating Shandong Luneng 2-0 and then coming from a 1-2 deficit to beat Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3-2. Despite not quite playing to the standard set in their opening three matches, Adelaide United managed to hold on to top spot in the group by securing a 0-0 draw against Pohang in Korea in between narrow 1-0 losses to Hiroshima in Hiroshima and then to Shandong Luneng at Hindmarsh in Adelaide.
Other results fell Adelaide's way and they finished on top of Group H resulting in a home match in the Round of 16. In an exciting, nerve-racking match, Adelaide lost to Jeonbuk Motors 3-2. Adelaide came back twice in the game, including a goal in the final seconds of the match. Jeonbuk won the match with a goal in the second half of extra time.
2012 campaign
Adelaide qualified for the 2012 AFC Champions League2012 AFC Champions League
The 2012 AFC Champions League will be the 31st edition of the top-level Asian club football tournament organized by the Asian Football Confederation , and the 10th under the current AFC Champions League title. The winner will participate in 2012 FIFA Club World Cup.-Allocation of entries per...
playoff round by finishing third in the 2010–11 A-League
2010–11 A-League
The 2010–11 A-League season is the sixth season of the Australian football championship since its establishment in 2004. The home and away season began on 5 August 2010 and concluded on 13 February 2011. The addition of brought the total number of teams to 11...
. If Adelaide can qualify through to the group stages they will join fellow A-League
A-League
The A-League is the top Australasian professional football league. Run by Australian governing body Football Federation Australia , it was founded in 2004 following the folding of the National Soccer League and staged its inaugural season in 2005–06. It is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company...
teams Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners. This will be the forth time Adelaide have competed in the AFC Champions League, the most of any Australian team.
2008
Because of their performance in the 2008 AFC Champions League, Adelaide United filled the position of the Japanese host team in the 2008 edition of the FIFA Club World CupFIFA Club World Cup
The FIFA Club World Cup is a football competition between the champion clubs from all six continental confederations.The first FIFA Club World Championship took place in Brazil in January 2000...
. Their first match was a play-off against OFC Champions League 2007-08
OFC Champions League 2007-08
The Oceania Champions League 2007-08 started in 12 June 2007 with the Preliminary Tournament and was played till 4 May 2008. The league was contested by clubs from seven member associations of the Oceania Football Confederation: New Zealand, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Tahiti, Fiji...
champions Waitakere United
Waitakere United
Waitakere United is a football club based in Waitakere City, New Zealand. They are one of the franchises in the ASB Premiership. They play their home games at Fred Taylor Park in Kumeu.-History:...
from New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
. The Reds defeated Waitakere 2-1 via two set plays from Paul Reid
Paul Reid (Australian footballer)
Paul James Reid is a professional football player who last played for A-League club Adelaide United. Reid previously played for Wollongong Wolves during their championship winning seasons before moving to England where he played for six years with Bradford City and Brighton & Hove Albion before...
to secure a rematch with ACL rivals Gamba Osaka on 14 December. After a third meeting in three weeks, Adelaide came up against Gamba Osaka yet again at Toyota Stadium. The Reds fought valiantly and created many opportunities, in particular Travis Dodd
Travis Dodd
Travis Dodd is an Indigenous Australian football player who plays for Perth Glory in the A-League. He plays as an attacking midfielder or winger.-Club career:...
, but ultimately lost 0-1 after a 23rd minute shot by Gamba midfielder, Yasuhito Endō
Yasuhito Endo
is a Japanese footballer, who currently plays for the J. League team Gamba Osaka. His older brother Akihiro, who retired in 2008, was also a professional footballer.-Career:...
. On 18 December, Adelaide played in the fifth-place match against Egyptian
Egyptian Football Association
The Egyptian Football Association is the governing body of football in Egypt.The leading Egyptian clubs are as follows, with the total number of national competitions following the name of the club....
club Al-Ahly
Al-Ahly
Al-Ahly Sports Club , commonly known as simply Al-Ahly, is an Egyptian sporting club. Founded in April 1907, Al-Ahly was named in 2000 by the Confederation of African Football as the "African Club of the Century"...
, defeating them 1-0 to be rewarded the Club World Cup's fifth-place winnings of US$
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
1.5 million. Adelaide United were also awarded the Fair Play award upon the completion of the tournament.
Colours and Badge
Australian state colours
In Australia, state colours are frequently part of a state or territory's set of state symbols.Some states have formally adopted a set of colours as their official "state colours" while others have de facto state colours that have become well-known through popular use. State colours often appear on...
: red, blue and yellow. The shirt was mainly red with a large yellow stripe down both sleeves with blue being used for the short colour and the stripe running down each side of the top. The badge also uses the state colours in a stylized swoosh, above what appears to be a football made with the Southern Cross, as opposed to the traditional hexagonal panels of a football.
Since their inception into the A-League, Adelaide United's kits, along with the rest of the league, have been manufactured by Reebok
Reebok
Reebok International Limited, a subsidiary of the German sportswear company Adidas since 2005, is a producer of Athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories. The name comes from the Afrikaans spelling of rhebok, a type of African antelope or gazelle...
. United's kit has moved towards a predominately all-red kit, both top and shorts, with black trim. Originally, the away strip was predominantly white, with red sleeves and yellow trim however in 2009 the club launched a predominantly black 'clash' strip.
The launch of the new national league also saw Adelaide launch a new badge; while keeping a similar look and feel as its predecessor the new badge takes the form of more traditional football badge with its shield like border.
