For the fourth consecutive season, Melbourne City FC will participate in the Quarter Finals of the FFA Cup. Facing familiar foes in this stage of the competition, City will be looking to keep their Cup run alive. Ahead of Wednesday night’s clash with Western Sydney at AAMI Park, we take a look at City’s history in this stage of the competition.
2018: Melbourne City 1-2 Western Sydney Wanderers
It feels like a sense of déjà vu, as City faced Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park almost a year ago to date.
The hosts had a golden opportunity to open the scoring inside the first 12 minutes, although Bruno Fornaroli was unable to capitalise from the penalty spot. At the other end, Western Sydney made the most of their opportunities, as Oriol Riera and Roly Bonevacia found the back of the net prior to the half time whistle to hand the visitors a 2-0 buffer.
Riley McGree pegged a goal back early in the second period, but it proved to be too little too late for the hosts who were eliminated from the competition.
2017: Sydney FC 2 Melbourne City 0
City ran into a rampant Sydney FC outfit in 2017, as the reigning A-League champions progressed through to the Semi Finals with a 2-0 win at Leichhardt Oval.
Dutchman Jordy Buijs struck within the opening seven minutes, producing a pin-point free kick to open the scoring. Graham Arnold’s side doubled their advantage when Alex Brosque dinked the ball over City shot-stopper Eugene Galekovic.
A late rally from the visitors wasn’t enough, as Warren Joyce tasted his first competitive defeat as manager.
2016: Melbourne City 4-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
City will be looking to repeat history when they take on the Wanderers on Wednesday night. The Club’s 2016 title-winning run included an emphatic 4-1 Quarter Finals win over Western Sydney at AAMI Park.
The hosts set the tone early as Michael Jakobsen’s first goal in City blue was a beauty. Bruno Fonaroli and Tim Cahill then got in on the action, as the hosts continued to run riot in the knockout clash.
With one foot in the Semi Finals, Fernando Brandan secured the result and a safe passage through to the next phase.
2015: Heidelberg United 0-5 Melbourne City
City’s first ever appearance in the FFA Cup Quarter Finals came against neighbours Heidelberg United at Olympic Village. A four-minute trip from CFA Melbourne to Olympic Village, City outclassed their NPL Victoria opponents in a memorable contest.
Aaron Mooy’s class was on show, with the midfielder securing his first ever hattrick for Melbourne City. Mooy’s brilliance combined with Bruno Fornaroli’s double secured the points for City in front of 11,372 fans.
