2001–02 Sydney United FC season

May 2025 May 2025 Sydney United 58 FC 2001–02 Branko Culina Marko Franović Sydney United Sports Centre National Soccer League 11th (League) Commins Menapi (8), Ante Milicic (8) 5,177 vs. Marconi Stallions(28 October 2001)National Soccer League 1,580 vs. Newcastle United(30 March 2002)National Soccer League 3,774 3–0vs. Football Kingz(20 October 2001)National Soccer League 1–4 vs. Olympic Sharks(19 November 2001)National Soccer League 2000–01 2002–03 The 2001-02 season marked Sydney United's nineteenth campaign in the NSL, but it proved to be a challenging year. The team finished 11th on the table, managing only six wins throughout the season. Branko Culina returned to United as manager, having previously guided the club to a premiership and Grand Final appearance in the 1996-97 season. His return also saw the arrival of familiar faces, with former players Ante Milicic and Krešimir Marušić re-joining the squad. However, despite these additions, United struggled to find form and once again missed out on the finals. The team's difficulties were compounded by mid-season departures, as Milicic, Marušić, Zlatko Arambasic, and Marcus Stergiopoulos all exited the club. In Milicic's case, Sydney United secured a $110,000 transfer fee from Olympic Sharks, providing much-needed financial relief. Despite the team's struggles, Commins Menapi and Ante Milicic both finished as Sydney United's top goalscorers, netting eight goals each across the season.Nimac Ivan Dusevic Sime Lozina Leonard Nimac Tony More Than The Game: 50 Years of Sydney United 2008 Sydney, NSW 978-0-646-50046-1 227–230 First Players 1 AUS GK Brett Hughes 2 AUS DF Michael Šantalab 3 AUS MF Vince Savoca 4 AUS DF Elvis Olic 5 AUS MF Nahuel Arrarte 6 AUS DF Michael Cunico 8 AUS MF Ante Moric 9 AUS MF Gabriel Mendez 11 CRO MF Željko Kopić 12 AUS FW Brendon Šantalab 13 AUS MF Ante Deur 14 AUS MF Goran Talevski 15 AUS MF Aytek Genc 16 SOL FW Commins Menapi 17 AUS MF Paul Bilokapic Captain 18 AUS FW Daniel Watkins 20 AUS GK John Perosh 21 AUS MF Mile Jedinak 22 AUS MF Milan Bosnar 23 AUS DF Michael Cindrić 24 AUS DF Sebastian Sinozić 25 AUS MF Jon Angelucci 26 AUS MF Ivan Zelic 27 AUS GK Vilson Knežević 29 AUS MF Christian Cevinini 30 AUS GK John Karoubas 37 CRO MF Aljoša Asanović AUS FW Zlatko Arambašić AUS FW Ante Milicic Captain CRO MF Krešimir Marušić AUS MF Marcus Stergiopoulos Transfers in n y 10 FW AUS Ante Milicic 1974 4 4 2001 10 1 NK Rijeka CRO Transfer Pre-season Free Nimac Ivan Dusevic Sime Lozina Leonard Nimac Tony More Than The Game: 50 Years of Sydney United 2008 Sydney United Sydney, NSW, Australia 978-0-646-50046-1 227 First Edition 2008 11 MF CRO Željko Kopić 1977 09 10 2001 10 1 NK Marsonia CRO Transfer Pre-season Free Željko Kopić https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe111192/zeljko-kopic/ worldfootball.net 14 May 2025 en 27 GK AUS Vilson Knežević 1975 10 19 2001 10 1 Germinal Beerschot BEL Transfer Pre-season Free Vilson Knežević https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe107967/vilson-knezevic/ worldfootball.net 14 May 2025 en 7 MF CRO Krešimir Marušić 1969 11 23 2001 10 1 Northern Spirit AUS Transfer Pre-season Free 20 GK AUS John Perosh 1973 11 29 2001 10 1 Northern Spirit AUS Transfer Pre-season Free John Perosh https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe107972/john-perosh/ worldfootball.net 14 May 2025 en 18 FW AUS Daniel Watkins 1980 07 10 2001 10 1 Northern Spirit AUS Transfer Pre-season Free Daniel Watkins https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe101459/daniel-watkins/ worldfootball.net 14 May 2025 en 6 DF AUS Michael Cunico 1979 03 17 2001 10 1 Northern Spirit AUS Transfer Pre-season Free 2 DF AUS Michael Šantalab 