3 minute read
Melbourne City coach Erick Mombaerts says reaching the FFA Cup final so early in his time at the A-League club is a big plus for him personally.
Reaching the FFA Cup final just four competitive matches into his tenure as Melbourne City coach has delighted Erick Mombaerts.
City reached their second FFA Cup final with a 5-1 thrashing of NPL Queensland team Brisbane Strikers at Perry Park on Tuesday.
It means Mombaerts will have the chance to secure the first silverware of his time in Australia when City take on Central Coast or Adelaide in the October 23 decider.
"It's a good start. It's the best start I can dream," the Frenchman said.
"A final, it's good, but a final is good when you win."
City recovered from falling behind early in the semi-final with Adam Pengelly blasting the Strikers into a third minute lead.
Teenager Connor Metcalfe got the visitors back on level terms after half an hour with his first senior goal after being given the nod by Mombaerts ahead of Uruguayan imports Marcelo Cabrera and Adrian Luna, who were named as substitutes.
The 19-year-old academy product, who made his A-League debut last season, was subbed midway through the second half for Luna but his performance drew praise from Mombaerts.
"I trust Connor ... he showed all of his potential (on Tuesday)," Mombaerts said.
"He scored a beautiful goal. He could have scored also one or two more. He's an important player.
"He's young but he has good potential ... We also need a left attacking midfielder to create space and also Connor, he has a good quality, he can make this diagonal run which is so important for our play."
Metcalfe will be hoping his performance is enough to keep him in the starting XI when City kick off their A-League campaign in a blockbuster derby against crosstown rivals Melbourne Victory on October 12 at AAMI Park.
