Image: Bulent Yontem
The 2017 FFA Cup Round of 32 draw has taken place, with Victoria’s four NPL outfits learning their fate. Unfortunately at least one club’s run will end at first asking with Hume drawn against Bentleigh, while South Melbourne and Heidelberg will have home ties. Of the Victorian member federation clubs:
Hume City vs Bentleigh Greens
Hume get their seventh consecutive home game in the cup, but it’s a tough ask against the Greens. Both clubs have a rich history in the competition having the made the quarters and semi-finals on numerous occasions and will look to eliminate their respective opponent on their way to another deep run. Hume do have history against a fellow NPL Victoria opponent at ABD Stadium on the national stage, knocking out Oakleigh in 2015.
South Melbourne vs Edgeworth Eagles (NSW)
South’s only other appearance on the national stage was a penalty shootout defeat away to Palm Beach, so this contest gives them an opportunity to make their mark in the competition at home. While many were hoping for a potential match-up against Victory (or City), this didn’t eventuate. Edgeworth do have history in Victoria though having beaten Bentleigh in the NPL finals at Kingston Heath previously.
Heidelberg United vs Perth Glory
It may not carry the hype of Heidelberg vs Melbourne City of previous editions, but Olympic Village will once again be thrust under the national spotlight against an A-League club. Perth Glory have travelled to Victoria a couple of times, knocking out Bentleigh and St Albans in past years. Heidelberg however will be looking to emulate Green Gully’s feat of knocking out an A-League side in the Round of 32
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The remainder of the draw sees Victoria’s A-League clubs Melbourne Victory travel to Brisbane Roar while Melbourne City will head to Queensland to face off against Peninsula Power.
Wellington Phoenix vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne Victory
Adelaide United vs Newcastle Jets
Hills Brumbies (NSW) vs Hakoah (NSW)
Sorrento (WA) vs Canberra Olympic (ACT)
Gold Coast City (QLD) vs Western Knights (WA)
Bankstown Berries (NSW) vs MetroStars (SA)
Sydney United (NSW) vs FNQ Heat (QLD)
Moreton Bay (WA) vs Broadmeadow Magic (NSW)
Olympia FC (TAS) vs APIA Leichhardt (NSW)
Peninsula Power (QLD) vs Melbourne City
Blacktown City (NSW) vs Central Coast Mariners
Darwin Rovers (NT) vs Sydney FC