Corica to Play 200th

Steve Corica will play his 200th game in Australian national leagues.

Sydney FC Captain Steve Corica will achieve a significant milestone on Saturday when he plays his 200th match in Australian national leagues.

Corica will play his 98th Hyundai A League match for Sydney FC and also played 102 matches for Marconi (1990-1995).

The Sky Blues captain was in good form against North Queensland last weekend scoring a goal and wants to continue that on Saturday as the squad looks to build momentum after its first win in a month.

Corica says he is honoured to reach the milestone after a long career.

“As a 17-year-old you are pretty naive and when I started I was just happy to be playing the game. But as you get older you savour every game and to reach 200 is pleasing. It was always my intention to come back to Australia to finish my career. It-s not really something I thought much about to be honest though reaching 200.”

Corica and the Sydney FC squad left for New Zealand this morning.

He says reaching the milestone has allowed a little time for reflection on his two stints playing in Australian leagues.

“When I was younger I played in the old NSL and it has been great to come back and play in the A League. To see the game grow, be covered on Fox Sports and play in front of big crowds has been terrific. “

Sydney FC plays Wellington at Palmerston North on Saturday from 5pm (Sydney time).

Chris Payne has been named in the squad to play the Phoenix, with Mark Bridge (ankle) and Kofi Danning out.

Sydney FC squad: 1. Clint BOLTON (gk), 2. Sebastian RYALL, 3.Stephan KELLER, 4. Simon COLOSIMO, 6. Karol KISEL, 7. Brendan GAN, 8. Stuart MUSIALIK, 9. John ALOISI, 10. Steve CORICA (c), 16. Chris PAYNE, 12. Shannon COLE, 14. Alex BROSQUE, 15. Terry MCFLYNN, 18.Adam CASEY, 20. Ivan NECEVSKI (gk), 22. Sung Hwan BYUN, 23. Rhyan GRANT.

*Two to be omitted.

In: Chris PAYNE.

Out: Mark BRIDGE (ankle), Kofi DANNING.