History-making Heidelberg down Auckland to reach Australia Cup Final

·

Heidelberg United produced a third consecutive Cupset on Saturday night, defeating reigning A-League premiers Auckland 2-0 to advance to the 2025 Hahn Australia Cup Final.

The visitors had the first shot of the match six minutes in as Callan Elliot dragged an effort wide from the edge of the area.

Moments later, Bul Juach had an excellent opportunity to open the scoring for Heidelberg as he raced in behind, but a heavy touch allowed Auckland goalkeeper Michael Woud to smother the ball.

United came forward again soon after Juach’s chance as Sabit Ngor rolled an effort from range that Woud picked up comfortably.

Despite Auckland’s purposeful possession, United remained threatening and in the 20th minute, captain Ben Collins nodded wide from a corner.

In the 34th minute, Auckland came close to the opener as Marlee Francois’ effort bounced awkwardly in front of Yaren Sozer, the goalkeeper reacting sharply to repel the ball.

Four minutes later, Jesse Randal took aim for the away side, seeing the ball bounce past the right post.

Auckland came even closer 41 minutes in when Francois rattled the crossbar from a tight angle on the left of the box.

In the final minute of the first half, United returned fire through Anthony Lesiotis, who fired just past the right post from close range.

A fast-paced opening 45 minutes concluded with the deadlock still to be broken.

Auckland’s attacking efforts continued after the break, with Sozer called into action several times inside the first five minutes, most notably denying Randal to his right.

Just after the hour mark, the visitors produced another chance as Guillermo May picked up space and powered a strike over from range.

In the 69th minute, Auckland’s substitutes combined when Lachlan Brooke slipped Sam Cosgrove into the right of the box, forcing Sozer into a simple stop.

However, six minutes later, Heidelberg stunned their opponents and snatched the lead. Juach persistently pursued the ball into the left channel and raced past Woud before slotting into a vacant net to send the home fans into raptures.

The hosts grew in confidence and began to move the ball forward more quickly. And with seven regular minutes to play, they doubled their lead.

Jay McGowan raked a ball over the top for Asahi Yokokawa into the left of the box, where the midfielder cleverly sent a finish through Woud’s legs.

Auckland were not out of it yet, and in the 88th minute, they nearly halved the deficit. Francis De Vries’ left-sided cross met Cameron Howieson, whose header looked destined for the left of the goal but for a sprawling save from Sozer.

Deep into stoppage time, United could have grabbed a third goal through Chok Dau, but the attacker saw his effort bounce wide of the right post.

The hosts saw out what remained to become the first team to progress to the 2025 Hahn Australia Cup Final and continue a historic season. 

Heidelberg United FC and Newcastle Jets FC will meet in the 2025 Hahn Australia Cup Final on Saturday, 4 October.

It’s only the second time in the modern era of the Hahn Australia Cup that a Member Federation club has reached the Final, with Heidelberg’s fairytale run capturing the imagination of football fans across the country.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Giannis Antetokounmpo leads Greece to EuroBasket Round of 16 with win over Georgia

Greece became the first Group C team to qualify for the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Round of 16 after defeating Georgia 94-53.

Anti-immigration rallies spark clashes and condemnation across Australia

Demonstrators joined March for Australia rallies in capital cities and regional centres on Sunday, calling for an end to mass migration.

Major police operation in Crete targets criminal network

A large police operation is underway in Crete against a criminal organisation involved in drug trafficking, weapon possession, extortion.

Dr Christos Theologos: ‘Dance keeps us bound to our roots, from Chios to Sydney’

As part of the Zeibekiko Festival Australia, respected folklorist Dr Christos Theologos will lead a series of lectures and workshops.

South Melbourne turns to supporters ahead of Australian Championship kick-off

The opening clash of the Australian Championship will be an event shaped by the voices of the fans themselves.

You May Also Like

Neglected migrant cemetery on Lesvos island gets overhauled

A neglected burial ground on the island of Lesbos has undergone a major transformation to provide a dignified resting place for the dead.

Father Emmanuel Lykopandis honoured by Victoria Police

Father Emmanuel Lykopandis, the parish priest of the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Melbourne was honoured by Victoria Police on Tuesday

Peter Poulos delivers inaugural speech as member of the NSW Legislative Council

Peter Poulos delivered his inaugural speech as a member of the NSW Legislative Council on Tuesday.  The event occurred virtually due to current COVID-19 restrictions...