Rudan eyes FFA Cup history at Heidelberg

Mark Rudan says his Sydney United 58 is taking a fearless approach to their Westfield FFA Cup Round of 16 clash as they focus on creating Cup history at Heidelberg.

United travels to Melbourne to take on the PS4 NPL Victorian high-flyers Heidelberg United at the Olympic Village on Wednesday night.

Both sides played some electrifying football in their respective FFA Cup Round of 32 wins and another thriller is expected between these two former NSL clubs.

After being eliminated by Sydney FC at this stage of the competition last year, Rudan admits his side is hungry to atone and progress to the last eight.

“We are thoroughly looking forward to our tie against Heidelberg,” Rudan told www.theffacup.com.au.

“It'll be the second time in a row we've participated in the FFA cup at this stage. The challenge, which the boys are extremely excited about, is getting past this round for the first time.”

FFA Cup preview: Heidelberg v Sydney United 58

Panagiotis Nikas of Sydney United celebrates with young fans after scoring their second goal.

While they had the advantage of their home ground in their penalty shoot-out win over South Hobart, United are on the road for this tie and Rudan believes they’ll have to draw on their team spirit to prevail.

“It'll be tough as we're away from home but it allows us to bond as a team although we're a very tight knit group as it is,” said Rudan, a Hyundai A-League championship-winning skipper with Sydney FC.

“We respect Heidelberg but don't fear them. They're a decent side but definitely beatable.”

Heidelberg attacking midfielder Daniel Vasilevski is excited at the prospect of another night of FFA Cup theatre for his club. 

And the team go into the United Cup game on the back of a 5-2 win over Dandenong Thunder in the PS4 NPL Victoria. 

“The FFA Cup gives all these clubs so much incentive to do well. Clubs are pulling their finger out and improving their structures as a result,” he said.

“Everyone is buzzing for it; kids and adults... everyone is just really into the FFA Cup.”

** For any goal scored by an amateur or semi-professional club against a Hyundai A-League team during the Westfield FFA Cup, NAB will kick-back $2,500 to the goal-scorer's club.