Melbourne City’s 2025 Australia Cup campaign has come to an end in the Round of 32, going down 2-0 to APIA Leichhardt on a wet Wednesday night at Leichhardt Oval.
While the result is a disappointing one, the night will be remembered for the significant opportunities handed to the Club’s next generation, with 10 players making their senior debuts, including six in the starting XI.
With pre-season only beginning earlier this month and several senior players not yet in action, Head Coach Aurelio Vidmar fielded an extremely youthful squad, with an average age of just 17.6.
Among the debutants were Lachie Charles, Beckham Baker, Mathew Baker, Ryan Kalms, Marcus Humbert and Angus Mackintosh, all named in the starting line-up. With Xavier Stella, Peter Antoniou, Aaron Cartwright and Akeem Gerald introduced off the bench.
Gerald made history in the second half, becoming City’s youngest ever debutant at just 15 years and 179 days.
Despite the result, there were moments of real promise, including several key saves from Charles, composed ball movement from the back, and strong spells of attacking play where we were able to see glimpses of the talent in City’s academy.
While City bow out of the Australia Cup, attention now turns to the upcoming AFC Champions League Elite and A-League Men’s competition, as well as the continued development of the Club’s emerging stars.