Adelaide United's 2009/10 playing kit didn't feature a sponsor on the front of their kit. Towards the end of the season, United signed a deal with Jim's Group which saw the Jim's Plumbing logo feature on the front of United's home and away kits. The deal only lasted for the remainder of the season as the logo isn't displayed on Adelaide's home or away kits in the 2010/11 season.
On 16 December 2010, Coopers Brewery
Coopers Brewery
Coopers Brewery is an Australian beer company. Its shares are primarily owned by the extended Cooper family, and the company's constitution and classes of shares makes it difficult to sell shares outside the family. Coopers is known for making a variety of high quality beers, the most famous of...
announced that their logo would feature on the front of the jersey for the remainder of the season, in a deal worth to be around $200,000.
As of 1 April 2011, all A-League
A-League
The A-League is the top Australasian professional football league. Run by Australian governing body Football Federation Australia , it was founded in 2004 following the folding of the National Soccer League and staged its inaugural season in 2005–06. It is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company...
clubs were able to negotiate new kit supplier deals as the previous contract with Reebok
Reebok
Reebok International Limited, a subsidiary of the German sportswear company Adidas since 2005, is a producer of Athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories. The name comes from the Afrikaans spelling of rhebok, a type of African antelope or gazelle...
had elapsed and as such, Adelaide United negotiated a 3 year deal with Erreà
Erreà
Erreà is a sportswear trademark founded in 1988, in Torrile...
.
Sponsorship
| Years | Kit Manufacturer | Major Sponsors |
|---|---|---|
| 2005–06 | Reebok Reebok Reebok International Limited, a subsidiary of the German sportswear company Adidas since 2005, is a producer of Athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories. The name comes from the Afrikaans spelling of rhebok, a type of African antelope or gazelle... |
Fairmont Homes Bianco |
| 2007–08 | Reebok Reebok Reebok International Limited, a subsidiary of the German sportswear company Adidas since 2005, is a producer of Athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories. The name comes from the Afrikaans spelling of rhebok, a type of African antelope or gazelle... |
Sakai Club Financial |
| 2008–09 | Reebok Reebok Reebok International Limited, a subsidiary of the German sportswear company Adidas since 2005, is a producer of Athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories. The name comes from the Afrikaans spelling of rhebok, a type of African antelope or gazelle... |
Sakai Bianco |
| 2009–10 | Reebok Reebok Reebok International Limited, a subsidiary of the German sportswear company Adidas since 2005, is a producer of Athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories. The name comes from the Afrikaans spelling of rhebok, a type of African antelope or gazelle... |
Jim's Plumbing Modern Solar |
| 2010–11 | Reebok Reebok Reebok International Limited, a subsidiary of the German sportswear company Adidas since 2005, is a producer of Athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories. The name comes from the Afrikaans spelling of rhebok, a type of African antelope or gazelle... |
Coopers Brewery Coopers Brewery Coopers Brewery is an Australian beer company. Its shares are primarily owned by the extended Cooper family, and the company's constitution and classes of shares makes it difficult to sell shares outside the family. Coopers is known for making a variety of high quality beers, the most famous of... Stratco |
| 2011– | Erreà Erreà Erreà is a sportswear trademark founded in 1988, in Torrile... |
Coopers Brewery Coopers Brewery Coopers Brewery is an Australian beer company. Its shares are primarily owned by the extended Cooper family, and the company's constitution and classes of shares makes it difficult to sell shares outside the family. Coopers is known for making a variety of high quality beers, the most famous of... Stratco |
Stadium
Adelaide United play their home matches at Hindmarsh Stadium with the exceptions being when they play two games a year at Adelaide Oval, one against interstate rivals Melbourne Victory and traditional rivals Sydney FC. Even though Adelaide lost the first of these two encounters 3-1, it was South Australia's largest football crowd in history with 25,039 people filling the stands, many others turning away at the gate. The second match in 2009 saw 23,002 people attend the game.Hindmarsh Stadium seating capacity is 17,000. Adelaide United's first home game in the now defunct National Soccer League
National Soccer League
The National Soccer League is the former national association football competition in Australasia, overseen by Soccer Australia and later the Australian Soccer Association. The NSL spanned 28 seasons from its inception in 1977, until its demise in 2004...
saw over 15,000 supporters watch Adelaide win 1-0 over the Brisbane Strikers
Brisbane Strikers
The Brisbane Strikers are an Australian football club from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia who play in the Queensland State League.-National Soccer League:...
.
A-League crowds have averaged 10,947 in 2005-06
A-League 2005-06
The 2005-06 season was the first season of the A-League, a domestic club competition for football in Australia. After over 12 months without a national professional club competition, the first match in the A-League was played on 26 August 2005...
and over 12,000 supporters attending in both 2006-07
A-League 2006-07
The 2006–07 A-League season was the second season of the Australian football competition, the A-League. Football Federation Australia hoped to build on the success of the first season and on the interest generated by the Socceroos competing in the 2006 FIFA World Cup...
and 2007-08
A-League 2007-08
The A-League 2007-08 season was the third season of the Australian A-League football competition, won by the Newcastle Jets. Football Federation Australia hoped to build on the success of the previous two seasons and on the interest generated by and playing in the 2007 AFC Champions League, and...
seasons. Despite a lack of on-field success, crowds at United's games remained healthy during the 2009-10 season relative to other clubs, largely due to the club's strong community-based initiatives. The record attendance for Hindmarsh Stadium was a full house of 17,000 on 12 November 2008 against Gamba Osaka in the historic second leg of the ACL final.
