The 2024 Australia Cup Semi-Finals were confirmed on Saturday as two former champions advanced against two Member Federation outfits who had previously beaten A-league opposition.
Macarthur FC survived a valiant Oakleigh Cannons, while Melbourne Victory proved too good for Moreton City Excelsior.
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Oakleigh Cannons FC - 0
Macarthur FC - 1 (Valerie GERMAIN 2’)
Macarthur FC withstood a barrage from NPL Men’s Victoria champions Oakleigh Cannons at the Home of the Matildas to make the Semi-Finals of the Australia Cup.
The visitors grabbed the lead within two minutes as Valerie Germain raced onto a through ball, found himself clean on goal, slotting the opener with a smart finish.
Despite finding themselves behind, the Cannons remained a threat as they probed for good shooting chances in the first half.
As Oakleigh went into the break, they had registered three shots on target, while Germain’s strike for the Bulls was their only effort on target so far.
Oakleigh carried on their pressure and almost grabbed the equaliser straight after halftime, as Asad Kasumovic drew a top reaction save from Filip Kurto.
Kurto was called into another superb stop just after the hour mark when Oliver Kubilay’s well-struck long-ranger looked destined for the top corner but the goalkeeper tipped it over.
Oakleigh’s pursuit of an equaliser moved into the final five minutes. However, the Bulls kept their shape well with Tomislav Uskok and Matthew Jurman cutting out several deliveries into the box.
Germain’s early goal proved decisive as the Bulls held on to earn a clash with treble-chasing South Melbourne in the Semi-Finals.
The only other time Macarthur made the Semi-Finals of the Cup, they went on to win the competition in 2022.
Moreton City Excelsior FC - 0
Melbourne Victory FC - 4 (Nikos VERGOS 10’ 20’, Kasey BOS 31’, Nishan VELUPILLAY 66’)
A flying first half for Melbourne Victory guided the side to a 4-0 win over Moreton City Excelsior at Perry Park.
Victory took less than 10 minutes to take the lead when Daniel Arzani whipped in a left-sided free-kick that Nikos Vergos glanced with his head into the goal.
The hosts returned fire 16 minutes in as Marques Walters hit a fierce half-volley from the right of the box that Victory goalkeeper Jack Duncan had to parry away.
Four minutes later, Victory doubled their advantage, which started with Zinedine Machach forging a path through the middle of the pitch.
The midfielder played the ball into the right of the box for Jordi Valadon, who stood a cross up to Vergos; the striker nodding in off the left post.
Vergos' second made it three goals in his last two Cup matches for his new team.
The ruthless visitors added their third goal just after the half-hour mark.
A giveaway from Moreton City allowed Kasey Bos to play a one-two with Vergos, with the former subsequently sending a low finish past City’s goalkeeper Nathan Foster.
Victory’s blistering first half saw them enter the sheds with a commanding lead over their opponents and halfway towards a place in the Semi-Finals.
City started the second half with promise as they held the ball high in the Victory half as the lively Walters made inroads down the right wing.
However, the away side soaked up this pressure and struck with their fourth goal soon after the hour mark.
Vishan Velupillay broke in behind down the right and lifted the ball over the onrushing Foster to continue his outstanding Cup form (five goals and two assists in three matches).
Victory saw out the remaining minutes to confirm their place in the Semi-Finals, where they will face original rivals Adelaide United.
