Soccer: Australia lures Waitakere star

Waitakere United, already battling their way through a ho-hum season, have been hit further with the loss of marquee player and influential striker/midfielder Pablo Cardozo.

The club has agreed to terminate the Australian's NZFC contract immediately.

Waitakere United chairman Rex Dawkins said there was nothing sinister in the move which had an element of disappointment on both sides.

"This is a mutual decision reached after some weeks of open and honest discussion. Pablo did not settle here and has decided he is better to pursue an A-League contract by staying in Australia," said Dawkins.

"Because of niggling injuries we never really saw the best of a quality player."

Cardozo injured himself in a pre-season game in Taupo and was hampered from that point. Under the rules he cannot be replaced and United will play the remainder of the season a player short.

Although Dawkins felt there was a "grey area" in the regulations, the club would not pursue the matter.

"League manager Glyn Taylor has kept us up to date throughout the process and has made it clear to us the ramifications of releasing Pablo and at all times ensured we are aware of the rules and regulations of the NZFC," said Dawkins. "We accept we are unable to replace the player in this instance."

Cardozo told the club he felt he would have a better chance of breaking into the Hyundai A-League by resuming his career across the Tasman.

"Pablo felt he would have no chance of getting a contract with the Knights as he was watched twice by John Adshead, scored a couple of goals, but did not take their eye," said Dawkins.

Cardozo's brother Richie will remain with the club until the end of the season and help try to turn their fortunes around.

The loss of their marquee player is but one part of the club's "good news, bad news" week.

They have also lost returning striker Stuart Hogg, who faces a one-match suspension after copping five yellow cards - including three with Waikato FC - their opponent for Sunday's 11th round clash.

On the other side of the ledger, Richie Cardozo is back after his controversial two-match suspension, Sean Douglas returns for the first time since round three and Chris Jackson is poised for his first start of the season after a long injury battle.

Coach Steve Cain will be looking for a repeat of their round four clash with Declan Edge's Waikato. In their best effort of the season, United scored a record-breaking 7-1 victory.

Waikato go into the match at Waikato Stadium with a three-win, three-loss home record.

The round kicks off at Kiwitea St tomorrow with Auckland City at home to Otago United, who have lost only one of their last five matches.

Interestingly, the City team list shows former All Whites striker Paul Urlovic back on the substitutes' bench after starting in some recent matches as part of the three-pronged City attack.

City's 32 goals are 11 better than next-best YoungHeart Manawatu but they still have defensive concerns conceding almost two a game whereas league leaders Manawatu have let in less than one a week.

Manawatu travel to play Team Wellington whose shocking defensive record has led to the dropping of Andy Hedge who hands the captaincy to Raf de Gregorio.

An unexpected family commitment in Australia has Bryan and Graham Little in doubt.

In the remaining match, at Park Island tomorrow, Hawkes Bay United are at home to unpredictable Canterbury United.