Some familiar faces will be taking time out of their state coaching responsibilities to step out onto the hallowed turf at Coopers Stadium this Sunday afternoon in a charity match.
Football Federation SA's Cristiano Dos Santos (Coach Education Manager), Richie Algiach (Skill Acquisition Trainer) and Carl Veart (FFSA NTC Coach) will pull on the red for Adelaide United once again as they take on Australian Defence Force open men’s football team before the Remembrance Round clash against Perth Glory on Sunday.
All three have played for The Reds at some stage in their playing careers, however, only Carl and Richie have played in the same team, with Cristiano arriving in Adelaide after the pair had retired from professional football.
After retiring from his professional career, Carl was one of Cristiano's striking coaches at Adelaide United in 2008.
Cristiano is looking forward to putting down his whistle and playing in front of the SA football community once again.
I am very excited to play in the match on Sunday, especially with Carl & Richie as we have never played together before. I'm really going to enjoy the moments we share on the pitch.
I also believe it is a great opportunity for us three to play for the players we have coached over the years. Especially in recent times, not many have seen us play before, only coaching. It will be really good for them to observe and have a bit of fun."
Adelaide United profiles below can be found on https://www.adelaideunited.com.au/ - CLICK to read the Adelaide United Legends lineups: Goalkeepers & Defenders, Midfielders & Strikers.
Richie Alagich
A model of consistency, Alagich has been one of the greatest ever full-backs to maraud up and down the right flank for the Reds. After joining for the team’s maiden season, he went on to make 65 Hyundai A-League appearances and scored two goals before retiring from professional football following the 2007/08 season.
Carl Veart
A natural finisher, Veart scored the Club’s maiden goal in 2003 in the old National Soccer League against Brisbane Strikers. He repeated that effort two years later by bagging the opener in the Hyundai A-League’s first-ever match which clinched a 1-0 win away to Newcastle Jets. Veart retired from professional football after the 2006/07 season and found the back-of-the-net 24 times in 79 matches.
Cristiano Dos Santos
The Brazilian striker arrived in 2008 having previously plied his trade predominantly in the Netherlands. In his first season, he scored 10 goals in all competitions, which included a stunning strike from distance in the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup. Cristiano managed 13 goals with the Reds during a two-year stint.
Cristiano's long-range strike at the 2008 Club World Cup.
You can watch the three along with the Adelaide United Legends before Adelaide United’s Sunday match against Perth Glory. Get your tickets here!