2012–13 Adelaide United FC season

Adelaide United FC
Industry	Professional football club
Founded	2003
Headquarters	Adelaide, Australia
Key people	John Kosmina (head coach, until mid-season), Michael Valkanis (interim head coach)
Products	Football (soccer) team
Website	www.adelaideunited.com.au

2012–13 Adelaide United FC Season Overview

The 2012–13 season represented Adelaide United FC's eighth campaign in the A-League, alongside their participation in the 2012 AFC Champions League. Marking their fourth appearance in this continental competition, the club once again topped their group for the third occasion, reinforcing their reputation as Australia's leading club in Asian football.

This season was notable as John Kosmina's inaugural full term as the permanent head coach, following his interim role beginning in December 2011, and his first since the 2006–07 season. Significant acquisitions during the offseason included Fábio Ferreira, Marcelo Carrusca, Daniel Bowles, and Jake Barker-Daish. Additionally, Adelaide United entered into a new kit supply agreement with Kappa and secured Unleash Solar, a local solar energy company, as their primary front-of-shirt sponsor.

The A-League commenced with Adelaide United securing a 2–0 away victory against Newcastle Jets on 7 October 2012, shortly after their exit from the Asian Champions League. The new signings Ferreira, Carrusca, Bowles, and Barker-Daish played key roles throughout. This was followed by a 1–0 win at Western Sydney Wanderers FC, handing the newcomers their first defeat. Despite taking an early lead in Round 3 against Melbourne Victory, Adelaide experienced their first loss of the league campaign.

Adelaide United quickly recovered with a commanding 3–1 home triumph over Wellington Phoenix, which coincided with Cássio Oliveira’s milestone 100th A-League appearance. Subsequent matches included a narrow 1–0 victory at Brisbane Roar highlighted by captain and goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic’s standout performance, along with draws and wins against Perth Glory and Melbourne Heart. By mid-November, Adelaide sat atop the A-League standings boasting five wins, one draw, and one defeat.

Among significant fixtures was a 2–1 victory over Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium, featuring goals from Ferreira and Dario Vidošić; however, Vidošić missed the next match due to injury. Paul Izzo made his goalkeeping debut during Galekovic’s absence in a loss to Central Coast Mariners. A high-profile home encounter against Melbourne Victory concluded with a 4–2 win for Adelaide amid reports of substantial betting activity. Key performers included Evan Kostopoulos with two goals, alongside Ferreira and Carrusca.

The club secured contract renewals for players Cameron Watson, Bruce Djite, Cássio, Jeronimo Neumann, and Fábio Ferreira. However, December brought challenges: a heavy 6–1 defeat to Western Sydney Wanderers and a first home shutout loss against Brisbane Roar. The team responded with a solid 3–0 win over Sydney FC but followed with mixed outcomes including a scoreless draw at Newcastle Jets.

In January 2013, tensions between fans and stadium security led to a silent protest during a home fixture versus Perth Glory, which Adelaide narrowly won 3–2. Subsequently, the team endured three successive defeats before John Kosmina resigned amid uncertainties regarding his contract extension. Michael Valkanis was appointed interim head coach with former player Sergio Melta serving as his assistant.

Under Valkanis’s guidance, Adelaide suffered a 2–4 loss to Western Sydney Wanderers but achieved an important 1–0 victory over Melbourne Victory that ended their opponent’s strong streak. Financial difficulties arose as sponsor Unleash Solar collapsed, leaving the club without front-of-shirt sponsorship. Late in the season, Tomi Jurić joined on a short-term contract. Adelaide recorded only one additional win—a 2–0 away success against Melbourne Heart—and concluded the regular season in fourth place. Their campaign ended following a 1–2 elimination final defeat to Brisbane Roar.

Season summary

On 1 December 2011, it was confirmed that Australia would be allocated an extra play-off position for the 2012 AFC Champions League after a comprehensive review. Adelaide United, having finished third in the 2010–11 A-League campaign, earned a spot in the play-off round alongside champions Brisbane Roar and runners-up Central Coast Mariners, both of whom qualified directly for the Group Stage. However, due to withdrawals by clubs from China and Indonesia, Adelaide bypassed the preliminary play-offs and advanced straight into the Group Stage. They were drawn into Group E, facing familiar rivals Gamba Osaka, Bunyodkor, and Pohang Steelers.

February

The Court of Arbitration for Sport sided with Indonesian club Persipura Jayapura’s appeal, reinstating a play-off fixture to determine qualification for Group E and rescinding Adelaide's automatic Group Stage entry.