1979 08 25 2001 10 1 Parramatta Power AUS Transfer Pre-season Free 12 FW AUS Brendon Šantalab 1982 09 09 2001 10 1 Parramatta Power AUS Transfer Pre-season Free 8 FW AUS Ante Moric 1974 04 19 2001 10 1 Olympic Sharks AUS Transfer Pre-season Free 24 FW AUS Marcus Stergiopoulos 1973 06 12 2001 10 1 Eastern Pride AUS Transfer Pre-season Free Marcus Stergiopoulos https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe101387/marcus-stergiopoulos/ worldfootball.net 14 May 2025 en 26 MF AUS Ivan Zelic 1978 02 24 2001 10 1 Melbourne Knights AUS Transfer Pre-season Free Ivan Zelić https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe108353/ivan-zelic/ worldfootball.net 14 May 2025 en 25 DF AUS Jon Angelucci 1975 09 12 2001 10 1 Canberra Cosmos AUS Transfer Pre-season Free Jon Angelucci https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe99455/jon-angelucci/ worldfootball.net 14 May 2025 en March 2025 Transfers out n y 4 DF AUS Velimir Kuprešak 1963 09 01 2001 05 31 Retirement Pre-season Free Nimac Ivan Dusevic Sime Lozina Leonard Nimac Tony More Than The Game: 50 Years of Sydney United 2008 Sydney United Sydney, NSW, Australia 978-0-646-50046-1 226–227 First Edition 2008 5 MF AUS Richard Plesa 1976 01 08 2001 10 01 FC Aarhus DEN Transfer Pre-season Free 10 MF AUS Tom Pondeljak 1976 01 08 2001 10 01 Olympic Sharks AUS End of Contract Pre-season Free 17 FW AUS Francis Awaritefe 1964 04 18 2001 10 01 Rockdale City Suns AUS End of Contract Pre-season Free Francis Awaritefe https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe99693/francis-awaritefe/ worldfootball.net 7 May 2025 en 3 DF AUS Danny Burt 1972 11 16 2001 10 01 Central Coast United AUS End of Contract Pre-season Free Danny Burt https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe108575/danny-burt/ worldfootball.net 7 May 2025 en 7 DF AUS Shane Webb 1980 09 14 2001 10 01 Marconi Stallions AUS End of Contract Pre-season Free Shane Webb https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe80860/shane-webb/ worldfootball.net 7 May 2025 en 12 DF AUS Tom Maric 1977 08 12 2001 10 01 Fairfield Bulls AUS End of Contract Pre-season Free Tom Maric https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe110895/tom-maric/ worldfootball.net 7 May 2025 en 14 MF AUS Kain Rastall 1978 06 12 2001 10 01 Blacktown City FC AUS End of Contract Pre-season Free Kain Rastall https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe111134/kain-rastall/ worldfootball.net 7 May 2025 en 19 MF AUS Terry Palapanis 1970 10 14 2001 05 01 Hurstville City Minotaurs AUS End of Contract Pre-season Free Terry Palapanis https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe110990/terry-palapanis/ worldfootball.net 13 May 2025 en 21 FW SOL Akwasi Ageyi 1981 04 12 2001 10 01 Canterbury Marrickville FC AUS End of Contract Pre-season Free Akwasi Ageyi https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe108370/akwasi-ageyi/ worldfootball.net 7 May 2025 en 28 DF AUS Allan Picken 1981 09 07 2001 10 01 APIA Leichhardt AUS End of Contract Pre-season Free Allan Picken https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe78436/allan-picken/ worldfootball.net 7 May 2025 en 30 GK AUS Steve Tolios 1975 04 28 2001 10 01 Sydney Crescent Star AUS End of Contract Pre-season Free Steve Tolios https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe111111/steve-tolios/ worldfootball.net 7 May 2025 en MF AUS Mark Silic 1972 02 26 2001 06 30 Retirement End of Contract Pre-season Free Mark Silic https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe99453/mark-silic/ worldfootball.net 10 May 2025 en May 2025 Mid-Season Gains n y 37 MF CRO Aljoša Asanović 1965 12 14 2001 12 01 Free agent Guest Contract Mid-season Free Nimac Ivan Dusevic Sime