IT was more a fact-finding mission than a win-at-all-costs Football Federation Victoria state Knockout Cup tie for Hoppers Crossing.
The Reds held firm 1-1 over 120 minutes to force extra time and then penalties against the Western Eagles at Grange Reserve on Saturday.
But the Eagles were more composed from the penalty spot, winning shoot out 3-2 after Reds’ spot kickers Khalil Assad – who scored his side’s goal in regulation – and Matt Garbett missed.
Reds coach Alfonso Opazo said his team had every chance to win the match in regulation time, but could not land the killer punch.
“I thought we should’ve had it wrapped up in 90 minutes,” he said.
“We had a few chances to seal it, but in the second half we had a lack of concentration and communication by two defenders and let them back into the game. I thought we were by far the better team on the day.”
The cup competition is not the be-all, end-all. It’s really a sideshow to the league, a chance to blood youngsters and offer playing time to those getting splinters on the bench.
The Reds used it to welcome back captain Julian Zach for his first game since a clean-out of a knee. He played 60 minutes and came through unscathed.
“I treated the game as fitness to the guys returning from injury and promoted a couple of reserve players into the seniors to see what they can produce on the senior stage,” Opazo said.
“When I first arrived at the club, there were some youngsters running around in the reserves who needed a bit of a push and a little bit of guidance, and with this week’s game, I thought it’s not the league, it’s the cup, so what better way to introduce them to senior football.”
Githinji Githinji was rarely training with the seniors before Opazo took over but now he’s pressing for a regular senior berth.
“He came on in the league game and did quite well so I rewarded him with a start in the cup and he didn’t let me down,” Opazo said.
James Kearney was the other youngster to shine at right back.
The Reds, without a point in the league after four games, will host Geelong Rangers on Saturday.
Werribee City advanced to the next round of the cup, beating Southern Stars on penalties. It next meets premier league club Pascoe Vale.
