Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Getty Images

Few Palm Beach SC players were as excited by the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 16 draw as defender Martin Vazquez.

Originally hailing from the western reaches of Sydney, and playing his junior football with former National Soccer League powerhouse Marconi, Vazquez is an unabashed Western Sydney Wanderers supporter.

However, tonight he sets those loyalties aside to line up for his own club against the very same players he will be cheering on this summer in the Hyundai A-League.

“It’s a bit of mixed emotions for me to be fair, but I can’t wait for the game. I actually wanted to play against them and it will be a good challenge,” Vazquez explained.

“Everyone in the team is stoked that we get to play against the Asian Champions. They’ve made a big name for themselves in the past three years and everyone in the team is excited by the challenge.”

While scouting the opposition wasn’t his original intention, Vazquez has keenly observed the Wanderers’ Hyundai A-League pre-season preparations and he knows plenty about their squad.

As a central defender, he said he was acutely aware of the threat posed by Wanderers’ new Italian marquee striker - Federico Piovaccari.

“He played in the friendly game against Canberra and from what I saw and heard he was very sharp and a bit of a target man up front - so that will be a challenge for me and Kristian Rees to mark him.”

However, Vazquez has no doubt that he and former Hyundai A-League Premiership winner Rees will rise to the challenge.

“What gets me and Kristian going well is our communication and I think that will see us through.”

If Sharks win tonight it will mark a second consecutive Quarter Finals appearance for the Gold Coast club.

While the Sharks battling qualities are quickly becoming legendary in the Westfield FFA Cup, Vazquez said it would be great to break the habit of advancing via penalty shoot-outs.

“It is exhausting playing for 120 minutes and then stepping up for a penalty shoot-out,” he said.

“But with the way we are training, our coach has us a bit more structured at the moment and I think we can get the win in 90 minutes if we stick to our plan.”

No matter the result, Vazquez said he intends to secure himself a memento from the match - already eyeing off players to swap jerseys with at full-time.

“If I have the chance I would obviously take a big player’s name like Nikolai Topor-Stanley - he is a centre-back like me.”

And what of his own number five shirt - will he hand it over?

“They can have it, mate. I’ll even sign it for them if they want,” he laughed.

MATCH DETAILS:
Westfield FFA Cup Round of 16

Palm Beach SC v Western Sydney Wanderers
Date: Tuesday 01 September 2015
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Robina QLD
Kick-off: 7.30pm
Gates open: 6.30pm 

TICKETING DETAILS:

Adult: $15
Concession: $10
Child (Under 15): FREE 

CORPORATE EVENT DETAILS:

Hinterland Room, Cbus Super Stadium
Entry: Gate A Corporate Entry
When: 6.30pm
Inclusions: Guest speaker, premium seating, finger food and pre-game drinks
Price: $66 p.p.
Dress: Smart Casual

Tickets available for purchase at Palm Beach Soccer Club by contacting gm@palmbeachsoccerclub.com.au or 07 5535 9300