The Quarter Finals of the Federation Cup begin this evening, and with it comes the entrance in the competition of the Women’s National Premier League teams.

Canberra Olympic, the new alpha team in the Capital, will be hosting Gungahlin United to kick-off the round tonight and Pat Mills’ Gunners, for their first competitive game, will brace for impact at Gungahlin Enclosed.

Nicole Begg and her troops’ confidence is high after an almost perfect first hit-out in the Riverina as the walloped Wagga City Wanderers. Olympic is in this to win trophies this season, and they will be keen not to miss their Cup entrance.

ANU WFC made it through the qualifying round thanks to their 2-0 win over UC Stars. Getting a result at McKellar Park against Belconnen United will be a different story for the State League team, but this could be their year to shine.

The Blue Devils have gone through a revamp during the summer, they are still a force to reckon with in the capital, but anything can happen in one game of football.

Canberra United Academy drew Tuggeranong United, for maybe the most indecisive game of the round. The Tuggies’ show of resilience and offensive ambitions against Belconnen left us wanting more.

Sarah West’s debut on the Academy’s First Grade bench was far from simple at Deakin stadium, but the talent in her ranks is certain, and with a few more games under their belt, the Academy players will be a serious opponent for Tuggeranong.

Two teams that love to play each other close out the round ad West Canberra Wanderers and Canberra Croatia meet. Last year’s Federation Cup finalists have already faced each other in the Charity Shield in 2022.

The psychological advantage is undoubtedly on Zoran Glavinic’s side after tallying ten goals for and two against in these encounters, but the Wanderers should never be dismissed. Rey Castro has instilled a “never give up” mindset in his ranks and Melrose’s synthetic is the place where they can really challenge the reigning Champions.

FEDERATION CUP QUARTER FINALS

Belconnen United v ANU

Canberra Olympic v Gungahlin United

Canberra United Academy v Tuggeranong United

West Canberra Wanderers v Canberra Croatia

Words: Jeremy Magan