Rivalries
See Adelaide United vs Melbourne Victory rivalryAdelaide United vs Melbourne Victory rivalry
The Adelaide vs Melbourne rivalry, more commonly known as "The Cross Border Rivalry", is a football rivalry between A-league teams Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory. It is one of the most bitter rivalries in the A-League and the matches are often filled with controversy. The "Reds versus...
.
Adelaide's two main rivals are considered to be Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory:
Sydney and Adelaide were two of the leading teams in the inaugural A-League season where Sydney finished as champions and Adelaide as premiers. Results in recent seasons have heavily favoured Sydney with Adelaide. The rivalry was further intensified during the 2006-07
A-League 2006-07
The 2006–07 A-League season was the second season of the Australian football competition, the A-League. Football Federation Australia hoped to build on the success of the first season and on the interest generated by the Socceroos competing in the 2006 FIFA World Cup...
season when ex-Reds manager John Kosmina was hired as Sydney FC coach.
Adelaide was again one of two of the leading teams in the 2006-07
A-League 2006-07
The 2006–07 A-League season was the second season of the Australian football competition, the A-League. Football Federation Australia hoped to build on the success of the first season and on the interest generated by the Socceroos competing in the 2006 FIFA World Cup...
season this time against Melbourne what saw an altercation between John Kosmina, the Adelaide United manager, and Kevin Muscat
Kevin Muscat
Kevin Muscat is an Australian football player who currently plays for Victorian State League Division 1 side Sunshine George Cross and is assistant coach of Melbourne Victory...
after the Victory captain knocked Kosmina over after entering the technical area to retrieve a ball. Kosmina then jumped up and grabbed Muscat around the throat for a few seconds. Season events culminated in the year's grandfinal that saw Adelaide captain, Ross Aloisi
Ross Aloisi
Ross Aloisi is a former Australian football player who was known for being the captain of Adelaide United in the Hyundai A-League - a team he guided to a minor premiership, a pre-season cup and earning entry into 2 Asian Champions League campaigns...
, sent off and Melbourne winning 6-0. The rivalry went beyond extreme after Melbourne defeated Adelaide United 1-0 in the 2008/09 grand final with United imported striker, Cristiano, given a controversial straight red card . The rivalry then went even further when Adelaide United defeated Melbourne 4-1 at AAMI Park, in Victoria, after United had been suffering a record-breaking 10-game losing streak against the Victory. (see Adelaide-Melbourne rivalry
Adelaide United vs Melbourne Victory rivalry
The Adelaide vs Melbourne rivalry, more commonly known as "The Cross Border Rivalry", is a football rivalry between A-league teams Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory. It is one of the most bitter rivalries in the A-League and the matches are often filled with controversy. The "Reds versus...
).
Perth Glory are also close rivals of Adelaide's not only because the team is Perth's closest geographical A-League opponent but also because the two clubs are two of the three former NSL teams in the A-League (the 3rd being the Newcastle Jets). In the last NSL season Perth Glory knocked Adelaide United out of the preliminary final. Adelaide United's rivalry with Perth Glory has grown considerably over the past year.
Affiliated clubs
Fort Lauderdale StrikersShandong Luneng
Adelaide United Director Mel Patzwald signed a 'sister' club relationship in November 2006 which includes access to Miami's 'academy' Desportivo BrasilDesportivo BrasilDesportivo Brasil Participações Ltda., commonly known as Desportivo Brasil is a Brazilian football club based in Porto Feliz, São Paulo state.-History:Traffic Group founded Desportivo Brasil on November 19, 2005, and it manages the club since then...
. The deal has seen a friendly take place at Hindmarsh StadiumHindmarsh StadiumHindmarsh Stadium is a rectangular stadium located in Adelaide, South Australia. It is the home of the Australian A-League team, Adelaide United....
along with the transfer of DiegoDiego WalshDiego Walsh is a Brazilian footballer currently playing for TOT S.C. in the Thai Premier League.-Youth and College:...
and RomarioRomárioRomário de Souza Faria , better known simply as Romário , is a former footballer who played striker,manager and current politician where is currently running for a mayor like position in his hometown...
to Adelaide.
Adelaide United Director Mel Patzwald signed a 'sister' club relationship with Chinese Super LeagueChinese Super LeagueThe Chinese Football Association Super League , commonly known as Chinese Super League or CSL, currently known as the Pirelli Chinese Football Association Super League for sponsorship reasons, is the highest tier of professional association football in China, operating under the auspices of the...
Club and triple AFC Champions Shandong Luneng in early December 2008 with the agreement lasting until 2012.
