The Melbourne Victory's 1–all draw against the Chunnam Dragons on the May 7 left soccer's 2006/2007 A-League Champions in last place in their Asian Champions League group. Meanwhile, Adelaide FC is on the verge of achieving what no Australian team has done before.
While the Victory's new signing Tom Pondeljak's fifth minute strike gave hope for Victory fans, the writing was on the wall from then on.
The Chunnam Dragons, (based in Gwangyang, Korea) peppered the Victory's red zone with keeper Michael Theoklitos strong in the box. However, by the 38th minute, a Theoklitos error gifted Chunnam striker Ko Ki-Gu an equalising goal.
As the Victory's woeful Asian Champion's League campaign is drawing to a close, Adelaide United is gearing up for a serious assault, needing just a draw in their last round match-up with Changchun Yatai in China on May 21.
The only disappointment for "The Reds" in their win over the Korean Pohang Steelers in Adelaide, was the second yellow card in the group stage for classy midfielder Diego. Jason Spagnuolo may be an option in the mid-field as a replacement. However, American-raised Diego's scoring prowess will be missed. Adelaide is currently first in their group, having won four and drawn one of their round robin matches. Should they at least gain a draw in China, they will be guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals. No Australian team can claim this milestone. If Adelaide are successful, their main opposition in the quarter-finals appears to be Japanese side Gamba Osaka, and Iran's Saipa.
In other A-League news: Sydney FC has committed to Sydney's eastern suburbs, by renewing their contract to play at the Sydney Football Stadium. The deal will ensure Sydney FC will play their home games at the venue until at least 2016.
This contract will ensure the concerted push for a Western Sydney franchise continues to gain momentum for entry to the A-League.
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