HERE we are!
The quest for the 2024 edition of the Nike FC Cup reaches its conclusion with the crescendo this Saturday with the top two teams in the NPLW set to go head-to-head.
Will Bulleen's resolute defence and experience ensure 2024 is the year this star-studded outfit lifts the Cup after a 10 year wait
Or will Preston's attack prove too deadly and give the faithful yielding out of B.T. Connor Reserve plenty to rejoice about
PRESTON LIONS vs BULLEEN LIONS
2024 Nike FC Cup Final
Sunday, August 4, 3:00pm, The Home of the Matildas
PREVIEW
If you could pick two teams to face off for the Nike FC Cup on exposed form, it would be Bulleen and Preston.
The two sides have been the clear standouts this season in the NPLW, claiming first and second place on the ladder heading into this decisive fixture.
This Sunday we will crown the first Nike FC Cup winner apart from Calder United since 2016, who have won the past six Cups.
Bulleen Lions, aiming for their second Nike FC Cup title, previously triumphed in 2014 with a 2-0 victory over South Melbourne. Preston Lions, on the other hand, are in search of their first Victorian Women's Knockout Cup title.
Since their triumph a decade ago, Bulleen has lost their past four Finals (2015-17, 2023) and will be desperate to lift the trophy come Sunday afternoon.
This matchup is a tale of opposing strengths. Bulleen boasts the best defense in the NPLW, conceding only 19 goals compared to Preston's 29. On the other hand, Preston has the most potent attacking line, scoring 61 goals this season, edging out Bulleen's 54.
Bulleen reached the Final with a commanding 3-0 victory over FV Emerging in the Semi-Finals, although their biggest test came in Round Four against Alamein in a tight 2-1 victory.
Preston's road to the Cup Final was slightly rockier than their opponents, defeating Bundoora United 3-1 in the Semi-Finals to qualify for the big dance, but were forced to endure a 5-4 extra-time thriller against Spring Hills in the Quarter-Finals and a tight 2-1 victory against Bentleigh Greens in Round 5.
The Key Battles
Despite their defensive prowess, Bulleen's attack is formidable, with striker Maja Markovski scoring 15 goals in 17 NPLW matches and three goals in the Cup. Speedy winger Alana Cortellino and midfielder Lourdes Gonzalez also add to Bulleen's offensive threats. Preston's defense, led by Emma Checker alongside Jade Feakes and Elle Talevski, is well-equipped to handle Bulleen's firepower.
In the Cup, Bulleen's defence has been impenetrable only conceding one goal throughout the tournament, however coming up against the likes of Haley Johnson and Ellie La Monte; the Lions' defensive line will be tested.
The midfield battle will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match with Georgia Henderson (Preston Captain) and Alana Burn (Bulleen) set to feature heavily.
If you were going to do anything else on Sunday, scrap those plans and get to The Home of the Matildas.
As for who wins? It’s a flip of the coin, and that’s just how it should be.
Broadcast: The 2024 Nike FC Cup Final will be broadcast live and free on the Football Victoria YouTube and Facebook Channels.
Ticketing:
- Adults $10
General Admission (12 & under) $0.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Preston: 2-1 Bulleen
Draw: 1
LAST TIME THEY MET
2024 NPLW Round 9: Preston Lions 0-2 Bulleen Lions
Goal Scorers: Alana Cortellino, Jamilla Rankin (OG)