They’ve met twice in the NPL-W in 2019 – both times on the ‘Bergers’ home patch at the Olympic Village. Chalk up two in the ‘Wins’ column for Heidelberg United against Geelong Galaxy United.
But, come this Wednesday night at Corio, it’s not about getting the three points or ladder position – not when there’s a Nike FC Cup Semi-Final spot to be won.
“Throw out the form book” is an often-used catch-cry when it comes to knock-out Cup football. Both camps will attest to that in this case, with the two sides coming into this game on the back of successive heavy defeats respectively in the last fortnight of league action.
Heidelberg United has slipped to fifth on the NPL-W table, just outside the top four on goal difference. The ‘Bergers will be desperate to atone for the defeat away to top of the table Calder United. The ‘Bergers had some bright moments in that match, however, were ultimately overwhelmed by a side rebounding strongly from a surprise loss in the previous round.
They face a Galaxy team that is seventh in the table, trailing the ‘Bergers by 13 points and substantial goal difference. Despite two heavy losses in their past two games, the side from the Bellarine Peninsula have classy players with the likes of Caitlin Pickett and Lujeyn Al-Huneidi capable of causing the ‘Bergers more than just a headache.
Heidelberg will look to its experienced core group to lead the way to the last four in the competition. Players of the ilk of Steph Galea, Sidney Allen, and Melissa Garcia will be set for a big game, along with Elisabeth Robers and Elly Torre. Garcia will be extra keen to recapture her early season goal-scoring form after a last few weeks of missing out on adding to her impressive tally of 24 so far.
Coach Bill Mihaloudis is in no doubt that his team will be ready to ‘bring the fire’ on Wednesday.
“We’ll be at full throttle ………. we want to be winning everything and anything we can get our hands on, whether it’s the Nike FC Cup, or whether it’s three points in the Premiership, or getting to the finals. That’s what the focus has been on from the start.”
The action kicks off at 7:30pm this Wednesday (June 5) at Stead Park, Station St, Corio.
