Preview: Canberra Olympic v Redlands United
Canberra Olympic v Redlands United
Wednesday 24 August 2016
Deakin Stadium, Deakin (ACT)
Kick-off: 7:30pm local (7:30pm AEST)
Referee: Katie Patterson
Assistant Referee 1: Owen Goldrick
Assistant Referee 2: Greg Taylor
Fourth Official: Luke Withell
Tickets: Click here for ticketing details
Online Broadcast: Streamed online at www.foxsports.com.au/football/ffa-cup/ffacupondemand and Apple TV via FOX SPORTS Now
Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tags #COLvRED #FFACup
Canberra Olympic squad: 1.Angelo Konstantinou (gk), 2.Tim Bobolas, 3.Josh Calabria, 4.Daniel Colbertaldo, 5.Phil Yarnold, 6.Jeremy Habtemarium, 7.Patrick Ross-Magee, 8.Bernard Rene, 9.Philippe Bernabo-Madrid, 10.Robbie Cattanach, 11.Michael Reeve, 12.Adam Rogic, 13.Ben Basser-Silk, 14.Callum Smith, 15.Tom McLachlan, 16.Adam Neou, 17.Nicholas Bobolas, 18.Jordan Tsekenis, 19.Joel Valtonen, 20.Jack Pettit (gk), 21.George Kazolis (gk), 23.Oliver Wiederkher, 24.Daniel Giovinazzo, 99.Victor Yanes
Redlands United squad: 1.Brendan White (gk), 2.Michael McGowan, 3.Grant Brix, 4.Kai Halliday, 5.Paul O’Brien, 6.Nick Bianchi, 7.Michael Lee, 8.Russel Woodruffe, 9.Stephen Green, 10.Alistar Davis, 11.Graham Fyfe, 12.Adam Chandler, 13.Luke Hendrix, 14.Nick Danicic, 16.Igor Sao Jose, 17.Sam Langley, 19.Joe Black, 20.Jonathon Burrowes (gk)
Bluffer’s Guide
The Queenslanders produced arguably the greatest Westfield FFA Cup shock in the Round of 32 by eliminating Hyundai A-League champions Adelaide United.
Electrician Paul O’Brien’s extra-time winner propelled Redlands onto the national spotlight in arguably the biggest moment in the club’s 99-year history.
Can they back it up at a frosty Deakin Reserve on Wednesday night?
Matt Chandler’s side hasn’t taken their foot off the gas since their win over the Reds, wrapping up a finals spot in PS4 NPL QLD after a 3-0 win over Brisbane Roar youth on the weekend.
Redlands build their success on a solid defensive structure which not only frustrated Adelaide United but also saw three of their defenders selected in our NPL Round of 32 All Stars squad.
But that’s not to say they don’t have quality in the front third either. Michael Lee is a tireless worker and possesses a goal threat, while Scottish attacking midfielder Graham Fyfe and Brazilian playmaker Igor Sao Jose are ones to watch.
Standing in their way is recently crowned Capital Football champions Canberra Olympic.
Frank Cachia’s side wrapped up the title in the ACT with their 3-1 win over the FFA Centre of Excellence on Saturday but put celebrations on hold to ensure they’ll be cherry-ripe to try and make the last eight.
Like Redlands, Olympic are well-organised but have supreme quality going forward, led by prolific striker Philippe Bernabo-Madrid and the classy Robbie Cattanach.
Jordan Tsekenis and Adam Rogic (brother of Socceroo Tom) are other excellent contributors for Olympic in what is a young team relishing the chance to make a splash on the national stage.
With two sides seemingly so evenly matched, supremely confident and in strong form, it really is hard to pick a winner.
