FFA Cup holders Adelaide United opened their title defence on Wednesday night with a 6-1 victory over Darwin Olympic, while fellow A-League team Sydney FC also progressed to the round of 16 with a routine 2-0 win against Sorrento FC in Perth.
Much interest centred on Darwin where new Adelaide coach Guillermo Amor was taking the reins of the Reds for the first time, while the Top End was hosting its inaugural national competition match.
Adelaide, who won the maiden edition of the FFA Cup last December, were given a thorough workout by the local side until running away with the contest in the latter stages with three goals in quick succession.
The Reds opened the scoring midway through the opening half through a Marcelo Carrusca penalty, but Darwin drew level within a matter of seconds via a Michael Tsounias breakaway goal to the delight of a 3175-strong crowd at Darwin Football Stadium.
The NT side had opportunities to take an unlikely lead only to suddenly fall 3-1 behind as Reds’ midfielder Jimmy Jeggo netted a quickfire double just before halftime.
Sydney FC had a more routine win against a physical Sorrento despite the narrower victory margin.
The Sky Blues controlled the contest but only had an early penalty from Shane Smeltz and a second-half goal from substitute Max Burgess to show for their domination.
Sorrento fought back after a one-sided first half but Sydney were always in control with Smeltz denied a second goal from the penalty spot, with goalkeeper James Morgan making a fine block among several important saves he made on the night for the home side.
Ambitious Queensland side Lions FC also advanced with a hard-fought 2-1 win in Adelaide against Croydon Kings.
In the final match of the night, Sydney-based Rockdale City Suns recorded a deserved 3-1 home win over Perth SC.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
A 10-man Macarthur FC have scored twice in the final 10 minutes and goalkeeper Filip Kurto saved an added-time penalty to defeat Adelaide United…
Clubs have cited regulations claiming players who decline national team call-ups ought to be prevented from featuring at a domestic level.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
Nestory Irankunda has sensationally rejected the chance to play at the Paris Olympics this June after a late bid from the Olyroos to include…
