2008–09 Sydney FC season

The 2008–09 season is Sydney FC's fourth season of football (soccer) in Australia, and will compete in the 2008–09 A-League season.

Sydney FC
2008–09 season
ChairmanAndrew Kemeny
ManagerJohn Kosmina
A-League5th
A-League Pre-Season Challenge CupGroup stage (3rd)
Top goalscorerAlex Brosque 5 Goals
Highest home attendance18,251 v Central Coast Mariners (Round 10)
Lowest home attendance8,502 v Queensland Roar (Round 13)

2008-09 Squad

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK Australia AUS Clint Bolton
2 DF Australia AUS Iain Fyfe
3 DF Australia AUS Nikolas Tsattalios
4 MF Australia AUS Simon Colosimo
5 MF Australia AUS Mitchell Prentice
7 DF Australia AUS Robbie Middleby
8 MF Australia AUS Stuart Musialik
10 MF Australia AUS Steve Corica (captain)
11 FW Australia AUS Brendon Santalab
12 MF Australia AUS Shannon Cole
14 FW Australia AUS Alex Brosque
15 MF Northern Ireland NIR Terry McFlynn
16 FW Australia AUS Chris Payne
17 DF Australia AUS Jacob Timpano
18 FW Australia AUS Adam Casey
No. Pos. Nation Player
19 FW Australia AUS Mark Bridge
20 GK Australia AUS Ivan Necevski
21 MF Australia AUS Adam Biddle
22 MF United States USA Michael Enfield
23 FW Australia AUS John Aloisi
25 MF Australia AUS Robbie Mileski
27 DF Australia AUS Matthew Jurman
28 MF Netherlands NED Bobby Petta
29 DF Australia AUS Beau Busch
30 GK Australia AUS John Filan
31 DF Australia AUS Anthony Golec
32 MF Australia AUS Brendan Gan
34 MF Australia AUS Rhyan Grant
35 FW Australia AUS Kofi Danning
36 DF Australia AUS Zachary Cairncross

Pre-season

Sydney commenced pre-season training on 28 April 2008, and have been actively promoting the club to the Sydney community in the lead up to the season.

A number of friendly matches against NSW Premier League opposition are expected to be arranged in May and June.

Sydney played their first pre-season match against NSW Premier League side Blacktown City Demons at Gabbie Stadium which ended in a 0–0 draw. The match was significant in which Michael Enfield played his first game in almost a season, and fellow American Matt Taylor played his first trial game for the club. Sydney lost their 2nd trial match against Sutherland a week later losing 2–1 on artificial turf. Jacob Timpano scored Sydney's goal late in the 1st half. It was his first goal for the club after almost a year and a half on the sidelines through injury. Sydney's 3rd and final Pre-season friendly ended up a 2–0 win over Manly United, with Newly signed 17yr old Chris Payne scoring the double for the Sky Blues against his former club. It is their last Pre-season friendly before starting in the annual pre-season cup which starts later this month.

A-League Pre-Season Challenge Cup

Sydney have been drawn into Group B for the A-League Preseason Challenge Cup along with Queensland Roar, Central Coast Mariners and Wellington Phoenix.[1]

Fixtures
Sydney FC2–1Queensland Roar
Terry McFlynn Yellow card 17'
Chris Payne 54'
Mitchell Prentice 59'
Adam Casey Yellow card 79'
Simon Colosimo Yellow card 86'		 (Report) Andrew Packer Yellow card 44'
Sergio van Dijk 49'
Hyuk-Su Seo Red card 57'
Attendance: 4,222
Central Coast Mariners3–0Sydney FC
David D’Apuzzo Yellow card 32'
Andrew Clark Yellow card 34'
Brad Porter 43' Yellow card 70'
Sasho Petrovski Yellow card 56' 60'
Nik Mrdja 69'		 (Report) Steve Corica Yellow card 49'
Alex Brosque Yellow card 63'
Iain Fyfe Yellow card 68'
Simon Colosimo Yellow card 74'
Chris Payne Yellow card 77'
Dez Giraldi Yellow card 90'
Attendance: 7,107
Referee: Chris Beath
Sydney FC2–3Wellington Phoenix
Alex Brosque 16' Yellow card 69'
Iain Fyfe 36'
Dez Giraldi Yellow card 61'
Mitchell Prentice Yellow card 61' Red card 91'
Ryan Walsh Yellow card 61'		 (Report) Leo Bertos Yellow card 24'
Andrew Durante Yellow card 35' Yellow-red card 91'
Troy Hearfield 57'
Shane Smeltz 62' (pen)
Adam Kwasnik Yellow card 80'
Leilei Gao 82'
Attendance: 6,124

