Both clubs have a history of close matches, with Valley emerging victorious in the 2023 final and Excelsior securing the win in 2024. This season, the teams have split their regular-season games, adding to the anticipation of their upcoming clash.
Excelsior coach Jason Forrest acknowledges the tough challenge ahead, stating, “We know each other well. And we know exactly how difficult it’s going to be for us to get the result we’re after this weekend.”
Despite a somewhat inconsistent season, Excelsior is motivated to defend their title. Players like Seva Druma, Josh Phipps, Oli Knopp, and Tom Shields have been standout performers for the team.
On the other side, Valley enters the match on an eight-game winning streak, led by a strong core of experienced players and contributions from Japanese imports Gaku Shmizu and Kippei Taninaka.
Forrest recognizes Valley’s strengths, noting, “They’re just a well-drilled, disciplined, well-coached side that do everything well. They’re hard to break down, and they play for each other, and they’re fit.”
In the other quarterfinal, Athletic Marist and Old Boys will face off in a sudden-death game, adding further excitement to the playoff stage of the competition.
