Nike F.C. Cup Quarter Final Preview: Calder United SC v Boroondara Eagles FC

The Nike F.C. Cup - Victoria's premier women's knockout tournament - returns tonight, as Calder United host Boroondara Eagles in the first of four quarter finals. 

All eyes will turn to Keilor Park Recreation Reserve at 7:30PM tonight for this week's standalone Nike FC Cup fixture, following the deferral of Bayside United and Heidelberg United to next Tuesday (31 May).

NPLW powerhouse Calder United head into the game as four-time defending Nike FC Cup champions.

Nike FC Cup 2021
Calder United FC have won four consecutive Nike FC Cups.

The Club's 2022 cup run has included a ruthless 11-0 win over Melbourne Knights followed by a far tighter 1-0 victory over Essendon Royals in the last round, which came courtesy of a last gasp own goal. These results have come off the back of ever-improving league form.

After a slow start to the NPLW season, Calder United now sit only a point behind league leaders Heidelberg United and have not conceded a goal in over a month of league and cup football.

Penetrating this iron curtain will pose an enormous challenge for Boroondara, but the beauty of cup football is it's unpredictability. The Eagles won't shy away from the challenge.

Perched atop of the VPL table, Boroondara has not dropped a point since its opening day defeat to Preston Lions.

The Club has been in fine form, drubbing North Geelong 7-2  then defeating Elwood City 6-0 in the last two rounds of the Nike FC Cup. 

The Eagles' lethal touch in the final third has been led by Marguerite Eudes. Fresh off scoring a hattrick in the team's 6-0 rout of Melbourne University SC over the weekend, Eudes along with strike partner Margot Robinne have combined for 19 goals in 13 appearances (all competitions) this season.

Boroondara fans will be hoping this attacking edge will be enough to trouble the defending champions, who have been so defensively sound in 2022. 

Cross divisional clashes always throw up intriguing scenarios - Will the NPLW heavyweight prove too strong? Or can the high-flying Eagles build on their momentum to earn a semi-final berth? Tune in tonight to find out.

We encourage our community to head to the game, but if you can't attend don't fear! All Nike FC Cup games will be broadcast to Football Victoria Facebook/Youtube and on NPL.TV.