First Team
Youth Team
Notable former players
Players whose name is listed in bold represented their countries while playing for Adelaide United.| Marcos Flores Marcos Flores Marcos Abel Flores Benard, is an Argentine footballer. He currently plays as a midfielder for the Chinese Super League club Henan Jianye.-Biography:... Paul Agostino Paul Agostino Paul Agostino is an retired Australian football player who played as a striker. He played the majority of his club football outside Australia, most notably with 1860 Munich in Germany for ten years... Richie Alagich Richie Alagich Richie Alagich is a retired Australian football player. He was a right full back mostly known for playing for Adelaide United in the A-League... Ross Aloisi Ross Aloisi Ross Aloisi is a former Australian football player who was known for being the captain of Adelaide United in the Hyundai A-League - a team he guided to a minor premiership, a pre-season cup and earning entry into 2 Asian Champions League campaigns... Nathan Burns Nathan Burns Nathan Burns is an Australian international football player currently playing as a right winger for AEK Athens F.C. in the Greek Super League.-Adelaide United:He formerly played for Parramatta Eagles and trained at the AIS.... Robert Cornthwaite Robert Cornthwaite Robert Richard Cornthwaite is an English-Australian football player. He is a centre back or right full back who currently plays for Chunnam Dragons in the South Korean K-League.... Angelo Costanzo Angelo Costanzo Angelo Costanzo is an Australian football player.He is instantly recognizable by his trademark long hair, which has earned him the nickname "The Divine Ponytail" among Adelaide and Newcastle fans.-Club career:In 1994 at 18 years of age he won the SA player of the year award at Salisbury United,... Travis Dodd Travis Dodd Travis Dodd is an Indigenous Australian football player who plays for Perth Glory in the A-League. He plays as an attacking midfielder or winger.-Club career:... Iain Fyfe Iain Fyfe Iain Fyfe is an Australian football player who currently plays as defender for Busan I'Park in the K-League.- Club career :On completion of his SASI program in 2000, Iain joined hometown NSL club Adelaide City... Scott Jamieson Scott Jamieson Scott Jamieson is an Australian football player who plays for Sydney FC in the Hyundai A-League.-Club career:... Mathew Kemp Mathew Kemp Matthew Allan Kemp is an Australian football player who plays as a versatile full back.-Club career:Kemp was signed by the AIS in 1998 but transferred the next season to Adelaide City who were then part of the now defunct NSL. After playing a season there he was signed by Italian side SPAL 1907... Mathew Leckie Mathew Leckie Mathew Leckie is an Australian football player who currently plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the German Bundesliga as a right winger or attacking midfielder.-Club career:... |
Goran Lozanovski Goran Lozanovski Goran Lozanovski is a former Australian football player of Macedonian descent. He won two National Soccer League titles with South Melbourne, taking out the Joe Marston Medal for best on ground in the 1999 Grand Final against Sydney United. He was also particularly noted for his ability at... Michael Marrone Michael Marrone (footballer) Michael Marrone is an Australian football player who currently plays for Melbourne Heart.-Club career:Marrone made his professional debut on 18 December 2008 in the FIFA Club World Cup fifth-placed match against Al-Ahly... Saša Ognenovski Sasa Ognenovski Saša Ognenovski is an Australian football player who currently plays as a central defender for Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma and the Australia national team. Since moving to South Korea, Ognenovski's success has rapidly risen. In 2010, he was named Asian Footballer of the Year, won a position in the... Lucas Pantelis Lucas Pantelis Lucas Pantelis is a Greek Australian football player. He currently plays for Wellington Phoenix in the Hyundai A-League.-Club career:... Adriano Pellegrino Adriano Pellegrino Adriano Pellegrino is an Australian football player who plays as a right midfielder for Central Coast Mariners in the A-League.-Club career:... Kristian Rees Kristian Rees Kristian Rees is an Australian football player who plays in the position as a central defender.-Club career:He made his NSL debut playing for Adelaide City... Paul Reid Mark Rudan Mark Rudan Mark Rudan is a former Australian football player who last played for Adelaide United in the A-League.-Club career:... Jonas Salley Jonas Salley Gyawe Jonas Salley is an Australian football midfielder who plays for Gold Coast United in the Hyundai A-League, on loan from Chengdu Blades F.C. in the Chinese Super League.-Club career:... Kristian Sarkies Kristian Sarkies Kristian Sarkies is an Australian football player who currently plays for Melbourne Heart... Michael Valkanis Michael Valkanis Michael Valkanis is a former Australian football player who played as a Central Defender.-Club career:He has played in the Greek League with Iraklis, most notably with Larissa where he played for five seasons and won 102 caps, and Agios Nikolaos... Carl Veart Carl Veart Carl Veart is a former Australian football player who last played as a striker for Adelaide United.-Club career:... |
Aurelio Vidmar Aurelio Vidmar Aurelio Vidmar is an Australian football player and former captain of the Australian national team. He is currently not tied to any A-league club... Cristiano Cristiano dos Santos Rodrigues Cristiano dos Santos Rodrigues , commonly known as Cristiano, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a striker for South Australian Premier League side White City FC.-Early career:... Diego Walsh Diego Walsh Diego Walsh is a Brazilian footballer currently playing for TOT S.C. in the Thai Premier League.-Youth and College:... Fernando Rech Fernando Rech Fernando Rech is a Brazilian former football player. He played either as a striker or an attacking midfielder.-Life and career:... Romário Romário Romário de Souza Faria , better known simply as Romário , is a former footballer who played striker,manager and current politician where is currently running for a mayor like position in his hometown... Qu Shengqing Qu Shengqing Qu Shengqing is a Chinese association football coach and former international player. As a player he was predominantly remembered for his time with Liaoning FC where he personally won the Golden Boot in the 1999 league season before joining Shanghai Shenhua and winning the 2003 league title with... Bobby Petta Bobby Petta Alfred Manuel "Bobby" Petta is a retired Dutch professional footballer and is currently a personal trainer based in Glasgow... Shane Smeltz Shane Smeltz Shane Edward Smeltz is a New Zealand professional association football player. He plays as a striker for Perth Glory FC.-Club career:... |
