Mon 23rd Apr 2007

Adelaide United FC face another challenging draw. The Reds face Queensland Roar and Sydney FC away in the first two rounds before an opening blockbuster at Hindmarsh Stadium against Melbourne Victory on Friday 7 September.

Other points to note of Adelaide United’s draw sees The Reds having to travel to New Zealand and Perth twice, while they will host the Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC at Hindmarsh Stadium either side of the Christmas break.

Adelaide United’s 10 home games, with six to be played on Fridays and four on Sundays, will also feature the visit of Champions and rivals Melbourne Victory twice, giving United two chances at home to amend last season’s grand final result.

Adelaide United coach Aurelio Vidmar admitted it was not the most favourable draw for Adelaide United, however he believes the players will attack the challenges front on.

“It’s a very difficult draw,” Vidmar said. “Five out of the first seven games are away from home so it will be backs up against the wall but it’s a massive challenge for the players and I’m sure they will relish it.”

The Hyundai A-League season kicks off on Friday 24 August with United to face Queensland Roar in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Phoenix set to take on Premiers

The Wellington Phoenix will kick off their inaugural Hyundai A-League campaign against premiers Melbourne Victory, after being officially welcomed to the competition by Football Federation Australia.

The Phoenix come in to replace the previous Auckland-based outfit, the New Zealand Knights, and are rewarded with a match up against the competition's 2006-07 yardstick in Wellington.

"We are very proud to welcome the Wellington Phoenix as the eighth club in the Hyundai A-League competition", FFA CEO Ben Buckley said.

"New Zealand Soccer and owner Terry Serepisos have been working extremely hard since the license was granted to establish the club in a very short period of time. I'm sure that as result of this hard work, the Wellington Phoenix will be very competitive outfit in the upcoming season."

"It is also well known that Wellingtonians have a passion for sport and supporting their local teams. We are sure that they will embrace their new football team in a similar manner," Buckley said.

Victory CEO Geoff Miles said the club was looking forward to taking on the new franchise in the first match.

"We’re eagerly anticipating the first match of the season against Wellington Phoenix, in front of what will be a big crowd at Westpac Stadium. It's a new and exciting era for football in New Zealand and we’re proud to be a part of it."