Heidelberg United booked their place in the 2025 Nike FC Cup Final with a dominant run, delivering strong performances in every round.
Round 4
Brunswick Juventus 0–3 Heidelberg United
Heidelberg United began their 2025 Nike FC Cup campaign against fellow NPLW side Brunswick Juventus, but what was expected to be a competitive fixture ended in a forfeit, handing Heidelberg an automatic progression to Round 5.
Round 5
Caroline Springs George Cross 0-4 Heidelberg United
After receiving a free pass to Round 5, NPLW table-toppers Heidelberg United were drawn against Women’s State League 1 North-West side Caroline Springs George Cross in a favourable matchup.
The Bergers came out firing, with Sawa Matsuda opening the scoring in the 9th minute before Shylah Balla-Ateli doubled the lead just before halftime.
The second half saw a special moment as goalkeeper Anastasia Kyriacou made her senior debut, keeping a clean sheet during her 15 minutes on the pitch. Heidelberg continued their dominance, with Matsuda netting her second and Cam Barreiro rounding out the 4–0 win.
Quarter-Final
Heidelberg United 6-0 Manningham Unites Blues FC
Heidelberg United faced Women’s State League 1 side Manningham United Blues in the Nike FC Cup quarter-finals—a side that had enjoyed a strong cup run. Playing at home at Olympic Village, the Bergers made themselves comfortable early.
Captain Steph Galea opened the scoring in the 14th minute and added a second before halftime, while Bronte Peel also found the net in the 34th to give Heidelberg a commanding 3–0 lead at the break.
The second half was just as dominant, with goalkeeper Mia Bailey delighting her teammates by converting a penalty. Japanese duo Sawa Matsuda and Asuka Miyata rounded out the scoring to seal an emphatic 7–0 victory.
Semi-Final
Heidelberg United 7-0 Bundoora United
The Bergers secured another home fixture in the semi-finals, drawing VPLW side Bundoora United—once again the best-performing team from outside the NPLW. But the visitors were outclassed, as Heidelberg stormed to a second consecutive 7–0 victory.
Tamar Levin opened the scoring inside the first 20 minutes, before Sarah O'Donoghue and Sawa Matsuda extended the lead to 3–0 by halftime.
After a tense start to the second half, captain Steph Galea made it four just past the hour mark. Bronte Peel then netted a quick-fire brace, and Caitlin Karic sealed the result with a 90th-minute strike to cap off another dominant performance.
2025 Nike Cup Final: Heidelberg United v South Melbourne
- Sunday, August 10 @ The Home of The Matildas