Melbourne City FC has formalised its pre-season schedule in August and September, building matches around the Westfield FFA Cup.
Following Melbourne City FC’s inaugural FFA Cup match against Sydney FC next Tuesday, the Club will embark on a pre-season campaign which includes matches in Melbourne, Alice Springs, Bendigo and Lismore as John van’t Schip’s side continue their preparations ahead of the tenth A-League season.
While next Tuesday’s match in the FFA Cup Round of 32 will present the Club with its first competitive challenge of the pre-season, van’t Schip’s side has already enjoyed an encouraging off season.
The team tested itself against English opponents in the UK, while based at Manchester City’s Carrington Training Centre throughout July.
Melbourne City FC will compete in four more matches in its pre-season, commencing with a clash against National Premier Leagues (Victoria) side Hume City at its home ground at Broadmeadows Valley Park on Tuesday 19 August.
Van’t Schip’s side then heads to the Northern Territory to tackle fellow A-League club Adelaide United in Alice Springs on Saturday 23 August.
The Club will return to Victoria to challenge FC Bendigo at Epsom-Huntly Reserve on Tuesday 2 September, before venturing to New South Wales to face Central Coast Mariners in Lismore on Sunday 7 September.
With the addition of international marquee Robert Koren to the Melbourne City FC squad on Monday, van’t Schip said he was pleased with w the pre-season was progressing and the challenge presented by the next schedule of matches.
“Our time in Manchester was incredibly positive, providing us with the right environment in which to start preparing for the season ahead,” van’t Schip said.
“We have worked hard since our return on getting the little things right for next week’s game against Sydney FC and the A- League matches to follow.
“These additional games allow us to further embed our new players, including Robert Koren, into our squad, ensuring they are in great shape both individually and as a team whilst at the same time, giving us a good indication of how we are faring ahead of the A-League season.”
The Club’s pre-season schedule is subject to change, considering potential FFA Cup committments.
Melbourne City FC Pre-Season Schedule 2014
Westfield FFA Cup
Tuesday 12 August 2014
Melbourne City FC vs. Sydney FC
Morshead Park, Ballarat
Kick-Off: 7.30pm
Pre-Season Friendly
Tuesday 19 August 2014
Hume City vs. Melbourne City FC
Broadmeadows Valley Park
Kick-Off: 7.30pm
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 23 August 2014
Adelaide United vs. Melbourne City FC
Anzac Oval, Alice Springs, NT
Kick-Off: 3pm
Pre-Season Friendly
Tuesday 2 September 2014
FC Bendigo vs. Melbourne City FC
Epsom Reserve
Kick-Off: 6pm
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 7 September 2014
Melbourne City FC vs. Central Coast Mariners
Oakes Oval, Lismore, NSW
Kick-Off: 2.30pm
For ticketing information, stay tuned to www.melbournecity.com.au