Technical Staff
Last updated 27 July 2011| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Manager (Head Coach) |  Rini CoolenRini Coolen Rini Coolen is a former football defender from the Netherlands, who played for Go Ahead Eagles, Heracles Almelo, De Graafschap and AZ Alkmaar.-Biography:... |
| Assistant Coach |  Luciano TraniLuciano Trani Luciano Trani is an Australian former football player who currently is the assistant manager at A-League club Adelaide United.-Career:... |
| Goalkeeping Coach | Peter Blazincic Peter Blazincic Peter Blazincic , is a former Australian football Goalkeeper, now the goalkeeping coach at A-League side Adelaide United FC.... |
| Youth Team Coach | Michael Valkanis Michael Valkanis Michael Valkanis is a former Australian football player who played as a Central Defender.-Club career:He has played in the Greek League with Iraklis, most notably with Larissa where he played for five seasons and won 102 caps, and Agios Nikolaos... |
Managers
Last updated 16 May 2011| Name | From | To | Managed | Won | Drawn | Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Kosmina John Kosmina Alexander John Kosmina , known as John Kosmina, is a former Australian football player and manager of Polish Australian ethnicity. He was most recently the manager of Sydney FC... |
Sep 2003 | Feb 2007 | 86 | 38 | 25 | 23 |
| Aurelio Vidmar Aurelio Vidmar Aurelio Vidmar is an Australian football player and former captain of the Australian national team. He is currently not tied to any A-league club... |
Feb 2007 | June 2010 | 107 | 42 | 23 | 42 |
| → Phil Stubbins Phil Stubbins Phil Stubbins is a former football Striker from the Hull, England, who migrated to Australia and played for various local Football teams as well a number of overseas clubs most notably Japanese side Sanfrecce Hiroshima.... (interim) |
June 2010 | July 2010 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rini Coolen Rini Coolen Rini Coolen is a former football defender from the Netherlands, who played for Go Ahead Eagles, Heracles Almelo, De Graafschap and AZ Alkmaar.-Biography:... |
July 2010 | Present | 32 | 16 | 5 | 11 |
Honours
Domestic- A-League Premiership:
- Runners-up (2): 2006-07, 2008–09
- A-League Championship:
- Runners-up (2): 2006-07, 2008–09
- A-League Pre-Season Cup:
- A-League FinalistsA-LeagueThe A-League is the top Australasian professional football league. Run by Australian governing body Football Federation Australia , it was founded in 2004 following the folding of the National Soccer League and staged its inaugural season in 2005–06. It is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company...
:- Finalists (4): 2005-06, 2006–07, 2008–09, 2010–11
- A-League National Youth LeagueA-League National Youth LeagueThe A-League National Youth League is an Australian national football league run in parallel to the A-League. The aim of a league is to provide a pathway for young players and state league players to play regular high-level football, and allow reserve players from senior A-League teams to remain...
:
- Finalists (1): 2003-04
International
- AFC Champions LeagueAFC Champions LeagueThe AFC Champions League is the premier Asian club football competition hosted annually by Asian Football Confederation . The tournament is contested among the top thirty-two clubs from the top 10 Asian leagues, two of which must qualify through the playoffs...
:- Runners-up (1): 2008
- Round-of-16 (1): 2010
- Group Stage (1): 2007
- FIFA Club World CupFIFA Club World CupThe FIFA Club World Cup is a football competition between the champion clubs from all six continental confederations.The first FIFA Club World Championship took place in Brazil in January 2000...
:- Fifth-place (1): 2008
- Weifang Cup (U/18):
- Sixth-place (1): 2011
Top Goal Scorers
Excludes goals scored in NSL. Appearances in brackets. Active players are indicated in bold.Last updated 14 October 2011
| Name | Years | A-League inc. finals |
ACL | CWC | Pre-Season Cup |
Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Travis Dodd Travis Dodd Travis Dodd is an Indigenous Australian football player who plays for Perth Glory in the A-League. He plays as an attacking midfielder or winger.-Club career:... |
2005-11 | 30 (137) | 8 (25) | 1 (2) | 2 (17) | 41 (181) |
| 2 | Sergio van Dijk Sergio van Dijk Serginho "Sergio" van Dijk is a Dutch-born Indonesian footballer player, who currently plays for Adelaide United in the A-League... |
2010- | 18 (34) | 2 (7) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 19 (38) |
| 3 |  FernandoFernando Rech Fernando Rech is a Brazilian former football player. He played either as a striker or an attacking midfielder.-Life and career:... |
2005-07 | 13 (38) | 3 (5) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 16 (43) |
| 4= | Lucas Pantelis Lucas Pantelis Lucas Pantelis is a Greek Australian football player. He currently plays for Wellington Phoenix in the Hyundai A-League.-Club career:... |
2005-11 | 14 (101) | 1 (21) | 0 (0) | 0 (5) | 15 (127) |
| 4= | Carl Veart Carl Veart Carl Veart is a former Australian football player who last played as a striker for Adelaide United.-Club career:... |
2005-07 | 12 (47) | 0 (3) | 0 (0) | 3 (9) | 15 (59) |
| 4= | Cristiano Cristiano dos Santos Rodrigues Cristiano dos Santos Rodrigues , commonly known as Cristiano, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a striker for South Australian Premier League side White City FC.-Early career:... |
2008-10 | 11 (48) | 1 (6) | 1 (3) | 2 (3) | 15 (60) |
| 7= | Bruce Djite Bruce Djite Bruce José Djite is an American-born Australian football striker who currently plays for Adelaide United F.C. in the A-League.-Club career:... |
2006-08 2011- | 7 (22) | 2 (8) | 0 (0) | 3 (7) | 12 (37) |
| 7= | Cássio Cássio José de Abreu Oliveira Cássio José de Abreu Oliveira known as Cássio is a Brazilian professional football player who currently plays for Adelaide United in the Australian A-League.-Biography:... |
