[Image: Brook Mitchell/Getty Images]
Redlands United, one of the state’s oldest clubs, will host Hyundai A-League champions Adelaide United in one of several Westfield FFA Cup blockbusters for Queensland’s five representatives.
Brisbane Strikers, FNQ FC Heat, Surfers Paradise Apollo, Brisbane Roar and Redlands all discovered their Round of 32 opponents in a live draw conducted at Fox Sports Studios in Sydney on Thursday.
Redlands face the toughest task in what will be their debut on the national stage after being drawn against Guillermo Amor’s title-winning side, who also claimed the inaugural Westfield FFA Cup in 2014.
.@RedlandsUTD not overawed by @AdelaideUnited in #FFACup – https://t.co/8KwgD6sKAP pic.twitter.com/TbGD7Iic8s
— Westfield FFA Cup (@FFACup) June 30, 2016
Fellow debutants Surfers Paradise Apollo won five Preliminary Rounds matches to reach the Round of 32 and will hope to continue their fairytale run away to Capital Football club Canberra Olympic, who are currently second in their local PlayStation® 4 National Premier Leagues competition.
Queensland’s other regional qualifiers, FNQ FC Heat, will host their first Westfield FFA Cup fixture after being drawn at home to PlayStation 4 NPL Northern New South Wales outfit Edgeworth Eagles.
However, Brisbane Strikers must contend with yet another knockout away tie as they hit the road for the fourth straight time.
Strikers – who exited at the Round of 32 last year after a final 16 berth in 2014 – will visit Shamrock Rovers Darwin, the only Northern Territory team to qualify for the Final Rounds.
So, 4 times in the @FFACup pot and still no home game. NSW, Vic, SA and now NT in the bag. Just WA, Tas, & ACT to go. We’ll fly anywhere!
— Brisbane Strikers (@BneStrikers) June 30, 2016
Meanwhile, John Aloisi’s Brisbane Roar will play their first Westfield FFA Cup match in front of home fans against Hyundai A-League rivals Perth Glory.
Match dates and venues for the Round of 32 are to be confirmed by Football Federation Australia.
Stay up-to-date with all the latest news, video and results on the Westfield FFA Cup at www.theffacup.com.au.
