Heidelberg United’s fairy-tale run in the 2025 Australia Cup has seen the National Premier Leagues Victoria outfit topple three A-League Men heavyweights. Now, the Bergers are just one step away from the unthinkable: lifting the trophy itself when they face Newcastle Jets in the final on October 4.
The Melbourne-based side booked their spot in the decider with a famous 2-0 semifinal win over reigning A-League Men premiers Auckland FC on August 30 at Olympic Village. The New Zealand champions arrived stacked with international talent — including captain Hiroki Sakai, Logan Rogerson, Jake Brimmer, Dan Hall, and Michael Woud — but Heidelberg, whose most recognizable names were goalkeeper Yaren Sozer, midfielder Anthony Lesiotis, and South Sudan international Chok Dau, refused to be overawed.
After an even first half, the Bergers struck twice through Bul Juach and Asahi Yokokawa to seal victory, becoming only the second lower-tier side to ever reach the Australia Cup final, following Sydney United 58 in 2022.
Remarkably, Auckland were not the only giant to fall at Heidelberg’s hands. Their giant-killing act began after a routine 2-0 win over Weston Bears in the round of 32, when they stunned Western Sydney Wanderers in the round of 16. Despite the Wanderers boasting stars like Kosta Barbarouses, Alou Kuol, Joshua Brillante, and Lawrence Thomas, Heidelberg’s semi-professional squad — a mix of engineers, Uber drivers, aviation managers, mortgage brokers, shop assistants, laborers, students, and part-time coaches — blew them away 3-0 on August 12 in Heidelberg.
Wellington Phoenix were next, and they too were swept aside in a 4-0 demolition at Olympic Village on August 19, with Hideki Ishige, Kazuki Nagasawa, Paulo Retre, and Alex Rufer powerless to stop Heidelberg’s momentum.
That set up the semifinal against Auckland, and now only the Newcastle Jets stand between Heidelberg and immortality. The Jets reached the final by beating Avondale FC 4-2 in the other semifinal, denying the chance of an all-NPL Victoria decider.
For Heidelberg, October 4 offers more than just a final — it offers the chance to etch their name into Australian football folklore.