2007- | 7 (86) | 1 (16) | 0 (1) | 3 (8) | 11 (112) |
| 7= | Nathan Burns Nathan Burns Nathan Burns is an Australian international football player currently playing as a right winger for AEK Athens F.C. in the Greek Super League.-Adelaide United:He formerly played for Parramatta Eagles and trained at the AIS.... |
2006-08 | 9 (35) | 1 (11) | 0 (0) | 1 (8) | 11 (54) |
| 10 | Mathew Leckie Mathew Leckie Mathew Leckie is an Australian football player who currently plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the German Bundesliga as a right winger or attacking midfielder.-Club career:... |
2009-11 | 8 (35) | 2 (6) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 10 (41) |
Game Record Holders
Excludes games played in NSL. Active players are indicated in bold.Last updated 20 November 2011
| Name | Years | A-League inc. finals |
ACL | CWC | Pre-Season Cup |
Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Travis Dodd Travis Dodd Travis Dodd is an Indigenous Australian football player who plays for Perth Glory in the A-League. He plays as an attacking midfielder or winger.-Club career:... |
2005-11 | 137 | 25 | 2 | 17 | 181 |
| 2 | Robert Cornthwaite Robert Cornthwaite Robert Richard Cornthwaite is an English-Australian football player. He is a centre back or right full back who currently plays for Chunnam Dragons in the South Korean K-League.... |
2005-11 | 103 | 18 | 3 | 14 | 138 |
| 3 | Lucas Pantelis Lucas Pantelis Lucas Pantelis is a Greek Australian football player. He currently plays for Wellington Phoenix in the Hyundai A-League.-Club career:... |
2005-11 | 101 | 21 | 0 | 5 | 127 |
| 4 | Eugene Galeković Eugene Galekovic Eugen-Josip "Eugene" Galeković is an Australian football player who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Adelaide United in the A-League and internationally for Australia.-Club career:... |
2007- | 96 | 18 | 3 | 3 | 120 |
| 5 | Cássio Cássio José de Abreu Oliveira Cássio José de Abreu Oliveira known as Cássio is a Brazilian professional football player who currently plays for Adelaide United in the Australian A-League.-Biography:... |
2007- | 89 | 16 | 1 | 8 | 114 |
| 6 | Angelo Costanzo Angelo Costanzo Angelo Costanzo is an Australian football player.He is instantly recognizable by his trademark long hair, which has earned him the nickname "The Divine Ponytail" among Adelaide and Newcastle fans.-Club career:In 1994 at 18 years of age he won the SA player of the year award at Salisbury United,... |
2005-09 | 73 | 16 | 1 | 15 | 105 |
| 7 | Richie Alagich Richie Alagich Richie Alagich is a retired Australian football player. He was a right full back mostly known for playing for Adelaide United in the A-League... |
2005-08 | 65 | 12 | 0 | 14 | 91 |
| 8 | Michael Valkanis Michael Valkanis Michael Valkanis is a former Australian football player who played as a Central Defender.-Club career:He has played in the Greek League with Iraklis, most notably with Larissa where he played for five seasons and won 102 caps, and Agios Nikolaos... |
2005-09 | 56 | 8 | 0 | 13 | 77 |
| 9 | Fabian Barbiero Fabian Barbiero Fabian Giuseppe Barbiero is an Australian football midfielder who currently plays for in the A-League.-Club career:Before joining Adelaide United Barbiero played for the North Eastern MetroStars... |
2007- | 56 | 11 | 2 | 3 | 72 |
| 10 | Paul Reid |
2008-11 | 59 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 69 |
| 10 | Jason Spagnuolo Jason Spagnuolo Jason Spagnuolo is an Australian football right midfielder who currently plays for Adelaide City in the South Australian Super League.-Club career:... |
2005-09 | 44 | 10 | 1 | 14 | 69 |
Adelaide United A-League History
Brackets indicate statistics including A-League finals.| Season | P | W | D | L | F | A | Teams | League Position | Finals Qualification | Finals Series Position | ACL Qualification | ACL Placing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005-06 | 21 (24) | 13 (13) | 4 (5) | 4 (6) | 33 (36) | 25 (30) | 8 | Premiers | Qualified | 3rd | Qualified for 2007 | N/A |
| 2006-07 | 21 (25) | 10 (10) | 3 (5*) | 8 (10) | 32 (34) | 27 (36) | 8 | 2nd | Qualifed | 2nd | Qualified for 2008 | Group Stages (3rd) |
| 2007-08 Adelaide United season 2007-08 The Adelaide United FC 2007–08 season was the Reds' third season since the inception of the A-League. After 21 rounds, Adelaide finished sixth on the ladder.-Squad changes for 2007-08 season:InOut- Fixtures :- Standings :... |
21 (21) | 6 (6) | 8 (8) | 7 (7) | 31 (31) | 29 (29) | 8 | 6th | DNQ | - | DNQ | Runners-Up |
| 2008-09 Adelaide United season 2008-09 The Adelaide United 2008-09 season was 's A-League 2008-09, AFC Champions League 2008 and 2008 FIFA Club World Cup season. It was the Reds' fourth A-League season since the inception in the Australian football league since it first started in 2005.... |
21 (25) | 11 (12) | 5 (5) | 5 (8) | 31 (32) | 19 (26) | 8 | 2nd | Qualified | 2nd | Qualified for 2010 | DNQ |
| 2009-10 Adelaide United season 2009-10 The Adelaide United 2009-10 season is 's fifth A-League season. It includes the A-League 2009-10 season as well as any other competitions of the 2009-10 football season.... |
27 (27) | 7 (7) | 8 (8) | 12 (12) | 24 (24) | 33 (33) | 10 | 10th | DNQ | - | DNQ | Round of 16 |
| 2010-11 | 30 (32) | 15 (16) | 5 (5) | 10 (11) | 51 (54) | 36 (39) | 11 | 3rd | Qualified | 4th | DNQ | DNQ |
| Season | P | W | D | L | F | A | Teams | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 3 (3) | 0 (0) | 3 (3) | 0 (0) | 3 (3) | 3 (3) | 8 | Group Stage |
| 2006 | 4 (6) | 1 (2) | 2 (3*) | 1 (1) | 1 (4) | 2 (4) | 8 | Premiers |
| 2007 | 3 (5) | 1 (3) | 2 (2) | 0 (0) | 6 (11) | 3 (6) | 8 | Premiers |
| 2008 | 3 (3) | 1 (1) | 2 (2) | 0 (0) | 2 (2) | 1 (1) | 8 | Group Stage |
Records
- Record Victory: 8 - 1 vs , 21 January 2011* (* League Record)
- Record Defeat: 7 - 1 vs , 28 October 2011
- Undefeated Streak: 13, 6 February 2010 – 22 October 2010
- Most Wins in a Row: 7, 13 November 2005 – 12 January 2006
- Highest placed Australian club in the AFC Champions LeagueAFC Champions LeagueThe AFC Champions League is the premier Asian club football competition hosted annually by Asian Football Confederation . The tournament is contested among the top thirty-two clubs from the top 10 Asian leagues, two of which must qualify through the playoffs...