Lozina Leonard Nimac Tony More Than The Game: 50 Years of Sydney United 2008 Sydney United Sydney, NSW, Australia 978-0-646-50046-1 228 First Edition 2008 8 MF AUS Gabriel Mendez 1973 03 12 2001 10 1 Northern Spirit AUS Transfer Mid-season Undisclosed Nimac Ivan Dusevic Sime Lozina Leonard Nimac Tony More Than The Game: 50 Years of Sydney United 2008 Sydney United Sydney, NSW, Australia 978-0-646-50046-1 229 First Edition 2008Mendez joins United http://theworldgame.com.au/content/nsl/news/displayContent.asp?CID=16753&CMPID=2&PID=2&TID=76 The World Game 9 January 2026CHI CHI READY TO FIRE FOR UNITED http://www.sydneyunited.com.au/s200201041.htm www.sydneyunited.com.au 22 April 2026 The worst kept transfer secret was confirmed today when Gabriel Mendez agreed to terms with the Club and completed his transfer from Northern Spirit to Sydney United. 1 February 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20020201203016/http://www.sydneyunited.com.au/s200201041.htm bot: unknown 24 DF AUS Sebastian Sinozić 1978 09 14 2001 10 1 Olympic Sharks AUS Transfer Mid-season Undisclosed Aussie Footballers - Singh to Smith http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Players/SIN.html#SebastianSinozic www.ozfootball.net 7 May 2025CHI CHI READY TO FIRE FOR UNITED http://www.sydneyunited.com.au/s200201041.htm www.sydneyunited.com.au 22 April 2026 Also joining the Club is 23 year old defender Sebastian Sinozic from Branko Culina’s former Club the Olympic Sharks. The solid young defender has been signed to bolster the defence that has been hit by injuries in the past few weeks.. 1 February 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20020201203016/http://www.sydneyunited.com.au/s200201041.htm bot: unknown May 2025 Mid-Season Losses n y 9 FW AUS Zlatko Arambašić 1969 02 12 2001 11 01 Parramatta Power AUS Transfer Mid-season Aussie Footballers - Anastasiadis to Arcaba http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Players/ANA.html#ZlatkoArambasic www.ozfootball.net 7 May 2025Zlatko Arambašić https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe99689/zlatko-arambasic/ worldfootball.net 7 May 2025 en 37 MF CRO Aljoša Asanović 1965 12 14 2001 12 16 Free agent Free Mid-season Farewell Aljosa http://theworldgame.com.au/content/nsl/news/displayContent.asp?CMPID=2&CID=16582&PID=2&TID=76 The World Game 9 January 2026 10 FW AUS Ante Milicic 1974 04 04 2002 01 31 Olympic Sharks AUS Transfer Mid-season $110,000 Nimac Ivan Dusevic Sime Lozina Leonard Nimac Tony More Than The Game: 50 Years of Sydney United 2008 Sydney United Sydney, NSW, Australia 978-0-646-50046-1 228–229 First Edition 2008Aussie Footballers - Milardovic to Mirkovic http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Players/MIL.html#AnteMilicic www.ozfootball.net 7 May 2025Sharks up the Ante http://www.theworldgame.com.au/content/nsl/news/displayContent.asp?CMPID=2&CID=17649&PID=2&TID=76 www.theworldgame.com.au 9 January 2026 29 April 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20020429052908/http://www.theworldgame.com.au/content/nsl/news/displayContent.asp?CMPID=2&CID=17649&PID=2&TID=76 bot: unknown 7 MF CRO Krešimir Marušić 1969 11 23 2002 01 31 Melbourne Knights AUS Transfer Mid-season van Bedaf Bert Marusic Returns to Knights Australian and British Soccer Weekly 1072 F.L. Press January 2002Aussie Footballers - Marsh to Matiscak http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Players/MARS.html#KresimirMarusic www.ozfootball.net 7 May 2025Knights sign Marusic http://www.theworldgame.com.au/content/nsl/news/displayContent.asp?CMPID=2&CID=17489&PID=2&TID=76 www.theworldgame.com.au 9 January 2026 29 April 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20020429054351/http://www.theworldgame.com.au/content/nsl/news/displayContent.asp?CMPID=2&CID=17489&PID=2&TID=76 