The magic of the Cup was alive in Melbourne as Heidelberg United produced a remarkable upset over Western Sydney Wanderers to qualify for the fifth time in its history to the Australia Cup quarter-finals.
“Alexandros” shocked the Wanderers at the Olympic Village with a 3-0 win on Tuesday night to seal their berth in the final eight, further strengthening their reputation as one of the best performing NPL clubs in the competition’s 11-year history.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 13th minute of the match after a horrid back pass towards keeper Lawrence Thomas saw Bul Juac intercept the ball and take it around Thomas, with the forward’s strike then getting knocked into the net by Alex Gersbach during an attempt to clear it.
Juac then earned a goal all to his name when he converted a penalty kick in the 31st minute, with his strike sneaking into the net on the left side despite Thomas getting his hands to the ball.
“Alexandros” withstood the Wanderers’ pressure and chances to solidify their hold on the game and they eventually put it to bed in the 90+1st minute via Anthony Lesiotis.
The former A-League midfielder was a key protagonist in a counter-attack movement that saw him receive the ball from just inside the attacking half, dribble it into the box and then slot it into the bottom right.
The goal capped off a superb display from the Bergers and marked the third victory by an NPL-level side over an A-League club in this year’s Cup.
It does not get any easier for Heidelberg United in the next round as they will face off with Wellington Phoenix, another big hurdle for them to overcome.
South Melbourne is looking to follow suit as they strive to topple reigning A-League premiers Auckland FC at Lakeside Stadium tonight.
