Corica primed for tough Australia Cup test

Having played many matches at WIN Stadium in the now defunct pre-season cup, Sydney FC will now set their sights on preparations for their Australia Cup Round of 32 clash against the Central Coast Mariners which has been confirmed for Sunday 13th of August in Wollongong.

Sydney FC Head Coach Steve Corica was part of the Sky Blues squad that played those Pre-Season Cup matches on the South Coast and is looking forward to returning to the venue.

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“WIN Stadium is a great spot for a game of football and against the Champions too.

“We’ve played pre-season games there before in Wollongong and always had good support, plus we have faced the Wolves in the Australia Cup before too,” Corica said.

Sydney FC have faced the Wolves in the Cup at WIN Stadium

The task ahead of the Sky Blues won’t be easy though, with the Central Coast Mariners taking out the Isuzu UTE A-League Championship after beating Melbourne City in June.

“It’s a great test to come up against the Champions. There’s been a bit of a turnaround in their squad as well as ours so it will be ideal to have a look at them early on.

“Competitive games are what you look for. They’re a lot higher intensity, as pre-season games can be a bit slower at times and obviously we’re building into the season,” the Head Coach said.

“They like to play football as well and it will be a great challenge for us and one we are looking forward to, especially as the fans get to have a look at the new look squad too with a lot more of the younger boys in there.”

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Corica is also looking forward to having the Doubleheader as fans get the chance to watch two games of football in the one ticket with Wollongong Wolves hosting Sydney Olympic in the NPL at the conclusion of the cup tie.

“Obviously it is a festival of football with two games and Wollongong playing after us.

“It’s great for families to come down to Wollongong and get right behind the boys,” he continued.

Sydney FC at WIN Stadium in 2006
Steve Corica in 2006

“In our squad, there’s a lot of young boys but a lot of experienced boys that we have had for a while now, showing the quality that we have.”

Tickets are on sale now, with Sydney FC Members receiving a discount which was emailed through to their inboxes.

Match Details

Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners
Australia Cup Round of 32
Sunday 13th August 2023
WIN Stadium, Wollongong, NSW
Kick Off: 3pm AEST
Gates Open: 2:30pm AEST
Broadcast Live: 10Play
Tickets: Click Here

Wollongong Wolves v Sydney Olympic
NPL NSW Round 28
Sunday 13th August 2023
WIN Stadium, Wollongong, NSW
Kick Off: 5:45pm AEST
Gates Open: 2:30pm AEST
Broadcast Live: NPL.TV
Tickets: Click Here