The very nature of the Australia Cup enabled David versus Goliath match-ups and with it, the potential for upsets as teams from the National Premier Leagues would battle A-League Men opposition.
But the odds of an upset or ‘cupset’ happening so early in the inaugural tournament seemed far-fetched.
However, as fans of the beautiful game know – anything can happen in football, especially in a knockout competition when there is little expectation on the underdog.
So on a Tuesday night in August 2014 at Marden Sports Complex, Adelaide City – a former giant of the National Soccer League – welcomed Western Sydney Wanderers to town, a side that had only just made the A-League Men’s Grand Final a few months ago.
It was a tense game with few chances as the Black and Whites were compact and resolute in defence.
The longer it stayed 0-0, City grew into the game and were always a chance of achieving the unthinkable.
But no one could predict what was about to unfold.
Thomas Love received the ball inside his own half on the half turn and proceeded to dribble beyond four Wanderers players before sliding his finish under Ante Covic in the 75th minute.
It was a mesmerising goal and worthy of winning any match which it did as Damian Mori’s side held on for a 1-0 victory to stun Western Sydney.
