Saturday night’s game looked poised for extra time when the Bergers made an interception in midfield with the ball coming to Japanese playmaker Asahi Yokokawa, who sent a through ball to Juach, who dribbled under keeper Michael Woud and tapped the ball into an open net.
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The stadium exploded with noise as Juach ran around to the grandstand, while in the rooms on the far side of the ground the windows were pounded as fans chanted “Ah-Ah-Lexandros”, referencing the club’s early name of Alexander the Great – the Olympic Village scoreboard still calls the home side Heidelberg Alexander.
Fans wedged their cars into every crevice in the carpark and the surrounding streets – it would be a brave parking inspector who visited these streets on a night of this importance.
Auckland are only a season old but there were still a few fans wearing their black and blue colours, although with much of the Bergers’ merchandise also black, they all blended into the chilly evening together.
Fletcher Fulton of Heidelberg United FC is challenged by Logan Rogerson of Auckland FC.Credit: Getty Images
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A-League teams struggled to break down the Black Knights last season, who on this night were wearing their away whites. Last campaign they were the most consistent side in the regular season and one of the strongest defences.
But six minutes in Juach beat the off-side trap and was through on goal, but he took a heavy touch and Woud smothered it.
“He’s through,” yelled a passionate Bergers fan but sighs followed after it was saved.
Fans were still entering the ground 20 minutes into the match and, at that time, Bergers captain Ben Collins had a free header go just over the bar from a corner.
Auckland’s best chance came just before half-time when Marlee Francois’ shot glanced the crossbar, the Black Knights had enjoyed much of the ball but few clear chances on goal.
Half-time saw the sides locked at 0-0 and much of the second half was a grind, but just when the game looked set for extra-time, Juach struck and then, on 84 minutes, Yokokawa was put through and touched the ball under the keeper’s legs for the 2-0 lead.
Pandemonium then broke out – chants, drinks in the air and hugs and kisses as far as the eye could see.
Auckland stood around stunned. They are the third A-League side knocked off by the Bergers in this tournament so far – a group of semi-pros just one win away from a fairytale cup.
This match was their 38th of the season and they have more to come starting with a NPL Victoria qualifying final on Friday night.
‘They deserve it’: J.A. wants call-ups for Bergers
As Anastasiadis spoke, the English Premier League clash between Chelsea and Fulham played on a screen from London but it was drowned out by the celebrations in the change rooms.
It was perhaps a reminder that the big business of football is inescapable and Anastasiadis knows that cup runs inevitably see players earn A-League calls, especially with the new season starting soon.
He said he hasn’t had any calls about his players but wants it to happen – hopefully after the cup final which is scheduled for October 4.
“We want to keep them as long as we can – we’ve got a final to contend for and that is still a while away,” Anastasiadis said.
“But, seriously, I hope some of them get a knock on the door because they deserve it.”
John Anastasiadis coach of Heidelberg United FC celebrates after beating Auckland FC.Credit: Getty Images
Bergers out to prove the doubters wrong
Midfielder Anthony Lesiotis spent time with Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City and Western Sydney earlier in his career but he has shone for the Bergers as has captain Ben Collins, Soser, Juach and several others.
“If he’s not worth playing in the A-League, I don’t know who is,” Anastasiadis said.
“He had his chance when he was younger, maybe he was a bit immature.
Anthony Lesiotis of Heidelberg United FC controls the ball.Credit: Getty Images
“But he’s a mature player now. I’ve got no doubt he would do great stuff in the A-League.”
Collins praised his coach’s five-day-a-week training program which “mimics” A-League clubs but he added his own spin on the cup.
Ben Collins of Heidelberg United FC celebrates.Credit: Getty Images
“A lot of the boys have been in an A-League environment either at first team or academy level but for whatever reason we haven’t been able to make a career out of it,” Collins said.
“There is an underdog energy. When you finish up in the A-League, all you want to do is beat the people who said you weren’t good enough.”
Bali and beyond for the Bergers
Collins admits he had tears in his eyes as his side celebrated their goals and the enormity of their achievements came to the fore.
“When the first goal went in, I got emotional and when the second goal went in, oh man, if it wasn’t a soccer match I would have started crying,” Collins beamed after spending time with a pack of family and friends who came to watch the game.
Asahi Yokokawa of Heidelberg United FC celebrates after scoring a goal.Credit: Getty Images
“One of the amazing things about this competition, especially these last few games, is the support we’ve received from family but also the community. I saw people from clubs I used to play with and people I went to school with in the crowd – it’s incredible how it just brings everyone together.”
The former Western United defensive hardman has led a defence that has conceded no goals in their last three cup games, all of which has been at fortress Olympic Village.
More amazingly, if the Bergers win the Cup, they will qualify for the 2026-2027 AFC Champions League 2 competition and face professional giants from around the region.
Some Bergers players had a Bali trip booked for after the NPL Victoria grand final in mid-September, it may be moved, but Collins admits taking the Bergers overseas would add to the fairytale.
“It’s ridiculous to even think about,” Collins said.
“It’s been a joke between a few of the boys but it’s another motivational factor to win this final. It’s special enough to play in the final but it would be 10 times more special to play in an Asian competition.”
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