The Magic of the Cup is alive and well following State League 5 side Templestowe Wolves miraculously defeating State League 1 side Sydenham Park 1-0 to progress to the fourth round of the Australia Cup.
Before their upset over Sydenham, they defeated South Yarra FC 3-1 in a thrilling contest, followed by defeating fellow State League 5 side Mentone Soccer Club 3-2.
Going into the match, Templestowe Treasurer Andrew Amato had his reservations about whether the Wolves could defeat a State League 1 team.
“Coming into this year we were expecting to be competitive in State League 5 but there we didn’t think we could beat a State League 1 Team, especially with some of the names they had playing in their team,” he said.
“I have been around football for quite a while, and they had some big names playing’ Borbor Sam used to play at Perth Glory and Chris Davies has been a staple around the state leagues for quite some time.
“While we probably didn’t have the technical ability that they had, we definitely had the heart and fight.
“I think we always had the belief we could do it, we never stopped believing but it definitely came as a shock, that’s for sure.”
The match started as expected with Sydenham starting off strong with a few shots on goal, forcing Templestowe to re-think their strategy.
“I think at that point we decided we couldn’t go out and attack too much, we had to play defensively as a team,” Amato explained.
“We really dug our heels in and pushed everyone back, and from there they struggled to break us down."
Templestowe allowed their opposition to control possession, waiting for the right time to strike, and after a close one-on-one chance late in the first half, the players began to gain confidence that a victory could be possible.
In the 47th minute, Templestowe players applied pressure to the Sydenham defence, forcing a miss kick, allowing striker Mitchell Yoannidis to score and put the Wolves up 1-0, putting the crowd into a state of euphoria.
Heading into the half-time break and with only 45 minutes separating them from a spot in the fourth round, Templestowe knew they needed to defend with everything they had.
“In the second half we focused on our defence,” Amato explained.
“The Wolves were really disciplined and focused on staying back. Sydenham had a tough time getting through us.”
Senior Head Coach Damian Pagotto was watching on the sideline and said it was a “nervous spectacle".
“As soon as the final whistle was blown everyone just started screaming. Celebrations ensued; it was really exciting," he explained.
“It was amazing. It was one of the best football moments I have been a part of.”
More than a Game
The win meant so much more to a contingent of the Templestowe team, who made the switch from Blackburn NewHope FC 'Lupi' in the Victorian Churches Football Association (VCFA) to the Victorian State Leagues for a new challenge, following an emotional and successful 2022 campaign.
In 2021, these players tragically lost their former teammate, friend, cousin and brother - Robert Agostino, who passed away suddenly in an accident. During what was an incredibly difficult time, the team found comfort in working hard to win the league, dedicating the season to Robert.
“We founded the team with family and close friends. Due to the pandemic and other reasons we never properly had a chance to win the Men’s Premier League in the VCFA, so we came together and put everything into the team and built a really strong community that really became like a family for all of us,” Amato explained.
“It was a place where we could all hang out and spend time with our friends, but when tragedy struck, we all got together and strived to win the VCFA Mens Premier League, because that was something we always wanted to do together."
The Blackburn NewHope FC 'Lupi 'side had a year to remember last season, winning the Men’s Premier League Senior and Reserves Championships along with the Parry Shield.
"We are proud of what we have achieved, and hope that we have made Rob proud too."
The Templestowe Wolves find themselves in uncharted water in Round 4 of the Australia Cup, drawing NPLM3 side Ballarat City FC on Wednesday April 5, although they will keep believing anything is possible.