With a mix of Hyundai A-League steel, exciting local talent and a dash of overseas flair, Edgeworth Eagles are a team to watch out for in the FFA Cup 2019, despite some key absences for their trip to Darwin Olympic.
Edgeworth have reigned supreme in the Northern NSW NPL force in recent times, clinching the last four Premierships (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) and reaching the last four Grand Finals, taking out two of those Championship titles (2015, 2016).
The Damian Zane-coached side - who boast former Hyundai A-League stars Daniel McBreen and Josh Rose in their ranks - are once again challenging for top spot in 2019 and could become the first team to progress to a fifth straight Grand Final since Weston Workers in the 1970s.
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The loss of captain Josh Evans, considered by many as one of the competition's best defenders, will sting for the Eagles. He's heading to the US for an eight-week stint with the RAAF, while centre back partner Mitch Dobson is also bound for the States to play college football.
Meanwhile, an injury to goalkeeper Nate Cavaliere and loss of midfielder Jose Atayde, who is trialling in Spain, are also unfortunate absences for the club.
However, with 2019 being the team's fourth appearance in the competition, and with prestige packed in their ranks, there's every chance Edgeworth could better 2016's Round of 16 finish, where they were brushed aside 5-1 by Western Sydney Wanderers.
Profile
Competition: Northern NSW NPL
Home ground: Jack McLaughlan Oval
Honours (NPL): Northern NSW NPL Premiers (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)
Northern NSW NPL Champions (2015, 2016)
History
The first recorded football match involving Edgeworth - who were then known as Young Wallsend - took place in May 1892, in a 3-0 defeat against Minmi Rangers.
Although the club have been the benchmark in the Northern NSW NPL division for some time, the Eagles spent most of the 20th century in the lower leagues, winning promotion to the first division in 1973.
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Key Players
Former Hyundai A-League Golden Boot winner Daniel McBreen continues to fire for the Eagles at the ripe old age of 42.
The ex-Central Coast Mariners man continues to defy the odds with his leadership presence for Edgeworth - he's contributed three goals in eight matches for the Eagles in 2019 - and his experience on the big stage will prove vital in getting past the challenge of Darwin.
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Josh Rose, like his ex-Mariners teammate, is still offering plenty of value going forward for the Eagles and boasts a left foot capable of catching any FFA Cup defence off guard.
Round of 32 Match Details
Darwin Olympic v Edgeworth Eagles
Date: Wednesday, 24 July 2019
Venue: Darwin Football Stadium
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEST
Click here for ticket details
FFA CUP ROUND OF 32: DARWIN OLYMPIC V EDGEWORTH EAGLES