: Runners-Up - AFC Champions League 2008AFC Champions League 2008The 2008 AFC Champions League was the 27th AFC Champions League, the top-level Asian club football tournament, and the 6th under the current AFC Champions League title... - Record High Attendance (Home Ground): 17,000 vs Gamba OsakaGamba Osakais a Japanese professional association football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1. The team's name comes from the Italian word "gamba" meaning "leg" and the Japanese , meaning "to do your best" or "to stand firm". Located in Suita, Osaka, the team's home stadium is Osaka Expo '70...
, Hindmarsh StadiumHindmarsh StadiumHindmarsh Stadium is a rectangular stadium located in Adelaide, South Australia. It is the home of the Australian A-League team, Adelaide United....
, AdelaideAdelaideAdelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million...
, 12 November 2008 - Record High Attendance (Alternate Home Ground): 25,039 vs , Adelaide OvalAdelaide OvalThe Adelaide Oval is a sports ground in Adelaide, South Australia, located in the parklands between the Central Business District and North Adelaide...
, AdelaideAdelaideAdelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million...
, 28 December 2007 - Record Low Attendance (Home Ground): 7,013 vs , Hindmarsh StadiumHindmarsh StadiumHindmarsh Stadium is a rectangular stadium located in Adelaide, South Australia. It is the home of the Australian A-League team, Adelaide United....
, AdelaideAdelaideAdelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million...
, 25 September 2005 - Highest Season Average Attendance: 12,187 - A-League 2006-07A-League 2006-07The 2006–07 A-League season was the second season of the Australian football competition, the A-League. Football Federation Australia hoped to build on the success of the first season and on the interest generated by the Socceroos competing in the 2006 FIFA World Cup...
- All-time Leading Goal Scorer: Travis DoddTravis DoddTravis Dodd is an Indigenous Australian football player who plays for Perth Glory in the A-League. He plays as an attacking midfielder or winger.-Club career:...
, 38 goals - Longest Period Without Conceding a Goal: 291 minutes, 26 August 2005 – 17 September 2005
All-time A-League win/loss (including finals)
Last updated 5 September 2011| Club | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 19 | 23 | ||
| 19 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 21 | 25 | ||
| 7 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 8 | ||
| 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 2 | |
| 25 | 8 | 3 | 14 | 24 | 40 | ||
| 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 6 | 3 | |
| 19 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 28 | 24 | 4 | |
| 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 19 | 8 | 11 | |
| 19 | 10 | 3 | 6 | 28 | 22 | 6 | |
| 21 | 9 | 2 | 10 | 29 | 31 | ||
| 13 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 25 | 12 | 13 | |
| Total | 156 | 64 | 37 | 55 | 213 | 196 | 17 |
All-time A-League win/loss record by stadium (including finals)
Last updated 5 September 2011| Ground | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAMI Park | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 |
| Adelaide Oval Adelaide Oval The Adelaide Oval is a sports ground in Adelaide, South Australia, located in the parklands between the Central Business District and North Adelaide... |
4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| AMI Stadium | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Bluetongue Stadium | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 12 | |
| Canberra Stadium Canberra Stadium Canberra Stadium is a facility primarily used for rugby league and rugby union games, located adjacent to the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, the capital of Australia... |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dairy Farmers Stadium Dairy Farmers Stadium The Willows Sports Complex, currently known as Dairy Farmers Stadium due to sponsorship rights, is a grass football stadium situated in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It has historically been used mainly for rugby league, and is the home ground of the National Rugby League club the North... |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| EnergyAustralia Stadium EnergyAustralia Stadium Newcastle International Sports Centre is a multi-purpose sports stadium located in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. It is the home ground of the Newcastle Knights and the Newcastle United Jets teams. It is owned by the New South Wales government and administered by the Hunter Region... |
8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 11 | |
| Etihad Stadium | 11 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 6 | 24 | |
| Hindmarsh Stadium Hindmarsh Stadium Hindmarsh Stadium is a rectangular stadium located in Adelaide, South Australia. It is the home of the Australian A-League team, Adelaide United.... |
79 | 38 | 19 | 22 | 132 | 92 | 40 |
| nib Stadium | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 11 | |
| North Harbour Stadium North Harbour Stadium North Harbour Stadium is a stadium, situated in Albany, in North Shore City, in New Zealand. It was opened in 1997, after nearly a decade of discussion, planning and construction. Rugby union, football and rugby League are the only sports played on the main ground, as it is rectangular in shape.... |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Olympic Park Olympic Park, Melbourne The Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Precinct is a series of sports venues and stadia, located in Melbourne, Victoria, in Australia. The precinct is situated around 3 km east of the Melbourne city centre, between the suburbs of East Melbourne and Richmond, and close to the north-eastern bank of... |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Skilled Park | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Suncorp Stadium Suncorp Stadium Lang Park is the original name of the site located in the Brisbane suburb of Milton, Queensland, Australia, now occupied by the major sports facility known by its sponsorship name, Suncorp Stadium... |
