Vince Lia

Vince Lia
Vince Lia
Born	March 18, 1985 (age 41); Shepparton, Victoria, Australia
Occupation	Professional soccer player
Years active	2001–present
Known for	Playing for Melbourne Victory, Wellington Phoenix, Adelaide United, Perth Glory, Essendon Royals

Vince Lia (born 18 March 1985) is a professional Australian soccer player who currently represents Essendon Royals in the National Premier Leagues Victoria 3.

Originating from Shepparton, Lia progressed through the youth football ranks in Victoria before making his professional debut with South Melbourne in the National Soccer League. After spending the 2005 season with Fawkner-Whittlesea Blues, he signed with Melbourne Victory to take part in the inaugural A-League campaign. Lia then dedicated ten years to Wellington Phoenix, accumulating over 200 appearances in all competitions. In 2017, he returned to Australia, joining Adelaide United, and later had a short spell at Perth Glory in 2020.

On the international stage, Lia featured prominently for Australia at youth levels, including appearances in both the 2003 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Melbourne Victory

Lia's professional journey began with South Melbourne in the NSL. He later moved to Melbourne Victory, where he spent two seasons as part of the squad and contributed to a championship-winning campaign.

Wellington Phoenix

In 2007, Lia made a transfer to Wellington Phoenix, where he netted his first A-League goal against his former side, Melbourne Victory, in November of that year. A knee reconstruction sidelined him for the entire 2008–09 season, yet he committed to Wellington Phoenix by extending his contract through to 2012.

Adelaide United

Following a successful trial period, Lia secured a one-year deal with Adelaide United for the 2017–18 season. He made his debut in October 2017 during a 2–1 victory over Brisbane Roar and shortly thereafter scored twice in a 2–2 draw facing his previous club Melbourne Victory.

Perth Glory

Due to injury concerns within their defensive ranks, Perth Glory enlisted Lia for the remainder of the 2019–20 A-League season. He was released upon conclusion of that campaign.

Altona Magic

In February 2021, Lia signed with Altona Magic.

International career

Lia captained Australia's under-20 team at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship.

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club	Season	League			Cup		Continental		Total
Club	Season	Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
South Melbourne	2001–02	National Soccer League	13	0	0	0	0	0	13	0
	2002–03		21	0	0	0	0	0	21	0
	2003–04		17	0	0	0	0	0	17	0
	South Melbourne total		51	0	0	0	0	0	51	0
Fawkner-Whittlesea Blues	2005	Victorian Premier League	3	0	0	0	0	0	3	0
Melbourne Victory	2005–06	A-League	17	0	2	0	0	0	19	0
	2006–07	A-League	7	0	4	0	0	0	11	0
	Melbourne Victory total		24	0	6	0	0	0	30	0
Wellington Phoenix	2007–08	A-League	13	1	1	0	0	0	14	1
	2008–09		0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0
	2009–10		26	0	0	0	0	0	26	0
	2010–11		24	1	0	0	0	0	24	1
	2011–12		21	0	0	0	0	0	21	0
	2012-13		23	̶	̶	̶	̶	23	̶	23	̶
	2013-14		27	̶	̶	̶	̶	27	̶	27	̶
	2014-15		21					21
	2015-16		16					18
	2016-17		26					27
	Wellington total		197	4	5	̶	̶	4	202	-	Adelaide United	2017-18	A-League	9		11
2018-19	23						27
2019-20	2						5
Adelaide total		34	3	9	̶	̶	43	-	Perth Glory	2019-20		A-League	4		4
Altona Magic	2021	National Premier Leagues Victoria	17						17
	2022	National Premier Leagues Victoria	21						22
	Total		18	3	1	̶	̶	39	-	Essendon Royals	2023	National Premier Leagues Victoria 3	9		9
Career total			353	10	17	̶	̶	370	-

Club

Melbourne Victory

A-League Championship title: 2006–07
A-League Premiership title: 2006–07

Adelaide United

FFA Cup victories: 2018, 2019

International

Australia

OFC U-20 Championship titles: 2002, 2005

External links

Aussie Footballers Lawrie to Lia