Olympic FC are no strangers to the FFA Cup but their 2019 experience could top the lot as they get set to feature in the Round of 32 live on Fox Sports.
The Queensland NPL club are into this stage of the competition for the third time, including in the inaugural year in 2014 where they got through to the last 16.
But they have probably never been better equipped to feature on the national stage than they are in 2019.
ADELAIDE OLYMPIC GUIDE: Debutants ready to make an impression
BAYSWATER CITY GUIDE: Riding the crest of a wave
Under the stewardship of Ben Cahn, Olympic FC are a powerful force in the Queensland NPL, currently third but right in the hunt for the silverware come the end of the season.
They love to attack and are the league’s leading scorers this season with an impressive 74 from just 21 matches.
The club that has helped develop the likes of Michael Zullo and Jai and Dane Ingham, will be keen to make more noise on the national spotlight in a week’s time, when they take on WA’s Bayswater City.
Profile
Founded: 1967
Competition: National Premier League, Queensland
Home ground: Goodwin Park, Yeronga, Qld
Honours: National Premier League Queensland Champions 2013
National Premier League Queensland Premiers 2013
History
Founded by Greek immigrants in the mid-1960’s, the club was first known as Pan Rhodian Soccer Club.
But after joining the Queensland Soccer Federation, they changed their name to Brisbane Olympic United as a condition of joining the federation.
Interestingly, the club’s colours were originally blue and white, changing to red and white in the last 2000’s.
COOMERA COLTS GUIDE: Gold Coast minnows have potential to stun
DARWIN OLYMPIC GUIDE: Top End club looking to make FFA Cup history
It was in 2008 that the club again changed their name, this time to Olympic FC after joining the Queensland State League.
In 2013, Olympic FC was awarded a licence to compete in the inaugural Queensland NPL, going on to win the double in their very first season.
Key Players
There’s a few reasons why Olympic FC are the leading scorers in the Queensland NPL.
One of those is the form of striker Christopher Lucas, who leads the Golden Boot race in the league with 25 goals in just 21 games.
His movement off the ball and speed is a constant threat, as is the midfield mastery of former Hyundai A-League star Alex Smith.
BRISBANE STRIKERS GUIDE: Back in the national spotlight
CAMPBELLTOWN CITY GUIDE: Family of four aiming to take down City
Smith, who played for Gold Coast United and Wellington Phoenix in the Hyundai A-League, has netted 16 times this season including a run of eight straight NPL games.
Jez Lofthouse also needs to be watched carefully and he was on the scoresheet in this competition last year in a 3-2 loss to Lions FC in the Round of 32.
Round of 32 Match Details
Olympic FC v Bayswater City SC
Date: Wednesday, 24 July 2019
Venue: Perry Park, Brisbane
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEST, live on Fox Sports
Click here for ticket details
FFA Cup Round of 32: Olympic FC v Bayswater City
