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Scores updated regularly. REFRESH NOW
APIA Leichhardt Tigers vs Melbourne Victory |
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|---|---|---|
2018 FFA Cup |
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| Leichhardt Oval, Sydney | ||
| APIA Leichhardt Tigers | Melbourne Victory | |
| 3 | SCORE | 2 |
| 11 | Shots | 13 |
| 1 | Corners | 5 |
| 4 | Yellow Cards | 1 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
Apia Leichhardt Tigers FC have defeated Melbourne Victory 3-2 in the round of 16 FFA Cup clash at Leichhardt Oval. You read that right.
A group of amateur part-timers took an unlikely lead in the ninth minute through Tasuku Sekiya, with a sublime finish, and while Melbourne had their chances in the first half, they never really hit their groove.
Apia then amazed everyone when they doubled their lead, again through the Japanese import, with a strong strike, and suddenly the magic of the cup felt real.
Melbourne, as expected from the start, eventually came into the game, and struck through Kenny Athiu when he grabbed a double, his first with a well-timed strike, and his second tapping in the ball as it hovered on the goal line.
However, the magic was about to be on full display, as Franco Perisi lofted in a free kick from out left, for Nathan Millgate to come rampaging in at the back post and loop a header over goalkeeper Matt Acton, who could do nothing.
The full-time whistle was met with 2500 spectators cheering as one, David having triumphed over Goliath.
Final score
Apia Leichhardt Tigers FC 3
Melbourne Victory 2
The FFA Cup continues with NPL NSW stalwarts the APIA Leichhardt Tigers facing off against the reigning A-League Champion Melbourne Victory at Leichhardt Oval in the Round of 16. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm (AEST).
The reigning A-League champion against a high-flying NPL side looking to make a national statement? This could be a particularly intriguing contest.
Melbourne will not be expecting an easy win over the Tigers tonight, with APIA having enjoyed an excellent state league this season, coming second in the premiership.
The Tigers appear to know only one way to play, having managed 60+ goals in their 22 matches. Banging in nearly three goals per game, regardless of the level, is no easy accomplishment.
On the back of a recent loss to Sydney United in the first week of finals (having lost on penalties of all things), setting up an elimination final against the Rockdale Suns this weekend, you can’t help but feel that the Tigers might even look at this match as having a point to prove to a few people.
The Victory, on the other hand, are just cruising, enjoying a solid win over Perth in the Round of 32 without really breaking a sweat.
While there will be numerous eyes on the lookout for Keisuke Honda, the Japanese superstar is unlikely to play, the club taking no chances with their star import before the start of the A-League season proper.
It won’t be too big a deal for Victory to rest Honda, though, with the red-hot Kosta Barbarouses in the line-up, almost guaranteeing that the Victory will find the net, and often.
Prediction
It’s really hard to call the upset here. APIA are coming off the intensity of finals football, and they should be exhausted from a 120-minute match, backing up on Tuesday, with an eye to an elimination final this Saturday.
Melbourne Victory, meanwhile, can pick and choose from a large squad, with the luxury of sitting out their best player.
Melbourne Victory to win by three goals.
Catch all the action on The Roar live from 7:30pm (AEST).
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