Queensland Roar forward Sergio van Dijk scored three goals to defeat Sydney FC. The Dutch import has been a sensation in the A-League this season. And he again delighted the supporters with a three-goal effort at Suncorp Stadium. The 26-year-old has 10 goals on the season and 5 in the last two league matches.
Two more matches this weekend from Australia's top league.
-- Wellington Phoenix home to face Adelaide United
-- Newcastle Jets host Perth Glory
Showing posts with label Adelaide United FC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adelaide United FC. Show all posts
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Kosmina's turbulent season not to be punished.
Sydney FC's carousel of coaches has finally come to an end, with the board recently announcing that coach John Kosmina will see out his two year contract. Sticking with Kosmina after a turbulent season will pay dividends in the longer run. Sacking Kosmina, however, would result in a 5th manager in as many years, which ultimately leads to inconsistency on the field, and subsequent turmoil off it.
Although Kosmina hasn't made the best decisions in pressure cooker situations, his position hasn't been helped with an array of obstacles arising, notably a pile of injuries that has seen him call up inexperienced players from the NSWPL, and youth league. Sydney's backline boasts only a handful of experience with Iain Fyfe leading the way, followed by youth stand out, Anthony Golec and Manly United defender, Beau Busch. Shannon Cole and Robbie Middleby shared the wingback positions, but never really had an impact in this role.
The sudden retirement of club captain and central defender Tony Popovic left a gaping hole in the defence which never ended up being adequately filled. His experience and leadership were sorely missed. The inexperience of the backline came to the fore during a 3-3 draw with the CC Mariners, after giving away a 3-0 lead. Losing 3-2 to Melbourne after leading 2-0 further emphasised this.
Alex Brosque's and Mark Bridge's transition from central strikers into wing players had little success. Both were pushed wide at the expense of the maligned John Aloisi, who failed to fire at any point. And with former Socceroo goalkeeper Clint Bolton out of form, Kosmina's hand had been forced.
Any A-League coach is at some stage, going to go through some rough times. But if the manager is sacked as a result of these injuries, suspensions and retirements, it leaves little room for further success. New coaches mean new tactics and a new mentality. It is this, that results in a lack of consistency on the field.
Coaches such as Lawrie McKinna and Ernie Merrick have gone through their rough times, but their respective teams now sit aloft on the A-League ladder, and perform more consistently than most. Adelaides decision to choose Aueralio Vidmar (who was then the assistant coach) as head coach instead of a new, foreign manager, has resulted in United being not only the most consistent performer in the country, but also in Asia, judging by their recent Champions League performance.
The Sydney FC board have opted for long term results and consistency on the field when they quashed rumours of Kosmina's dismissal. A devilish blend of injuries, suspensions and retirements are short term setbacks, that can lead to longer term results with a bit of faith.
Although Kosmina hasn't made the best decisions in pressure cooker situations, his position hasn't been helped with an array of obstacles arising, notably a pile of injuries that has seen him call up inexperienced players from the NSWPL, and youth league. Sydney's backline boasts only a handful of experience with Iain Fyfe leading the way, followed by youth stand out, Anthony Golec and Manly United defender, Beau Busch. Shannon Cole and Robbie Middleby shared the wingback positions, but never really had an impact in this role.
The sudden retirement of club captain and central defender Tony Popovic left a gaping hole in the defence which never ended up being adequately filled. His experience and leadership were sorely missed. The inexperience of the backline came to the fore during a 3-3 draw with the CC Mariners, after giving away a 3-0 lead. Losing 3-2 to Melbourne after leading 2-0 further emphasised this.
Alex Brosque's and Mark Bridge's transition from central strikers into wing players had little success. Both were pushed wide at the expense of the maligned John Aloisi, who failed to fire at any point. And with former Socceroo goalkeeper Clint Bolton out of form, Kosmina's hand had been forced.
Any A-League coach is at some stage, going to go through some rough times. But if the manager is sacked as a result of these injuries, suspensions and retirements, it leaves little room for further success. New coaches mean new tactics and a new mentality. It is this, that results in a lack of consistency on the field.
Coaches such as Lawrie McKinna and Ernie Merrick have gone through their rough times, but their respective teams now sit aloft on the A-League ladder, and perform more consistently than most. Adelaides decision to choose Aueralio Vidmar (who was then the assistant coach) as head coach instead of a new, foreign manager, has resulted in United being not only the most consistent performer in the country, but also in Asia, judging by their recent Champions League performance.
The Sydney FC board have opted for long term results and consistency on the field when they quashed rumours of Kosmina's dismissal. A devilish blend of injuries, suspensions and retirements are short term setbacks, that can lead to longer term results with a bit of faith.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Adelaide United Takes Three Crucial Points
With the club's 2-0 victory over Sydney FC in round 12 of Australia's 2008-09 A-League, the club vaulted ahead of the Central Coast Mariners into second place.
