The draw for the Australia Cup Round of 32 has taken place and Monaro Panthers have discovered their fate. Sydney United 58 await them for a place in the last sixteen. Here’s what to expect.
Australia Cup? What’s that all about then?
It’s only the pre-eminent Cup competition in any sport in the whole of the country! 22 teams have slogged their way through their state and territory federation knockout cups to make it onto the national stage where a free draw took place including the ten A-League clubs. Monaro Panthers scored a last-kick equalising goal in the Capital Football Qualifying Final against West Canberra Wanderers before winning 3-1 after extra time. Earlier, they had knocked out Wagga City Wanderers, ANU FC and Canberra Olympic.
So, who did the Panthers get?
Monaro Panthers was one of only four teams left in the bowl as they Round of 32 draw concluded. A-League teams Western United and Melbourne Victory were still there but Panthers were drawn away against Sydney United 58.
Who are they?
Sydney United 58 compete in the New South Wales National Premier (NSW NPL) top tier and are based at Edensor Park in, well, Sydney. The club was formed as Sydney Croatia in 1958, by Croatian Australians in that part of Sydney hence the 58 that is part of their club’s name. To get to the Round of 32, they defeated Quakers Hill Juniors (7-0), Rockdale Illinden (1-0), Hurstville ZFC (2-0) and Northern Tigers (2-1). All those opponents, bar Rockdale, are ranked in lower divisions than Sydney United 58.
Are they any good then?
Historically, yes, they are very good. Twice NSW NPL Champions in 2013 and 2016 and three times National Soccer League (NSL) Premiers. They’ve also won the NSL Cup and a stack of NSW State League trophies. In short, they are one of the most successful sides from that region. This season has been something of a struggle at the time of writing, the club are currently eighth in the 12-team league, ten points behind the leaders Manly United having won six, drawn four and lost seven.
Any famous players played for them?
Several. Their list of internationals is long and extensive with many Socceroos having been capped whilst playing or having played for the club including Tony Popovic, Jason Culina, Robbie Slater, and Tim Cahill amongst others.
Have they played in the Australia Cup before?
Five times. Their first foray ended in the Round of 16, beaten 1-3 by Sydney FC, while a season later they were defeated in the same round by Heidelberg United. A hammering by Blacktown City in 2016 followed but a year later they battered Far North Queensland 7-2 before losing on penalties in the Round of 16. Their nemesis? Heidelberg United again. They were back in 2019, defeating St. George in the Round of 32 before being hammered 7-1 by Western Sydney Wanderers.
Anything else we should know?
They once drew a crowd of 16,614 for an NSL match against Marconi Stallions. That was back in 1997 and remains their record attendance. In May 2018 they battered Henwood Park 12-0 in an FFA Cup Qualifying tie and former Socceroo David Zdrillic holds the record for most goals in a season for them, he scored 21 in the 1996/97 NSL season.
Sounds like they’ll be tough opposition. So, when’s the game on?
Yes, they’ll be a tricky assignment for the Panthers but not an insurmountable one. Details of the match have yet to be confirmed but we will run them through our usual channels when they are!
Best of luck Monaro Panthers as they represent Capital Football and the region in the Australia Cup.
