Benjamin Vidaic (born 29 January 1988 in Sydney) is a retired Australian footballer of Croatian origin.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Benjamin Vidaic | ||
| Date of birth | 29 January 1988 | ||
| Place of birth | Sydney, Australia | ||
| Height | 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Striker | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2006–2007 | Sydney United | 28 | (16) |
| 2007–2008 | Sydney FC | 2 | (0) |
| 2008 | → Sydney United (loan) | 17 | (5) |
| 2009 | Marconi Stallions | 19 | (3) |
| 2010 | Sutherland Sharks | 13 | (4) |
| 2011–2012 | Sydney United | 31 | (9) |
| 2013–2014 | Fraser Park | 34 | (11) |
| 2015 | Eastern Suburbs | 2 | (2) |
| 2016–2017 | Fraser Park | 52 | (40) |
| 2018– | Dulwich Hill | 13 | (9) |
| International career‡ | |||
| 2004 | Australia U-17 | 5 | (5) |
| 2006 | Australia U-20 | 3 | (0) |
|
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 26 November 2020 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 4 September 2007 | |||
Early life
editHe is of Croat origin,[1] and attended the Trinity Grammar School in Summer Hill where he was Captain of Soccer. Vidaic has also represented Australia internationally, playing for the Qantas Joeys (Under 17s) and Qantas Young Socceroos (Under 20s), scoring five goals in eight appearances.
Club career
editIn July 2007, Ben began trialling at Sydney FC as the club began pre-season training. After scoring in friendly against Sydney University and making a number of substitute appearances in Pre-Season Cup matches, the club signed him to a two-year contract.[2][3] Former Sydney FC coach Branko Culina declared that "Ben has great potential and I'm confident he'll push for a place in the team,". Upon signing, Ben commented that "It's a dream come true to sign with Sydney FC, the best club in the A-League," said the youngster. Vidaic made two appearances in the A-League in his first season, both off the bench.
On 27 November 2007, Vidaic took part in an exhibition match against Los Angeles Galaxy, coming off the bench early in the second half. He also played for the club in the Pan-Pacific Championship 2008 in Hawaii.
It was announced at the end of the season that he would return to Sydney United on loan while the A-League was in off-season and return to the club for pre-season training in April.[4] However, on 18 March 2008, his contract with Sydney FC was terminated by mutual consent, making his move to United permanent.[5]
Ben's father, Bruno Vidaic, also played for Sydney United (formerly Sydney Croatia) captaining the club in the 80's and is considered a club great.
References
edit- ^ "Tri australska Hrvata na azijskom prvenstvu za juniore". Croatian Herald. 30 October 2006. Archived from the original on 7 December 2007. Retrieved 6 December 2007.
- ^ "Big Ben signs for Sydney". 31 July 2007. Retrieved 31 July 2007.
- ^ "Ben clocks on for two seasons". 31 July 2007. Archived from the original on 14 September 2007. Retrieved 31 July 2007.
- ^ "Four Sydney FC players to help boost NSW Premier League". sydneyfc.com. 29 February 2008. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2008.
- ^ "Vidaic released by Sydney". FourFourTwo Australia. 18 March 2008. Archived from the original on 28 March 2008. Retrieved 18 March 2008.