The supporters at Hindmarsh Stadium were treated to goals from defender Sasa Ognenovski and club captain Travis Dodd.
Another key member of the club is Scott Jamieson. The former Bolton player has excelled since returning to Australia. The 20-year-old left back/left wing was crucial to the club's run through the 2008 AFC Champions League.
Several Brazilians on the club include:
1. Alemão: 25-year-old Brazilian defender who scored in round 9 against the Perth Glory.
2. Cássio: 28-year-old Brazilian defender set up several goals in the clubs 2008 AFC Champions League run.
3. Diego Walsh: The former-MLS player has been crucial in the central midfield.
4. Cristiano: The Samba striker has scored several important goals. He has played for several European clubs including FC Basel.
The supporters at Hindmarsh Stadium were treated to goals from defender Sasa Ognenovski and club captain Travis Dodd.
Another key member of the club is Scott Jamieson. The former Bolton player has excelled since returning to Australia. The 20-year-old left back/left wing was crucial to the club's run through the 2008 AFC Champions League.
Several Brazilians on the club include:
1. Alemão: 25-year-old Brazilian defender who scored in round 9 against the Perth Glory.
2. Cássio: 28-year-old Brazilian defender set up several goals in the clubs 2008 AFC Champions League run.
3. Diego Walsh: The former-MLS player has been crucial in the central midfield.
4. Cristiano: The Samba striker has scored several important goals. He has played for several European clubs including FC Basel.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
AFC Champions League: Urawa March To Semi-Final
An all-Japanese semi-final will take place in the AFC Champions League as defending champions Urawa Red Diamonds and Gamba Osaka were drawn together. Three clubs from Japan could have made it to the last four but Australia’s Adelaide United beat Kashima Antlers 2-1 on aggregate to terminate any possibilities.
Urawa Red Diamonds beat Kuwait’s Al Qadsia with a 4-3 scoreline over both legs, while Gamba Osaka overcame the challenge of Al Karama of Syria.
Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan face Adelaide in pursuit of a place in the final. Bunyodkor have risen to headlines for their transfer activity as they turned to Brazilians to guide them to success. Zico has joined on a one-year basis to manage the club, while Rivaldo couldn’t resist a final lucrative contract, an offer he admitted as "very good for the end of my career". A victory over Iran’s Saipa FC secured a place in the prestigous AFC Champions League semi-final.
Both semi-final legs will take place on October 8th and 22nd.
Urawa Red Diamonds beat Kuwait’s Al Qadsia with a 4-3 scoreline over both legs, while Gamba Osaka overcame the challenge of Al Karama of Syria.
Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan face Adelaide in pursuit of a place in the final. Bunyodkor have risen to headlines for their transfer activity as they turned to Brazilians to guide them to success. Zico has joined on a one-year basis to manage the club, while Rivaldo couldn’t resist a final lucrative contract, an offer he admitted as "very good for the end of my career". A victory over Iran’s Saipa FC secured a place in the prestigous AFC Champions League semi-final.
Both semi-final legs will take place on October 8th and 22nd.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Adelaide United FC Continue Strong Showing in AFC Champions League
Adelaide United FC continued their strong showing in the 2008 AFC Champions League with yet another victory in the group stage. Adelaide United FC defeated fellow Group E foe Binh Duong FC of Viteman by a score of 4-1 at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide.
The victory now propels Adelaide United FC to the top of the group with two matches left to play. They have won three and draw once for a total of 10 points.
Leading the way has been American-born forward Bruce Djite and Brazilian-American Diego Walsh. The 21 year old scored against the Pohang Steelers at the famous Pohang Steelyard. Central Midfielder Walsh notched a goal at each venue versus Binh Duong.
Further scoring contributors include defender Robert Cornthwaite (goal v Pohang), defender Richie Alagich (goal v Binh Duong FC in Vietnam), midfielder Lucas Pantelis (goal v Binh Duong in Australia), and midfielder Travis Dodd (brace v Binh Duong FC in Australia).
The victory now propels Adelaide United FC to the top of the group with two matches left to play. They have won three and draw once for a total of 10 points.
Leading the way has been American-born forward Bruce Djite and Brazilian-American Diego Walsh. The 21 year old scored against the Pohang Steelers at the famous Pohang Steelyard. Central Midfielder Walsh notched a goal at each venue versus Binh Duong.
Further scoring contributors include defender Robert Cornthwaite (goal v Pohang), defender Richie Alagich (goal v Binh Duong FC in Vietnam), midfielder Lucas Pantelis (goal v Binh Duong in Australia), and midfielder Travis Dodd (brace v Binh Duong FC in Australia).
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