On a freezing cold night at Campbelltown Sydney came victorious against Queensland Roar 2–1. After a scoreless 1st half, Queensland scored first through their new Dutch import, before Sydney hit back minutes later through newly signed 17-year-old Chris Payne, late in the 2nd Half Alex Brosque was fouled near the penalty area and former Perth Glory midfielder Mitchell Prentice took a shot that fired into the top right corner of the net. Sydney next travel up to Gosford To play the Central Coast Mariners.

Sydney played the Mariners up at Bluetongue Stadium on 27 July. Central Coast had recently been in the News with former Socceroos and Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich reportedly signing a 2-year contract. Sydney dominated the first 15 minutes until Brad Porter scored 2 minutes before half time. Sydney had several excellent chances early in the 2nd through Alex Brosque and Terry McFlynn but Bosnich denied any Sydney goal. 2 late goals for Central Coast through former Sydney player Sasho Petrovski and Nik Mrdja. Sydney had a 70th minute Steve Corica penalty stopped by Bosnich. Sydney now will hope to get through to the Pre-Season final with a win over Wellington Phoenix at WIN Stadium next Saturday Night.

Sydney played Wellington at WIN stadium, needing a victory and the Central Coast Mariners beating the Queensland Roar in order to get into the Pre-Season cup final. Sydney started off well with early goals from Alex Brosque and Iain Fyfe both opening up their goal tally's for the season, and Sydney looked to have the game under control by half time. Until 15 minutes into the 2nd half Wellington got a goal back through Troy Hearfield. A last-man sliding tackle by Dez Giraldi earned Wellington a Penalty, as well as Giraldi's marching orders. The penalty was converted past Sydney's 2nd keeper Ivan Necevski leveling the scores at 2–2. with 9 minutes to go till full-time a defensive mistake cost Sydney the game when Jacob Timpano but a terrible pass-back to Necevski and Wellington's Chinese import Leilei Gao intercepted it, and slotted the ball past a stunned Necevski.
Sydney now go into the start of the 4th A-League season short on players with Alex Brosque, Dez Giraldi, Mitchell Prentice, and Simon Colosimo all out on Suspension, and John Aloisi, Brendon Santalab, and Michael Enfield all injured, as well as Mark Bridge, and Stuart Musialik out on Olyroo duties for the Beijing Olympics.

A-League
Main article: 2008–09 A-League

Sydney will again compete in the A-League competition.[2]

Home-and-Away fixtures

Round 1

Sydney FC0–0Melbourne Victory
Report
Summary
Attendance: 16,227
Referee: Mark Shield

Round 2

Central Coast Mariners2–3Sydney FC
Petrovski 13' (Pen), 67' Report Summary Corica 6', 14'
Musialik Yellow card 69' Yellow-red card
Cole 81'
Attendance: 10,932
Referee: Ben Williams

Round 3

Sydney FC5–2Perth Glory
Brosque 3'
Corica 21' (Pen)
Bridge 39'
Cole 43'
Topor-Stanley 88' (o.g.)		 Report
Summary		 Dadi 12', 67' (Pen)
Djulbic Yellow card 20' Red card 20'
Attendance: 11,732
Referee: Peter Green

Round 4

Newcastle Jets0–0Sydney FC
Report
Summary		 Prentice Yellow card 83' Yellow-red card 87'
Attendance: 11,535

Round 5

Sydney FC3–0Adelaide United
McFlynn 2'
Brosque 34'
Santalab 79'		 Report
Summary
Attendance: 12,462
Referee: Ben Williams

Round 6

Wellington Phoenix2–1Sydney FC
Smeltz 42'
Brown 76'		 Report
Summary		 Brosque 20'
Attendance: 6,729
Referee: Chris Beath

Round 7

Sydney FC1–1Queensland Roar
Musialik 90+3' Report
Summary		 Miller 49'
Attendance: 12,403