bot: unknown 24 MF AUS Marcus Stergiopoulos 1973 06 12 2002 01 31 Northern Spirit AUS Transfer Mid-season Aussie Footballers - Stefanutto to Storey http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Players/STE.html#MarcusStergiopoulos www.ozfootball.net 7 May 2025Milicic in Fire Sale http://theworldgame.com.au/content/nsl/news/displayContent.asp?CMPID=2&CID=17620&PID=2&TID=76 theworldgame.com.au 9 January 2026 22 June 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20020622134013/http://theworldgame.com.au/content/nsl/news/displayContent.asp?CMPID=2&CID=17620&PID=2&TID=76 bot: unknown May 2025 Competitions Overview 5 National Soccer League 15 October 2001 29 April 2002 Matchday 1 11th 6 6 12 27 37 complete National Soccer League League table SYD Results summary 1 5 6 13 22 5 1 6 14 15 May 2025 Matches 1 6 October 2001 Olympic Sharks 1–0 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/20012002/Round01.html Sydney United Macallister 66 Toyota Park Woolooware, New South Wales 9,612 Shaun Micallef L 2 14 October 2001 Sydney United 1–3 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/Round02.html Brisbane Strikers Menapi 44 Foster 48 Rech 54 Trajanovski 65 Sydney United Sports Centre Edensor Park, New South Wales 4,780 Gerry Connelly L 3 31 October 2001 South Melbourne 0–1 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/Round03.html Sydney United Milicic 36 Bob Jane Stadium Albert Park, Victoria 5,866 Con Diomis W 4 28 October 2001 Sydney United 1–1 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/Round04.html Marconi Stallions Milicic 1 Tome 68 Sydney United Sports Centre Edensor Park, New South Wales 5,177 Eddie Lennie D 5 3 November 2001 Perth Glory 2–1 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/Round05.html Sydney United Mori 26 Horsley 47 Milicic 90+1 Perth Oval Vincent, Western Australia 12,975 Matthew Breeze L 6 9 November 2001 Sydney United 1–2 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/round06.htm Football Kingz Menapi 62 Ngata 50 70 Sydney United Sports Centre Edensor Park, New South Wales 3,817 P.Mur L 7 17 November 2001 Wollongong Wolves 1–0 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/round07.htm Sydney United Huxley 65 WIN Stadium Wollongong, New South Wales 3,291 Angelo Nardi L 9 2 December 2001 Sydney United 2–1 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/Round09.html Melbourne Knights Menapi 46 (pen) 78 Da Costa 10 Sydney United Sports Centre Edensor Park, New South Wales 4,185 D.Rugg W 10 7 December 2001 Northern Spirit 1–2 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/round10.htm Sydney United Cardozo 53 Milicic 16 Menapi 90+2 North Sydney Oval North Sydney, New South Wales 4,605 Brett Hugo W 11 16 December 2001 Sydney United 0–2 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/round11.htm Parramatta Power Eagleton 4 Kwasnik 83 Sydney Croatian Sports Centre Edensor Park, New South Wales 5,142 Peter Green L 12 21 December 2001 Newcastle United 2–0 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/round12.htm Sydney United Griffiths 59 McBreen 86 Energy Australia Stadium Newcastle, New South Wales 9,136 Shaun Micallef L 13 6 January 2002 Sydney United 1–1 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/round13.htm Adelaide Force Milicic 51 Moreira 31 Sydney United Sports Centre Edensor Park, New South Wales 3,753 Eddie Lennie D 14 13 January 2002 Sydney United 1–4 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/round14.htm Olympic Sharks Kopić 83 North 2 39 Pondeljak 61 Wilson 79 Sydney United Sports Centre Edensor Park, New South Wales 4,589 P.Mur L 15 19 January 2002 Brisbane Strikers 1–2 