10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 16 | |
| Sydney Football Stadium | 11 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 12 | 17 | |
| Westpac Stadium Westpac Stadium Westpac Stadium, is a major sporting venue in Wellington, New Zealand. Due to its shape and silver coloured external walls, it is colloquially known as The Cake-Tin to the locals and other New Zealanders... |
4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 5 | 1 |
| Total | 155 | 64 | 36 | 55 | 212 | 195 | 17 |
All-time International Competition Win/Loss
Last updated 13 May 2010| Club | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Al-AhlyAl-Ahly Al-Ahly Sports Club , commonly known as simply Al-Ahly, is an Egyptian sporting club. Founded in April 1907, Al-Ahly was named in 2000 by the Confederation of African Football as the "African Club of the Century"... |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
 Bình DươngBình Duong F.C. Becamex Binh Duong is a Vietnamese football club based in Thu Dau Mot, Vietnam and currently plays in Vietnam's top division, the V-League.The team plays at Go Dau Stadium, Thu Dau Mot... |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 4 |
 BunyodkorFC Bunyodkor FC Bunyodkor is an Uzbek football club based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.The club finished second in the 2007 Uzbek League season and made the semi-finals of the 2008 AFC Champions League... |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
 Changchun YataiChangchun Yatai Changchun Yatai is a Chinese football team. It was founded on June 6, 1996 by Jilin Yatai Group at Changchun, Jilin. Their manager is Shen Xiangfu.... |
2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Gạch Đồng Tâm Long An |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
 Gamba OsakaGamba Osaka is a Japanese professional association football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1. The team's name comes from the Italian word "gamba" meaning "leg" and the Japanese , meaning "to do your best" or "to stand firm". Located in Suita, Osaka, the team's home stadium is Osaka Expo '70... |
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 | |
 Jeonbuk Hyundai MotorsJeonbuk Hyundai Motors Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors are a professional football club based in Jeonju, Jeonbuk, South Korea. They won their first K-League title in 2009. Prior to this, the club won the AFC Champions League title in 2006, becoming the first club from East Asia to win the tournament since the AFC Champions... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Kashima Antlers Kashima Antlers are a Japanese professional association football club playing in the J. League Division 1. Antlers is derived from the city name, Kashima, which literally means "deer island".... |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Pohang Steelers Pohang Steelers Pohang Steelers are a South Korean professional football club based in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do. They were originally called POSCO, after the Pohang Iron and Steel Company that owned it... |
4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima Sanfrecce Hiroshima is a Japanese association football club in the J. League Division 1.-Club name:The club name is a portmanteau of the Japanese numeral for three, San and an Italian word frecce or 'arrows'... |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Seongnam Ilhwa |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Shandong Luneng Shandong Luneng Shandong Luneng Taishan is a Chinese Super League football club owned by Shandong Luneng Group, the biggest supplier of electric energy in Shandong province. They play at the Shandong Stadium in Jinan, Shandong. The predecessor of Shandong Luneng Taishan was the Shandong Provincial team organised... |
4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
 Waitakere UnitedWaitakere United Waitakere United is a football club based in Waitakere City, New Zealand. They are one of the franchises in the ASB Premiership. They play their home games at Fred Taylor Park in Kumeu.-History:... |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 28 | 13 | 6 | 9 | 34 | 24 | 8 |
All-time International Competition Win/Loss (U/18)
Last updated 5 August 2011| Club | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 VillarrealVillarreal CF Villarreal Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. , usually abbreviated to Villarreal CF or just Villarreal, is a Spanish Primera División football club based in Vila-real, a city in the province of Castellón within the Valencian Community... |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Shandong Luneng Shandong Luneng Shandong Luneng Taishan is a Chinese Super League football club owned by Shandong Luneng Group, the biggest supplier of electric energy in Shandong province. They play at the Shandong Stadium in Jinan, Shandong. The predecessor of Shandong Luneng Taishan was the Shandong Provincial team organised... |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
 S.L. Benfica |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |
 IndiaIndia India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Total | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | -2 |
Home Attendances by Season (includes finals)
Last updated 23 October 2011| Season | Pld | Total | Average | Highest | Lowest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005-06 | 12 | 135,982 | 11,332 | 15,104 | 7,013 |
| 2006-07 | 13 | 163,185 | 12,553 | 16,378 | 8,785 |
| 2007-08 | 10 | 126,966 | 12,697 | 25,039 | 10,256 |
| 2008-09 | 13 | 137,304 | 10,562 | 23,002 | 7,832 |
| 2009-10 A-League 2009–10 The A-League's 2009-10 season was the fifth season of the Australasian A-League football competition. The season marked the addition of two new teams from Queensland. and the made their A-League debuts at the start of the season. Because of this, were re-named to , as they were no longer the... |
14 | 150,705 | 10,765 | 15,038 | 8,244 |
| 2010-11 | 17 | 198,419 | 11,672 | 21,083 | 7,370 |
| 2011–12 | 2 | 26,807 | 13,404 | 14,753 | 12,054 |