Adelaide United have marked their 10 year anniversary celebrations by naming their “Team of the Decade” at a function in their city centre last night.
Adelaide United have marked their 10 year anniversary celebrations by naming their “Team of the Decade” at a function in their city centre last night.
Aurelio Vidmar – who captained the Reds in their very first clash at Hindmarsh Stadium nearly a decade ago, was named Coach of the Decade. He was joined by a starting eleven and four reserves, featuring club legends of the past and present.
Current skipper Eugene Galekovic was an obvious choice in goals and polled the most votes in a fan selected team. The only other current players to make the squad were Cassio, who was picked at left back and Marcelo Carrusca who made the bench.
Socceroo Sasa Ognenovski was named in central defence for the club that helped kick start his international career, while long-time servant and former captain Travis Dodd was named on the right wing.
The team was picked by a panel of experts that included Adelaide United-s general manager Michael Petrillo, Fox Spots football analyst Andy Harper and experienced Adelaide football journalist Val Migliaccio.
The fans were also given their say, with the Reds faithful also picking their favoured XI throughout their history. The popular vote omitting just one player, original A-League skipper Ross Aloisi, who was included in the experts- squad.
Adelaide United also used the opportunity to recount some of the magical moments the club has experienced throughout their ten year history. This included their run towards the 2008 AFC Champions League final and appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup – where they won the FIFA fair play award. They’ve also made two grand final appearances as well as being crowned Premier-s in the A-League-s inaugural season during this time.
Expectation is high in Adelaide that the Reds are once again a team on the rise. The club have recruited strongly during the off-season and much has been made of the Spanish influence coach Josep Gombau wants to bring to their style of play.
Adelaide United host Perth Glory in their round one fixture next Saturday night. Click here to get tickets.
Adelaide United Team of the Decade
Goalkeeper – Eugene Galekovic – 2007-current:
Right back – Richie Alagich – 2003-2008
Stopper – Angelo Costanzo – 2005-2009
Stopper – Sasa Ognenovski – 2008-2009
Left back – Cassio – 2007-current
Right midfield – Travis Dodd – 2005-2011
Centre midfielder – Ross Aloisi – 2003-2007
Centre midfielder – Marcos Flores – 2010-2011
Left midfielder – Nathan Burns – 2006-2008
Forward – Serginho van Dijk – 2010-2013
Forward – Fernando Rech – 2005-2007
Substitutes
Carl Veart – 2003-2008
Michael Valkanis – 2003-2009
Mathew Leckie – 2009-2011
Marcelo Carrusca – 2012-current
Coach: Aurelio Vidmar
