Heidelberg hit Metrostars for six despite manager Johnny Anastasiadis' absence

Written by Lachlan Sherriff

(Australian Championship/X)

After a 2025 campaign that's included the NPL Victoria season and finals, the full length of two cup competitions, and their Australian Championship group, today could have finally been the end for Heidelberg United, who would have been eliminated from the Championship with a loss against MetroStars.

But as long as this season's been for Heidelberg, they weren't ready to end it just yet.

MetroStars, who punched their ticket to the quarter finals last week with a win against Sydney United, were the heavy underdogs as they travelled down to Heidelberg, but spirits still would have been high. For one, MetroStars entered today's game in top form, with three wins and a draw from their recent four games, compared to Heidelberg who had failed to win any of their last three.

On top of this, the results from earlier in the weekend were on their side. Marconi, who finished second in their group, defeated Group D winners Wests APIA on Friday night. Incredibly, the upsets didn't stop there, as the runners up of Group A, Moreton City, defeated Avondale in their quarter final match earlier today.

Before the match, there was a moment of worry for Heidelberg United as manager Johnny Anastasiadis was taken to hospital. According to Joey Lynch, this was a "precautionary measure" due to Anastasiadis "feeling unwell" before kickoff.

Thankfully, assistant manager Savvas Patikkis was able to step in and lead Heidelberg to victory - though it wasn't the greatest of starts.

Only two minutes in, Thomas Visser controlled a long ball from Cody Oestreich, before beating his defender and placing a shot into the far corner. It was 1-0 to MetroStars, and our third upset of the day seemed on the cards.

(Australian Championship/X)

But in typical Heidelberg fashion, they turned the game around, and quickly.

Only four minutes after MetroStars scored, Jay McGowan made something out of nothing and scored from outside the box to bring the scores back to level.

And only a minute after that, Bul Juach got his own chance from close range and also made no mistake. Seven minutes in, and we already had three goals. And Heidelberg had the lead back.

In a game where seemingly everyone was taking their chances, it only made sense for Marcus Humbert to get on the scoresheet, which he did in the 34th minute with his own close range finish.

At this point, Heidelberg were just lining up to score, hitting the woodwork on both sides of the half time break. But eventually, the fourth goal would come in the 56th minute, as Bul Juach completed his brace.

Not to be outdone, Marcus Humbert scored his own brace two minutes later and made it 5-1, though Danny Graystone seemed to think it shouldn't have counted.

Unfortunately for Graystone and his team, the decision was sent to the brand new Football Video Support system, who confirmed the goal stood.

Anthony Lesiotis got it on the fun and rounded the keeper in the 86th minute to make it 6-1, before Johnny Apostolopoulos thought he had scored number seven, though it was ruled out by FVS.

But it wouldn't have any impact on the result. Heidelberg won 6-1 in dominant fashion, becoming the first team all weekend to win at home.

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Assuming Heidelberg win next weekend, they only have two games left in this never-ending season, but today showed that they may have one last push in the tank. The addition of Marcus Humbert is proving to be a good one, while Bul Juach continues to show why he's one of the best strikers in Australia right now.

Of course, full thoughts go out to Johnny Anastasiadis, who will hopefully be in good spirits after hearing about his team's victory. It's been a season of ups and downs for Heidelberg, so hopefully the rollercoaster ride ends with Anastasiadis on the sidelines, where he's meant to be.

In the mean time, Heidelberg United will wait until tomorrow to find out whether their semi final opponent will be South Melbourne or NWS Spirit. There's a very good chance that next week sees another chapter added to the famous South Melbourne vs Heidelberg rivalry, but if there's anything this weekend has taught us, you can't rule out an NWS Spirit upset.