MVFC Blog

Archie Thompson needs no introduction.

In his two years with the Melbourne Victory, he’s scored 23 times.

Five of those goals came on February 18, 2007, in the 6 - 0 thrashing of Adelaide United.

An equally memorable occasion for the striker came in April, 2001, when Archie became the world record holder for goals scored in an international match. He scored 13 goals that day, helping the Socceroos to a 31 - 0 win.

His place in Melbourne Victory history is established.

Archie became the Victory’s marquee player after a 5-year stint with Belgium team Lierse SK. Midway through his first season with Melbourne, he attracted the attention of Guus Hiddink and became the A-League’s only representative when the Socceroos played Uruguay for a spot in the 2006 World Cup.

Archie made enough of an impression on the Dutch coach that Hiddink had him brought over to PSV Eindhoven, where Hiddink was also coach. He made two appearances with the Dutch champions before returning to the Victory.

Alongside Danny Allsopp, Archie spearheaded what was the A-League’s deadliest attack in its 2nd season. Meanwhile, he continued to play for the Socceroos, vice-captaining the team in its match against Kuwait last August.

Archie joined the Socceroos on their painful campaign in the AFC Asian Cup. It was even more frustrating for Archie, who only received a handful of game time.

“I was very disappointed with how it went for me. I really thought this was my opportunity because I’d worked so hard before the Cup… I was training really hard and it didn’t happen, so it frustrated me so bad. I came back and lost a bit of motivation.”

His absence also presented a key problem for Ernie Merrick. Without Archie, opposition defence could focus on controlling Allsopp, effectively turning the Victory attack into a rather blunt effort.

If Archie’s available, there’s really no question that he will be selected. The trouble for Merrick comes when his star striker is not available. I’ve mentioned previously the need for a third striker. We now have Leandro Love. Is that enough? What if Archie and Allsopp are called up for national duty?

Archie’s grand day…

Read more about Archie Thompson:

• Archie Thompson on Wikipedia
• Archie’s profile on Melbourne Victory website
• Archie’s warning to A-League rivals, Herald Sun, August 19, 2007
• Victory confident Thompson ‘fit to go’, The Age, August 16, 2007

Archie Thompson image thanks in large part to Simpsonize Me