Round 3 saw the Hyundai A-League's 5 millionth fan enter the turnstiles. Congratulations to Kate Sullivan of Salisbury Heights who won a trip for two to see the Qantas Socceroos take on Oman in their 'do or die' AFC Asian Cup qualifier at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne on 14 October.
It's a momentous week for Newcastle Jets defender, Angelo Costanzo, who is set to make his 300th appearance at national league level in the match against Gold Coast United on Sunday. Costanzo's national soccer league career began in 1994 with Adelaide City and has also included Marconi as well as Adelaide United and Newcastle Jets in the Hyundai A-League. Costanzo has been capped as a Socceroo on six occasions and also represented Australia at U-20 level.
Adelaide United's Aurelio Vidmar also makes it 50 Hyundai A-League matches coached this Friday.
Stats, facts & milestones
Adelaide United v North Queensland Fury
Friday 28 August 2009, Hindmarsh Stadium, 7.30pm local (8.00pm AEST)
- This will be the 50th Hyundai A-League match coached by Adelaide United coach Aurelio Vidmar. Since taking on the role in 2007, Vidmar's Win-Draw-Loss record stands at W19-D13-L17, and includes a AFC Champions League Final (2008) and Hyundai A-League Grand Final (2009) - Adelaide United goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic is set to make his 100th appearance at national league level
Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory
Friday 28 August 2009, Members Equity Stadium, 8.00pm local (10.00pm AEST)
- Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Glen Moss is set to make his 50th appearance at national league level. Moss' national league career has so far included stints at Sydney Olympic (3 appearances), New Zealand Knights (9), Dinamo Bucharest (Romania - 1 appearance), Wellington Phoenix (33) and Melbourne Victory (3 so far) - Meanwhile, Victory's Nick Ward is due to make his 50th appearance in Australian national leagues. Before joining the Melbourne Victory Ward made 23 national league appearances for Perth Glory
Brisbane Roar v Central Coast Mariners
Saturday 29 August 2009, Suncorp Stadium, 3.00pm local
- Brisbane Roar will be aiming to continue their club record of scoring in the most consecutive home matches, having scored at least one goal in the past eight matches at Suncorp Stadium. The last time Roar was kept scoreless at Suncorp Stadium was on 8 November 2008 (Brisbane Roar 0 - 1 Melbourne Victory)
Newcastle Jets v Gold Coast United
Sunday 30 August 2009, EnergyAustralia Stadium, 3.00pm local
- The Culina's reunite on the football pitch - but this time with dad, Branko, coaching Newcastle Jets and son, Jason, as the marquee player for the undefeated Gold Coast United - Newcastle Jets defender Angelo Costanzo is set to make his 300th appearance at national league level. Before joining the Jets in 2009, Costanzo played at Adelaide City (133 national league appearances), Marconi (90) and Adelaide United (73)
Sydney FC v Wellington Phoenix
Sunday 30 August 2009, Sydney Football Stadium, 5.00pm local
- Having won their previous three home matches, Sydney FC is aiming to equal its all-time Hyundai A-League record of four consecutive home wins. Sydney FC has not won four matches in a row since 2006
Birthday celebrations
- It's the quality not the quantity this week in the Hyundai A-League birthday callout with Andrew Clark of the Central Coast Mariners turning 35 today, 24 August - Also this week Adelaide United's Mark Rudan turns 34 on Thursday 27 August
