Gaffney Match Preview: Essendon Royals host Calder United in exciting Nike FC Cup contest
Essendon Royals face their toughest test in the Nike FC Cup this Thursday night when they welcome National Premier Leagues Victoria Women’s outfit and reigning Nike FC Cup champions Calder United to Cross Keys Reserve.
The Royals have been one of the fairytale stories of the cup thus far this season, overcoming an early goal to defeat Fawkner SC 8-1 in Round 3 before overcoming Victorian Premier League Women’s side South Yarra 1-0 in Round 4.
Having made a healthy habit of beating higher-division opposition in the Cup and in pre-season, new coach Vince Battiato has led a surge of high-quality recruitment to transform the senior women’s squad at the club.
With a host of former A-Leagues and NPLW players now calling Cross Keys home, Battiato will be hopeful of masterminding another cupset and a spot in the Quarter Finals.
However, no one will be under any illusions as to the size of the task ahead on Thursday night.
Calder will enter as favourites, having made an undefeated start to the NPLW season, as well as being defending Nike FC Cup champions.
A Round 1 0-0 draw away to Box Hill United might not have been the dream start they had in mind, however a big response in Round 2 saw them return to winning ways with an emphatic 4-0 win over FV Emerging.
Ava Groba bagged a brace with Adriana Taranto and Alana Cerne grabbing the other goals.
In the Cup, Calder ran out 11-0 winners over Melbourne Knights in Round 4.
They won the 2021 Final 3-0 against South Melbourne.
With one eye on a crucial league clash with Bulleen Lions next Monday night in the league, Calder United coach Mark Torcaso will have to get the balance right between league and cup duties.
The Royals on the other hand, should be relatively refreshed after a pre-season training and bonding trip to Queenscliffe over the weekend.
The trip was dedicated to team-building and tactics with the Royals women looking to put the final touches on a gruelling pre-season that should have them in fine form for the new league campaign.