On 16 February, Adelaide hosted Persipura and secured a commanding 3–0 victory, confirming their participation in the continental tournament for an unprecedented fourth time among Australian teams.

March

Adelaide United began their Champions League campaign on 6 March with a 2–1 victory away at Uzbek champions FC Bunyodkor in frigid conditions during Match Day 1.

Match Day 2 on 20 March saw former Asian champions Gamba Osaka visit Hindmarsh Stadium, where Adelaide triumphed courtesy of two first-half goals by Daniel Mullen.

Following this success, interim coach John Kosmina was officially appointed to continue as manager for an additional season on 22 March.

April

On 3 April, Adelaide faced Pohang Steelers away in Match Day 3 but endured their first group stage loss, attributed to an unusual defensive mistake from captain and goalkeeper Eugene Galeković.

The return fixture on 18 April at home proved decisive when Bruce Djite netted a last-minute goal in the 90th minute, securing a clean sheet and propelling Adelaide to the summit of Group E.

July

On 16 July, the club revealed a new two-year agreement with kit manufacturer Kappa, replacing their former supplier Erreà due to previous delivery complications.

August

After losing primary sponsorship from Coopers Brewery, Adelaide United announced a one-year front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with Unleash Solar on 29 August, reportedly worth $250,000.

Squad details

{{fb si player bg="" p="Jerónimo Morales Neumann" nb="ARG" n="21" pos="CF" age="" s="2012" a="26" g="7" e="2015" f="Free"}}

{{fb si player bg="y" p="Fábio Ferreira (Portuguese footballer)" nb="POR" n="22" pos="RW" age="" s="2012" a="19" g="3" e="2015" f="Free"}}

{{fb si player bg="" p="Evan Kostopoulos" nb="AUS" n="23" pos="WI" age="" s="2012" a="21" g="2" e="2013" f="YS"}}

{{fb si player bg="y" p="Awer Mabil" nb="KEN" n="24" pos="WI" age="" s="2012" a="5" g="0" e="2015" f="YS"}}

{{fb si player bg="" p="Tomi Jurić" nb="AUS" n="25" pos="FW" age="" s="2013" a="7" g="2" e="2013" f="Loan"}}

Player Transfers

Contract Renewals

Name	Role	Length	Contract Ends
Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Antony Golec	Defender	2 years	2014
Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Nigel Boogaard	Defender	2 years	2014
Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Osama Malik	Midfielder	2 years	2015

Arrivals (Pre-season)

Name	Role	Previous Club	Remarks
Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Teeboy Kamara	Midfielder	Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Adelaide United (Youth)	- Signed for 3 years.
Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Iain Fyfe	Defender	Template:Country data KOR Template:Namespace detect showall Busan IPark	- Contract duration: 1 year.
Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Daniel Bowles	Defender	Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Gold Coast United	- Committed for 2 years.
Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Jake Barker-Daish	Midfielder	Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Gold Coast United	- 2-year agreement.
Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Evan Kostopoulos	Forward	Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Adelaide United (Youth)	- One-year contract signed.
Template:Country data ARG Template:Namespace detect showall Marcelo Carrusca	Midfielder	Template:Country data ARG Template:Namespace detect showall San Martín de San Juan	- Contract length: 2 years.
Template:Country data POR Template:Namespace detect showall Fábio Ferreira	Midfielder	Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Dulwich Hill	- One-year deal.
Template:Country data ARG Template:Namespace detect showall Jerónimo Neumann	Forward	Template:Country data PAR Template:Namespace detect showall Sol de América	- Loan agreement for one season.

Arrivals (Mid-season)

Name	Role	Previous Club	Remarks
Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Tomi Jurić	Forward	Template:Country data CRO Template:Namespace detect showall Inter Zaprešić	- Loan until end of season.

Departures (Pre-season)

Name	Role	Destination Club	Remarks
Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Mark Birighitti	Goalkeeper	Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Newcastle Jets	- Signed a 2-year contract following 2012 AFC Champions League group stage.
Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Milan Susak	Defender	Template:Country data CHN Template:Namespace detect showall Tianjin Teda	- Transferred in February 2012; transfer fee approximately $200,000.
Template:Country data UKR Template:Namespace detect showall Evgeniy Levchenko	Midfielder	Released	- Contract not extended.
Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Spase Dilevski	Midfielder	Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Melbourne Victory	- Contract expired and not renewed.
Template:Country data POR Template:Namespace detect showall Ricardo da Silva	Midfielder	Released	- Contract termination without renewal.
Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Daniel Mullen	Defender	Template:Country data CHN Template:Namespace detect showall Dalian Aerbin	- Moved in July 2012; transfer fee $240,000.
Template:Country data URU Template:Namespace detect showall Francisco Usúcar	Midfielder	Template:Country data ECU Template:Namespace detect showall Técnico Universitario	- Transferred July 2012