Round 8

Perth Glory2–1Sydney FC
Harnwell 5', 47' Report
Summary		 Santalab 11'
Fyfe Red card 90+1'
Attendance: 7,759

Round 9

Melbourne Victory0–1Sydney FC
Report
Summary		 Bridge 20'
Attendance: 31,564
Referee: Ben Williams

Round 10

Sydney FC3–3Central Coast Mariners
Bridge 28'
Casey 39'
McFlynn 57'		 Report
Summary		 Simon 63', 81'
Mrdja 78'
Attendance: 18,251

Round 11

Sydney FC1–2Wellington Phoenix
Musialik 77' Report
Summary		 Bertos 34'
Smeltz 89' (Pen)
Attendance: 12,856
Referee: Craig Zetter

Round 12

Adelaide United2–0Sydney FC
Ognenovski 45+2'
T. Dodd 78'		 Report
Summary		 McFlynn Yellow card 29' Red card 61'
Attendance: 9,509
Referee: Ben Williams

Round 13

Sydney FC1–1Queensland Roar
Corica 64' Report
Summary		 McKay 12'
Attendance: 8,502

Round 14

Newcastle Jets1–2Sydney FC
Wheelhouse 11' Report
Summary		 Fyfe 15'
Gan 78'
Attendance: 7,872

Round 15

Central Coast Mariners2–1Sydney FC
Macallister 11'
Jedinak 90+1' (Pen)		 Report
Summary		 Aloisi 65' (Pen)
Attendance: 11,220
Referee: Peter Green

Round 16

Sydney FC1–4Perth Glory
Musialik 61' Report
Summary		 Pellegrino 11'
Golec 36' (o.g.)
Srhoj 49'
Middleby 69' (o.g.)
Attendance: 12,165
Referee: Ben Williams

Round 17

Melbourne Victory3–2Sydney FC
Thompson 14'
Ward 71'
Ney Fabiano 80'		 Report
Summary		 Cole 1'
Gan 4'
Attendance: 25,398

Round 18

Adelaide United2–0Sydney FC
Cássio 45+1'
Alemão 83'		 Report
Summary		 Jurman Red card 90+3'
Attendance: 23,002
Referee: Chris Beath

Round 19

Sydney FC1–0Wellington Phoenix
Danning 85' Summary Hearfield Red card 64'
Attendance: 9,605
Referee: Ben Williams

Round 20

Queensland Roar3–1Sydney FC
Van Dijk 16', 28', 90+3' Summary Danning 25'
CairncrossRed card 87'
Attendance: 19,111
Referee: Craig Zetter

Round 21

Sydney FC4–0Newcastle Jets
Brosque 13', 41'
Milligan 77' (o.g.)
Bridge 86'		 Report
Summary
Attendance: 9,551
Referee: Kevin Docherty

Player details

Scorers
Total Player Goals per Round
 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9 101112131415161718192021
5AustraliaAlex Brosque1112
4AustraliaMark Bridge1111
4AustraliaSteve Corica211
3AustraliaShannon Cole111
3AustraliaStuart Musialik111
2AustraliaJohn Aloisi11
2AustraliaKofi Danning11
2AustraliaBrendan Gan11
2AustraliaBrendon Santalab11
2Northern IrelandTerry McFlynn11
1AustraliaAdam Casey1
1AustraliaIain Fyfe1
 A goal was scored from a penalty kick
 Two goals were scored from penalty kicks

Transfers

The later parts of the 2007–08 season saw the departure of Mark Rudan to Japanese second division side Avispa Fukuoka and the club released David Zdrilic, Ruben Zadkovich and Patrick da Silva at season's end. Ufuk Talay joined his former teammate Mark Rudan and coach Pierre Littbarski at Avispa Fukuoka the end of the season.

New signings for the 2008–09 season started in earnest in March with the official announcements of Simon Colosimo from Perth, Mark Bridge and Stuart Musialik from Jets and a new marquee player in John Aloisi from the Mariners reportedly with a pay packet of up to A$1.4m a season.[3] With Aloisi joining as the marquee and other signings being under the salary cap, Sydney were unable to retain Brazilian Juninho at the club and he was unceremoniously released during the off-season. Ruben Zadkovich was snatched up by Newcastle but ended up heading over to England on a reported 2-year contract with relegated Premier League team Derby County. Manly United young gun Chris Payne caught Kosmina's eye during a pre-season trial and signed the youngster on a 2-year youth contract. And in mid-July Kosmina signed Wollongong Wolves striker Dez Giraldi on an 8-week loan spell to replace the injured Brendon Santalab.

