Clubs and players in glory bid
withh overall rall quality lity and an inabilitybility to capitalise talise on goal scoring opportunities ortunities the first talkinging point after matches. ches. It should not be an n excuse, though.
Coming back to the athlete’s right to control trol their own destiny, iny, a talented SOUTH Melbourne and Heidelberg United are preparing for potentially “lifechanging” FFA Cup quarterfinal clashes after securing historic wins.
South winger Leigh Minopoulous and Heidelberg coach George Katsakis said the FFA Cup had given hope to ambitious players and coaches alike.
Heidelberg secured a dramatic penalty shootout win after Sean Ellis’s extra-time goal was cancelled out in the 1-1 draw away to fellow ex-NSL club Sydney United.
While South Melbourne’s A-League hopes have domin nated discussion, its talented bu bunch remain determined to fo forge their individual paths to pr professionalism.
Wednesday night’s 4-1 win ov over WA side Sorrento gives Marcus Schroen, Nick Epifa fano, Minopoulos and former A A-Leaguers Matt Foschini and M Matt Millar another chance to sh shine on the national stage.
“It only takes one game, one pe performance and lives can ch change,’’ Minopoulos said.
“It gives everyone hope, th they’re in the spotlight. We’ve go got a lot of players who can m make it at the next level.
“We’ve got Nick Epifano w who I think is as talented as an anyone in this country. He sc scored two goals and you never kn know, his life could change, so yo you look forward to the n national stage.’’
Katsakis said the FFA Cup h had breathed life into historic cl clubs like his, whom he played fo for in the NSL.
“Knowing that we’ve played Melbourne City in the quarterfi finals and we’re back there ag again, it’s really big for the club an and it (the FFA Cup) has put th the club back on the map,’’ he sa said.
“It exposes a lot us to the br broader football community an and gives opportunities. There’s nothing there to say that with the right resources, ( (we couldn’t succeed).
“With the A-League and n non-recognition of NPL clubs, e especially the bigger ones, it’s ti time clubs like ourselves, S South Melbourne and Melbo bourne Knights shine and get ba back to where they belong.’’
Sorrento’s Sean Canham w will have surgery this week af after snapping his achilles in bi bizarre circumstances.
The striker collapsed in pursu suit of the ball and was flashed a second yellow for diving, w with the veteran needing to be ca carried off by two officials.
“Sean snaps his achilles ... an and the referee sends him off fo for simulation for a second yello low,’’ Sorrento coach Jamie H Harnwell said.
“I don’t know how he can ju justify that to himself.
“That changed the game co completely.’’