Adelaide City v Western Sydney Wanderers
Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32

When: Tuesday, August 12th. Kick off 7:30pm
Where: Marden Sports Complex, 65 Lower Portrush Rd, MARDEN

Former National Soccer League champions Adelaide City take on 2013/14 Hyundai A-League runner-ups Western Sydney Wanderers in the Westfield FFA Cup at Marden Sports Complex on Tuesday, 12 August.

Adelaide City defeated traditional rivals West Adelaide 4-1 in the Coca-Cola Federation Cup final to return to national football, having won three NSL titles during their 27 seasons.

Adelaide City coach Damian Mori will also be back on the national stage after winning the NSL championship as a player in 1993/94.

The former Socceroo said his team would not be able to play their usual style of football against the Wanderers.

“For me, it’s about the players being able to acquit themselves and to represent the club and state well by giving a good performance,” Mori said.

“For some players, they may never get to play in the A-League, so this is an opportunity for them to play against one of the best teams in the country and to see where they are as a player.”

Adelaide City attacker Nicholas Bucco described the vibes around the club as massive.

“Everyone at the club is getting excited and the boys have been talking about it in the dressing rooms a little bit because it is hard to ignore,” Bucco said.

“After watching all the other local teams from other states playing against each other on TV, I just thought how good the concept is and how exciting it is that we are going to be in there representing South Australia.”

Bucco said it means everything to him to have the opportunity to face off against a Hyundai A-League side.

“Let’s hope that myself and a couple of my teammates prove that we are capable of stepping up against an A-League opposition,” Bucco said.

After their establishment in 2012, Western Sydney Wanderers were quickly crowned premiers in the 2012/13 season, before competing in the past two grand finals.

Adelaide-born defender Daniel Mullen said the club would look to make its mark in history by winning the inaugural Westfield FFA Cup.

“Every competition is important to us; we’re a team that wants to win everything, so the FFA Cup is no different,” Mullen said.

“By the time we play Adelaide City, we would have had about three games already under our belt and we should be ready to put in a strong performance.”

Mullen’s father, Joe played for Adelaide City in the NSL and his cousin, Matthew is part of the South Australia National Premier League club’s current team.

“I grew up watching Adelaide City and that was my team back in the old NSL, so I’ve got great memories of that club,” Mullen said.

“Now obviously my cousin, Matthew is there, so it’s going to be interesting.

“It’s going to be a pretty special night and we’re hoping for a big turnout; I’m sure some Western Sydney fans are going to make the trip down.”

Ironically, Mullen predicted the dream draw on Twitter after watching the Coca-Cola Federation Cup final at Coopers Stadium.