Murray United FC
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| Full name | Murray United Football Club | ||
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| Founded | 2014 | ||
| Ground | La Trobe University Wodonga | ||
| Chairman | Mark Byatt | ||
| Coach |  James Coutts | ||
| League | NPL2 East | ||
| Website | http://www.murrayunitedfc.com.au | ||
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Murray United FC is an Australian soccer club encapsulating NSW's Riverina and North East Victoria. The club is based in Albury/Wodonga and competes in the National Premier Leagues Victoria 2 competition. The club plays its home matches at La Trobe University.
Foundation
In early 2014, it was announced that an application had been submitted to Football Federation Victoria for a side under the name Border FC. The club was officially launched on May 27, 2014, as part of Australia's new look second tier of soccer, but under the name, Murray United FC. The change of name was to capture all things synonymous with the region. Murray United FC will promote opportunities for those wanting to play elite soccer from the local competition, the Albury Wodonga Football Association (AWFA), and will begin in the second tier of the NPL, the National Premier Leagues Victoria 2.
La Trobe University and Wodonga TAFE are the team's foundation sponsors.
On 29 September 2014, former Woking FC player & player/coach of local side Twin City Wanderer's FC, Matt Gray, was appointed head coach for the inaugural year. This was short lived however, with the region's gun player realising the demands of coaching & playing was too much, resigning in late December. He was replaced by dual code premiership coach Mick Richards, who won flags the local AFL and soccer competitions.[1]
On 31 October 2014, Murray United FC played their first match against external opposition, defeating Cobram Roar FC, a combined team of Cobram SC & Cobram Victory looking to participate in the AWFA next season. The final score was 7-0 to Murray United FC and was the last chance for players to impress before the 2015 squad announcement.
In a restructuring ahead of the 2015 season, the NPL2 division was divided into two parallel conferences with Murray United competing in the Eastern Conference.
Murray United played their first ever official game on the 21st of February, 2015, going down by 3-2 at La Trobe University to Box Hill United SC. Adam Waters and Zac Walker grabbed the goals. The club's first NPL2 point came the following week, drawing 1-1 with Springvale White Eagles FC at home. The club grabbed its first win of the season in Round 4 against Nunawading City FC, winning 2-1 through James Coutts and Zac Walker goals. The club entered a tumultuous period, losing five games in a row, including a 9-1 drubbing at the hands of Melbourne Victory FC Youth in Round 10. Late in the year, head manager Mick Richards resigned from his position, stating the toll on his family and business commitments as the primary reason.[2] Murray United ended the season with 6 wins, 4 draws and 18 losses,[3] finishing in 8th place in the NPL2 East division and 17th overall.[4]
The club announced the signing of South Korean Kyungmin Choi on the eve of the 2016 NPL 2 season. He previously turned out for New Zealand outfit Hawke’s Bay United FC.[5]
Home Ground
The club will ground share the La Trobe University soccer facilities with local side Wodonga Diamonds. The ground is located in Wodonga, Victoria and will receive numerous upgrades leading into the inaugural season. Chairman Mark Byatt stated, “The focus will be on lighting, seating and minor works to players’ facilities and security.[6]
Seasons
2015 Season
| Date | Game | Home Team | Score | Away Team | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21/02/15 | Round 1 | Murray United FC | 2 - 3 | Box Hill United SC | La Trobe University (Wodonga, Victoria) |
| 28/02/15 | Round 2 | Murray United FC | 1 - 1 | Springvale White Eagles FC | La Trobe University (Wodonga, Victoria) |
| 07/03/15 | Round 3 | Goulburn Valley Suns FC | 7 - 1 | Murray United FC | John McEwen Reserve (Shepparton, Victoria) |
| 22/03/15 | Round 4 | Nunawading City FC | 1 - 2 | Murray United FC | Mahoneys Reserve (Nunawading, Melbourne, Victoria) |
| 28/03/15 | Round 5 | Murray United FC | 1 - 1 | Brunswick City SC | La Trobe University (Wodonga, Victoria) |
| 04/04/15 | Round 6 | Murray United FC | 1 - 2 | Eastern Lions SC | La Trobe University (Wodonga, Victoria) |
| 11/04/15 | Round 7 | Murray United FC | 1 - 3 | FC Bulleen Lions | La Trobe University (Wodonga, Victoria) |
| 08/06/15 | Round 8 | Murray United FC | 0 - 2 | Moreland City FC | La Trobe University (Wodonga, Victoria) |
| Date | Game | Home Team | Score | Away Team | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14/03/15 | Fourth Round Preliminary (Tie no. 101) |
Murray United FC (3) | 2 - 6 | Morwell Pegasus SC (4) | Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club (Myrtleford, Victoria) |
Current squads
Senior team
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Under 20 Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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References
- ^ "UNITED FRONT: Mick Richards to lead United". www.bordermail.com.au. Retrieved 2015-01-19.
- ^ "Murray United FC | Mick Richards Resigns as Senior Coach". murrayunitedfc.com.au. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
- ^ "Ladder for PS4 NPL1 East VIC - FOX SPORTS PULSE". foxsportspulse.com. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
- ^ "Summary - Victoria Division One - Australia - Results, fixtures, tables and news - Soccerway". au.soccerway.com. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
- ^ Stewart, Fraser. "Murray signs Korean midfielder". MFootball. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
- ^ "UNITED FRONT: Border launches Premier League club". www.bordermail.com.au. Retrieved 2014-11-05.