Five out of the six Victorian representatives progressed to the FFA Cup Round of 16, an improvement on the four that progressed in season 2014. The fate of the teams have been decided, with no Victorian sides matched up against each other. Only Melbourne City drew an A-League opponents, hosting the Wellington Phoenix. Here’s where they’ll feature in the next round of fixtures.
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Hume City vs. Sydney Olympic
The atmosphere at ABD Stadium was electric in their opening FFA Cup fixture, and they’ll get the chance to back it up against NPL NSW powerhouse Sydney Olympic.
“We’re looking forward to it. It’s a good opportunity for our side to give another good account of ourselves – we’re looking forward to the challenge.” coach Lou Acevski told Fox Sports 500.
“That’s fantastic, that’s what everyone kept asking me, who I wanted to play. My only answer was that hopefully we get another home game.
“It was a great atmosphere when we played Brisbane Strikers at home in the previous game. We’re hopeful we can fill out the stadium and that everyone is barraking us to get through.”
Hume booked their way into the Round of 16 with a hard-fought (possibly the understatement of the year) victory over the Brisbane Strikers, forced twice to come back from near-fatal blows, equalising 2-2 with the last kick of normal time through Marcus Schroen.
After falling behind 3-2 in the extra-time, they once again equalised through Schroen before an own goal in the 120th minute put them through in a nail-biting contest.
Opponents Sydney Olympic had to fight for their spot in the Round of 16, scoring a winner just eight minutes from time in their away fixture against Gungahlin United FC.
READ MORE > In numbers: How Hegarty helped Hume triumph
Heidelberg United vs. Sydney United
Heidelberg United secure the home clash they so desperately desired, becoming the second Victoria vs. New South Wales heavyweight clash with a match-up against Melbourne Knights sister club Sydney United.
Heidelberg’s progress was a little easier into the next round, triumphing 3-1 away to Broadmeadow Magic.
Their big name players Jack Petrie, Kaine Sheppard and Dan Heffernan all got on the scoresheet in an impressive first half display and despite a late goal to the magic, they comfortably held on to progress in the cup.
Sydney United come off the back of a tough fixture against South Hobart, who they defeated on penalties.
READ MORE > Focused Bergers thrive in national spotlight
Metro Stars SC vs. Oakleigh Cannons
Oakleigh Cannons travel to NPL Champions Metro Stars SCof South Australia, the only NPL Victoria side tasked with an away fixture.
Victoria’s final entrant secured their passageway into the Round of 16 via the penalty spot, as they battled for 120 plus minutes against Far North Queensland Heat last night.
Dean Piemonte’s extra-time free-kick looked to have put the hosts into the hat for the next run, only for the Heat’s Jamie Gosling to strike a late equaliser.
Lambros Honos steered in the deciding penalty to send the hosts through.
Metro Stars fought hard to claim a 2-1 win over Blacktown City, securing their place in the next round with a 78th minute winner.
READ MORE > Honos elated as Oakleigh bounce into Round of 16
Rockdale City Suns vs. Melbourne Victory
The wait for Melbourne Victory’s first home FFA Cup fixture is once again put on hold as they travel to Rockdale City Suns of New South Wales.
Melbourne Victory made light work of their less-fancied opponents Balmain Tigers, putting six unanswered goals past their lower league opponents.
First team members Besart Berisha, Connor Pain, Kosta Barbarouses, Daniel Georgievski and Fahid Ben Kalfallah were all on the score sheet, while there was also room for former Box Hill man George Howard to score his first ever senior goal.
Rockdale defeated Perth SC 3-1 in the first round of the Cup.
READ MORE > City, Victory youngsters feature in FFA Cup
Melbourne City vs. Wellington Phoenix
As mentioned, Melbourne City were the only Victorian side handed the unenviable task of an A-League match up, hosting the Wellington Phoenix ahead of the A-League season.
They were forced to fight for their life in the cup, taken the distance by semi-professional side Edgeworth FC.
Two stunning Aaron Mooy free-kicks decided the contest, with the new marquee man grabbing the winner deep into stoppage time.
It’s the second A-League opponent in a row for the ‘Nix who triumphed over Central Coast Mariners 1-0 in the first round.