In
Player From League Fee Date
Australia Simon Colosimo Perth Glory (released) Australia A-League Free 3 March 2008[4]
Australia Mark Bridge Newcastle United Jets FC Australia A-League Free 3 March 2008[5]
Australia John Aloisi Central Coast Mariners Australia A-League Free 3 March 2008[5]
Australia Stuart Musialik Newcastle United Jets Australia A-League Free 11 March 2008[6]
Australia Mitchell Prentice Perth Glory (released) Australia A-League Free 3 May 2008[7]
Australia Chris Payne Manly United Australia NSW Premier League $3000 20 May 2008
Australia Shannon Cole Sydney Olympic Australia NSW Premier League Free 14 August 2008

Out
Player To League Fee Date
Australia Ufuk Talay Avispa Fukuoka Japan J.League 2nd Division Free 12 February 2008[5]
Australia Ruben Zadkovich Derby County (released) England Premier League – 3 March 2008[5]
Australia David Zdrilić Released – – 3 March 2008[5]
Brazil Patrick da Silva Released – – 3 March 2008[5]
Australia Ben Vidaic Sydney United Australia NSW Premier League Free 18 March 2008[8]
Brazil Juninho Paulista Released – – 12 April 2008[9]
Australia Mark Milligan Released – – 28 April 2008

Short-term signings
Player Team Start Date End Date Reason
United States Matt Taylor Hollywood United F.C. 26 June 2008 3 July 2008 Trial
Australia Dez Giraldi Wollongong FC 25 July 2008 29 September 2008 On loan to replace Injured Brendon Santalab
Australia Ryan Walsh Blacktown City Demons 14 August 2008 21 August 2008 Suspension Replacement
Australia John Filan Wigan Athletic 28 August 2008 1 November 2008 Suspension Replacement
Netherlands Bobby Petta Para Hills Knights 25 October 2008 On loan to replace Injured Michael Enfield
Australia Beau Busch Manly United 25 October 2008 Suspension Replacement

Loan out
Player Team League Start Date End Date
Australia Adam Biddle Blacktown City Demons Australia NSW Premier League 1 March 2008 26 April 2008[10]
Australia Ivan Necevski Blacktown City Demons Australia NSW Premier League 1 March 2008 26 April 2008[10]
Australia Nikolas Tsattalios Penrith Nepean United Australia NSW Premier League 1 March 2008 26 April 2008[10]
Australia Ben Vidaic Sydney United Australia NSW Premier League 1 March 2008 18 March 2008[10]

References
  1. 2008 Pre-Season Cup Draw Archived 18 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Football Federation Australia, 2 May 2008
  2. Hyundai A-League 2008/09 Season Draw Archived 18 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Football Federation Australia, 2 May 2008
  3. Cockerill,M (4 March 2008). "Aloisi is football's gold standard but Sydney play down bling envy". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 6 March 2008.
  4. Announced 27 January 2008; will join the club for preseason in April; "Sydney FC signs Simon Colosimo to two-year deal". sydneyfc.com. 27 January 2008. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 28 January 2008.
  5. "Sydney FC scores hat trick with Aloisi Bridge and Colosimo". sydneyfc.com. 3 March 2008. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2008.
  6. "Bling FC attracts Musialik". theworldgame.com.au. 10 March 2008. Archived from the original on 13 March 2008. Retrieved 2008-03-10.
  7. "Prentice Cat Out of Sydney Bag". au.fourfourtwo.com. 5 May 2008. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  8. "Vidaic released by Sydney". FourFourTwo Australia. 18 March 2008. Archived from the original on 28 March 2008. Retrieved 18 March 2008.
  9. "Sydney have no room for Juninho". FoxSports Australia. 12 April 2008. Retrieved 12 April 2008.
  10. "Four Sydney FC players to help boost NSW Premier League". sydneyfc.com. 29 February 2008. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2008.
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