If Adelaide United FC’s game against Gold Coast United tomorrow night was not already significant enough, there is even further incentive for the Reds to secure a victory, with goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic and defender Robert Cornthwaite both set to make their 100th Hyundai A-League appearance.
Galekovic and Cornthwaite currently sit on 99 Hyundai A-League games heading into the game with the Gold Coast, and the duo-s imminent achievement would be just the second time in the Hyundai A-League that two players from the same team have made their 100th appearances in the same game.
The only other occasion two players have achieved the milestone together was when Melbourne Victory-s Kevin Muscat and Tom Pondeljak reached the feat on March 7, 2010.
After 15 appearances in the opening two Hyundai A-League seasons with Melbourne Victory, Galekovic came to Adelaide United halfway through the 2007/08 season and immediately made the position between the posts his own.
Galekovic has missed just six out of the Reds- last 90 Hyundai A-League games, the shot stopper making over 300 saves and recording 24 clean sheets in the process, while he was also crowned Hyundai A-League Goalkeeper of the Year twice.
“Since I-ve come here I-ve really enjoyed my football and hopefully I can play another 100 for the club,” Galekovic said.
“It-s a nice personal achievement but there is something a lot more important at stake tomorrow night and that-s making sure we beat Gold Coast.”
Cornthwaite is one of just three Reds current players still at the club from Adelaide United-s inaugural Hyundai A-League squad, the bulk of the 25 year olds appearances coming in the last four seasons.
“If anyone told me that I-d reach 100 games at the start of my career I would have been very surprised, but it-s a fantastic personal milestone,” Cornthwaite said.
“Doing it for Adelaide United in my home state is something I-m very proud of.”
Contracted to the club until the end of the 2012/13 season, there is a strong chance Cornthwaite, like Galekovic, could rack up several more games before his time at the Reds is done.
While 100 games it is a notable achievement for the duo, they both know it will only be worth celebrating if the Reds can take all three points at Skilled Park against the Gold Coast tomorrow night.
Eugene Galekovic (Apps, clean sheets)
2005/06 HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE 11 (4) for Melbourne Victory
2006/07 HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE 4 (1) for Melbourne Victory
2007/08 HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE 11 (1)
2008/09 HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE 22 (10)
2009/10 HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE 27 (6)
2010/11 HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE 24 (7)
HAL Appearances 99 (29)*
Robert Cornthwaite (Apps, goals)
2005/06 HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE 12 (0)
2006/07 HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE 8 (1)
2007/08 HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE 19 (0)
2008/09 HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE 20 (2)
2009/10 HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE 19
2010/11 HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE 21 (1)
HAL Appearances 99 (4)*
