Road to the Australia Cup Final 2022: Sydney United 58 FC

Sydney United 58 FC made history when they became the first National Premier League side to reach an Australia Cup Final.

Now they have the chance to become the inaugural semi-professional team to win Australia’s premier cup competition in the modern era against Isuzu UTE A-League Men outfit, Macarthur FC at CommBank Stadium on Saturday, 1 October.

We take a look at their memorable route to the title decider – which included a pair of ‘cupsets’.

TICKETS: Australia Cup Final
ROAD TO THE FINAL: Macarthur FC
THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH: Sydney United 58

Preliminary Rounds

United reached the Final Rounds thanks to wins over Quakers Hill, Rockdale City, Hurstville Zagreb FC and Northern Tigers.

Miro Vlastelica's side were the only NPL New South Wales team to claim one of the state's four Round of 32 berths this season.

Round of 32 – 3-0 win vs Monaro Panthers

United began the tournament with a dominant 3-0 win over Monaro Panthers at the Sydney United Sports Centre. Patrick Antelmi opened the scoring, rounding off a nice move. After the break Chris Payne slotted a penalty and then assisted substitute Kyle Cimenti. 

Round of 16 – 1-1 (a.e.t) (4-3 p) vs Western United

The last 16 saw the first of two famous scalps by Sydney. An inspired goalkeeping performance from Danijel Nizic was instrumental as United eliminated reigning Isuzu UTE A-League Men champions Western United 4-3 on penalties after the match finished 1-1 after 120 minutes. Cristian Gonzalez converted the winning penalty in the shootout to send John Aloisi’s team packing.

Quarter Final – 0-1 win vs Peninsula Power

Miro Vlastelica’s charges hit the road for the quarter final and a meeting with Peninsula Power at AJ Kelly Park in Redcliffe. A sensational ninth-minute, half-volleyed strike from Yianni Fragogiannis proved decisive as United became the first team to qualify for the last four.

Semi-final – 3-2 win (a.e.t) vs Brisbane Roar

In front of 3,177 spectators at Edensor Park, Sydney pulled off its second major shock of the tournament, adding another chapter to its storied history.

Brisbane Roar went ahead on two occasions in the see-sawing contest with Sydney fighting back twice to restore parity and ultimately net the winner in extra-time following an incisively crafted move, which was volleyed in by Glen Trifiro in the 105th minute.

Nizic had also earlier saved a penalty on the stroke of half-time, denying Jay O’Shea. The result sparked scenes of jubilation after the match as Sydney United epitomised the ‘Magic Of The Cup’ sentiment.

Australia Cup Final 2022 Match Details
Sydney United 58 FC vs Macarthur FC
Date: Saturday, 1 October 2022
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta, NSW
Kick-off: 7.45pm AEST
Gates Open: 6.30pm AEST
Tickets: Click Here