Story of the FFA Cup 2018: Quarter Finals

Could this be the best FFA Cup in the tournament’s history?

With underdog stories, memorable performances and classic goals, Australia’s premier cup competition has thrilled the country from start to finish.

Come with us as we revisit each round and re-live the story of the FFA Cup 2018, now focusing on the Quarter Finals!

FAIRY TALE: Story of the FFA Cup 2018, Round of 32
READ MORE:
Story of the FFA Cup 2018, Round of 16

Avondale’s heroics against Sydney FC, but fall short

Only days earlier, Avondale had pulled off a minor footballing miracle in a 4-3 comeback win against Bentleigh Greens in the NPL Victoria Semi Final.

When they hosted Sydney FC, many thought they would need another instance of divine intervention. And that was only intensified when the Avengers slipped to a 2-0 deficit at half-time.

But incredibly, Avondale came back. The team’s rise throughout the FFA Cup had been underpinned by their hell-for-leather attacking ability, and that came to the fore in a stunning second-half period that saw Liam Boland strike twice.

The Avengers would eventually be bested in extra time, as Milos Ninkovic and Adam Le Fondre put the result out of reach.

Wanderers finally click to down Melbourne

Up until the Western Sydney Wanderers’ visit to Melbourne City, the team had not quite got going in the FFA Cup so far.

Markus Babbel’s reign had begun with that crazy 4-3 encounter against Hellenic AC, while the team were also rocky in a 2-1 win against Bonnyrigg White Eagles in the Round of 16.

And although the Wanderers were on the back foot at times against City, the resilience on display against Melbourne City showed the Babbel’s message was beginning to shine through.

The Wanderers adopted a streetwise attitude to best Melbourne and, with the help of a missed Bruno Fornaroli penalty, made it back-to-back Semi Final appearances.

Bentleigh Greens win battle of Victoria

The rivalry between Bentleigh Greens and Heidelberg United has been one of the standout stories in the NPL Victoria in recent years.

That fierce competition between the two Victorian heavyweights would only intensify as the clubs squared off for a spot in the FFA Cup Semi Finals.

READ: The best NPL players from the FFA Cup 2018
READ: FFA Cup holders in ominous form ahead of Final

It proved to be Bentleigh’s night, as Jacob Alexander’s late strike sent the Greens back to the final four again.

Adelaide end APIA’s dream run

It was a case of so close but so far for APIA Leichhardt, whose dazzling FFA Cup run came to an end at the hands of Adelaide United.

Billy McColl’s side had thrilled the country with their attacking endeavour and team spirit on display, but the arrival of 2017 finalists Adelaide proved to be a step too far for the NPL NSW outfit.

APIA had their chances, and were close to taking a second-half lead. But Craig Goodwin rifled home a stunning effort from distance to finally take the sting out of the Tigers, with Mirko Boland adding a late goal to bring their heroics to an end.