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/round15.htm Sydney United Foster 80 Cevinini 45 Milicic 54 Ballymore Oval Herston, Queensland 3,554 Peter Green W 16 27 January 2002 Sydney United 2–2 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/round16.htm South Melbourne Bilokapic 60 Deur 77 Boutsianis 66 90 Sydney United Sports Centre Edensor Park, New South Wales 3,350 Brett Hugo D 17 2 February 2002 Marconi Stallions 2–2 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/round17.htm Sydney United Tome 31 Last 90 Deur 44 Menapi 76 Marconi Stadium Bossley Park, New South Wales 4,362 Con Diomis D 18 10 February 2002 Sydney United 1–2 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/round18.htm Perth Glory Menapi 63 Mori 71 Mrdja 76 Sydney United Sports Centre Edensor Park, New South Wales 3,579 Matthew Breeze L 19 15 February 2002 Football Kingz 0–3 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/round19.htm Sydney United Menapi 22 Deur 61 Mendez 88 Ericsson Stadium Auckland, New Zealand 2,842 P.Mur W 20 24 February 2002 Sydney United 1–2 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/round20.htm Wollongong Wolves Arrarte 43 Sharland 33 Young 71 Sydney United Sports Centre Edensor Park, New South Wales 3,062 Peter Green L 22 10 March 2002 Melbourne Knights 2–1 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/round22.htm Sydney United Marušić 18 DeJesus 25 Menapi 9 Knights Stadium Sunshine North, Victoria 3,620 Craig Zetter L 23 17 March 2002 Sydney United 1–1 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/round23.htm Northern Spirit Mendez 76 Cardozo 37 Sydney United Sports Centre Edensor Park, New South Wales 2,280 Mark Shield D 24 23 March 2002 Parramatta Power 2–0 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/round24.htm Sydney United Brown 19 Holman 40 Parramatta Stadium Parramatta, New South Wales 2,991 Eddie Lennie L 25 30 March 2002 Sydney United 1–1 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/round25.htm Newcastle United Menapi 74 Moreira 91 (pen) Sydney United Sports Centre Edensor Park, New South Wales 1,580 Matthew Breeze D 26 7 April 2002 Adelaide Force 1–2 http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/0102/Round26.html Sydney United Vidmar 20 B.Santalab 14 Jedinak 66 Hindmarsh Stadium Hindmarsh, South Australia 3,500 Craig Zetter W Statistics Appearances and goals Players with no appearances not included in the list.The Australian National League http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/20012002/NSL.html www.ozfootball.net 5 May 2025Sydney United Page http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSLclubs/SU0001.html www.ozfootball.net 5 May 2025 No.Pos.Nat.NameNational Soccer LeagueTotalAppsGoalsAppsGoals1GKAUSBrett Hughes 110102DFAUSMichael Šantalab 11001003MFAUSVince Savoca 11401404DFAUSElvis Olic 150505MFAUSNahuel Arrarte1711716DFAUSMichael Cunico 12002007DFAUSRaymond Younis 180808MFAUSAnte Moric70709MFAUSGabriel Mendez11211211MFCROŽeljko Kopić11111112FWAUSBrendon Šantalab11111113MFAUSAnte Deur 123323314MFAUSGoran Talevski17017015MFAUSAytek Genc10010016FWSOLCommins Menapi20820817MFAUSPaul Bilokapic22122118DFAUSDaniel Watkins 110010020GKAUSJohn Perosh 1404021MFAUSMile Jedinak717122MFAUSMilan Bosnar 1404023DFAUSMichael Cindrić 1404024MFAUSSebastian Sinozić 113013025DFAUSJon Angelucci606027GKAUSVilson Knežević 117017029MFAUSChristian Cevenini 110110130GKAUSJohn Karoubas 1202037MFCROAljoša Asanović2020 Players who left during the season–FWAUSZlatko Arambašić3030–FWAUSAnte Milicic148148–MFCROKrešimir Marušić130130–MFAUSMarcus Stergiopoulos9090 References 2001–02 Category:2001–02 National Soccer League (Australia) by team Category:2001 in sport in Sydney Category:2002 in sport in Sydney