A record National Premier League win under their belts. Four games unbeaten. The scalps of Canberra Croatia and Canberra Olympic back-to-back. Cup progression and three points against Yoogali. Life is mighty fine for Tuggeranong United right now and tonight they aim for more cup glory.
Monaro Panthers provide the opposition at Greenway Enclosed at Tuggeranong seek a place in the Australia Cup Qualifying Final at Deakin Stadium on Saturday 8 June. That’s a place that United haven’t been since 2017 when Olympic curtailed any potential involvement in the Round of 32.
For Tuggeranong, who remain the only team from the region to have won an away match at the National Stage of the competition when they memorably defeated Tasmanian outfit South Hobart on penalties, it’s a success built on the back of their young guns.
Jack Leverett (17), Jordan Rezek (17), Josh Pedersen (18), and Nic Emanuel (18) have also risen to the challenge in their first full season of First Grade NPL football in the Capital Football competition with three of them being selected in last week’s ‘Team of the Week’, Pedersen for the second time this season.
All four have scored goals in the league and/or cup this year, Emanuel (three times), Rezek and Leverett twice, and Pedersen once whilst they have all started every single NPL match, bar Rezek who missed the opening day defeat to Gungahlin United at Hawker Football Centre through illness.
None of the players listed above have missed one training session this season, not only proving to be great players, but also excellent young men that are examples to the Tuggeranong United junior base. The impression they have made on the competition has been shown in their tactically versatility, the quartet capable of excelling in multiple roles.
Whilst United’s successful last month hasn’t been solely based on these four, it’s a team game after all and the leadership of the likes of Euan Peterkin and Sam Walker cannot be underestimated, it’s on the back of young talent, given a chance to shine rather than populate the bench and get late minutes as a cameo, that has set Tuggeranong apart in 2024.
It’s a club that places its faith in youth. Gives them the chance to succeed, and sometimes fail which is vital for learning, at the top level. That youthful exuberance is currently shining, and the Tuggies faithful will be hoping it shines brighter than ever in the semi-final.
MATCH DETAILS
Wednesday 22 May 2024
Australia Cup Qualifying Semi-Final
Tuggeranong United v Monaro Panthers
(Greenway Enclosed, 18:30)
The match will be broadcast live on BarTV at bartvsports.com.au.