Departures (Mid-season)

Name	Role	Destination Club	Remarks
Template:Country data IDN Template:Namespace detect showall Sergio van Dijk	Forward	Template:Country data IDN Template:Namespace detect showall Persib Bandung	- Completed transfer January 2013
Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Zenon Caravella	Midfielder	Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Newcastle Jets	- Released in January 2013

Squad overview

{{fb ss player 3|p=Melling | nb=AUS | n=15 |} |min= |gs=0 }

{{fb ss player 3|bg=y | p=Bowles |} |min= |} ...

Disciplinary summary

Covers all official fixtures, organized by jersey number.

Template:Fb disc player 3 Template:Fb disc player 3 Template:Fb disc player 3 Template:Fb disc player 3

(Note: Details on suspensions and match-specific notes have been summarized or excluded to emphasize overall disciplinary patterns pertinent to team oversight and regulatory adherence.)

AFC Champions League

Goals	Player	PO2	MD1	MD2	MD4	MD6	R16	QF1	QF2
2	Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Nigel Boogaard	1	1
	Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Daniel Mullen			2
	Template:Country data IDN Template:Namespace detect showall Sergio van Dijk	1				1
	Template:Country data PHI Template:Namespace detect showall Iain Ramsay							1	1
1	Template:Country data UKR Template:Namespace detect showall Evgeniy Levchenko	1
	Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Antony Golec	style="background:#fcc;"	1	style="background:#fcc;" colspan=6
	Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Bruce Djite				1
	Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Jon McKain						1
	Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Evan Kostopoulos							1
	Template:Country data ARG Template:Namespace detect showall Jerónimo Neumann	style="background:#fcc;" colspan=8		1

Indicates a goal scored via a penalty kick

Represents two goals converted from penalty kicks

Player was absent from the match

A-League

Goals	Player	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	12	13	14	16	19
10	Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Dario Vidošić	1	style="background:#fcc;"	style="background:#cfc;"1		1	1		1	style="background:#fcc;"		1	style="background:#cfc;"2			style="background:#cfc;"1
7	Template:Country data ARG Template:Namespace detect showall Jerónimo Morales Neumann		1	2	1			2			style="background:#fcc;"		1	style="background:#fcc;"
5	Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Iain Ramsay	1					style="background:#fcc;"	1			1		1		1

Indicates a goal was netted through a penalty kick

Signifies two goals scored from penalty kicks

Denotes player absence from the match

Managerial Changes

Departing manager	Reason for departure	Date position became vacant	League standing at time	Successor	Date of hiring	League standing at time
Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall John Kosmina	Resignation	28 January 2013	4th place, Round 18 (12–13)	Template:Country data AUS Template:Namespace detect showall Michael Valkanis (Interim)	28 January 2013	4th place, Round 18 (12–13)

Home Game Attendance

Round	Date	Opponent	Score Template:Center	Spectators	Day of Week
2	12 October 2012	Western Sydney Wanderers	1–0	8,950	Friday
4	27 October 2012	Wellington Phoenix	3–1	8,497	Saturday
6	11 November 2012	Perth Glory	1–1	9,212	Sunday
7	17 November 2012	Melbourne Heart	1–0	8,816	Saturday
10	7 December 2012	Melbourne Victory	4–2	14,115	Friday
11	16 December 2012	Wellington Phoenix	3–1	8,657	Saturday
13	26 December 2012	Brisbane Roar	0–1	11,035	Wednesday
14	31 December 2012	Sydney FC	3–0	10,934	Monday
16	11 January 2013	Perth Glory	3–2	10,129	Friday
19	3 February 2013	Western Sydney Wanderers	2–4	9,686	Sunday
20	8 February 2013	Melbourne Victory	1–0	12,029	Friday
23	2 March 2013	Brisbane Roar	0–1	6,878	Saturday
25	15 March 2013	Newcastle Jets	1–1	7,284	Friday
26	24 March 2013	Central Coast Mariners	0–2	8,069	Sunday
EF	7 April 2013	Brisbane Roar	1–2	10,234	Sunday

Pre-season

Date	Time	Home Team	Score	Away Team
21 August 2012	Tuesday, 19:00	Melbourne Heart	1–2

Note: Pre-season fixtures provide insights into early team form and preparation.*

Match Details

(For conciseness, detailed individual match data has been streamlined while retaining essential performance metrics such as final scores, attendance figures, venues, and match outcomes. This approach highlights both competitive results and fan engagement levels.)

Finals