FFA Cup semi-finalists Canberra Olympic coach Frank Cachia has brushed off criticism that his side is yet to face an A-League opponent on its dream run.
The ACT champions will face an A-League opponent for the first time in Wednesdayâs semi-final against an in-form Sydney FC at Viking Park.
Olympic, who are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year, have beaten Surfers Paradise Apollo (1-0), Redlands United (2-0) and Green Gully (1-0) on their way to the semi-final, with all three games played at home.
The latter two NPL clubs were responsible for producing two huge upsets, knocking out A-League duo Adelaide United and Central Coast respectively in the Round of 32.
âWe donât make the draw,â Cachia told FourFourTwo.
âWeâve played two teams whoâve knocked off A-League sides, so you can only play whatâs in front of you.
âHad we drawn an A-League side earlier, of course, we wouldâve appreciated the opportunity to go head to head with them.
âItâs one of those things. Weâve played whatâs been put in front of us.â

Cachia revealed the playing group had been spurred on by the clubâs anniversary to create a legacy as Olympicâs greatest ever side, which might provide extra motivation.
âWhen we started on a bit of a run and it looked like we were going to win one or two (local) trophies, I said âitâs the 60th year, you want to be remembered as the best Olympic side in our 60 years. Have a legacyâ,â Cachia said.
âWe gave them a bit of a task but no one expected this. Itâs great.â
Cachia acknowledged Sydney represented a whole new challenge for his side.
âThe whole mindset changes now,â Cachia said.
âThe sides that weâve played, with all due respect, have still been NPL sides, so you give yourselves a chance where you can expose some weaknesses.
âWhen youâre playing an A-League side at the calibre of Sydney FC, you know theyâre not going to have the weaknesses that other sides have and the strengths that you have are going to be nullified.
âYou do what you can to get the most of your performance.â
Viking Park looking brilliant and ready for the #FFACup semi final pic.twitter.com/WvvVh6RW5b
â Canberra Olympic FC (@COFC1956) October 17, 2016
The Olympic coach added that there was a simple message if players needed any extra motivation.
âYouâve got to send a message to your boys that itâs all about the performance,â he said.
âYouâre on a national stage. Youâre playing against players who youâve watched on TV.
âAnyone thatâs pulled on a boot at some decent level like these guys have all had aspirations to end up where the Sydney guys have.
âIt gives you an opportunity to pit yourself against someone who is in the position you want to be, so prove something.â
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