The draw for the Australia Cup Round of 16 has taken place at the conclusion of Monday night’s matches and Sydney FC have lined up a blockbuster tie with NPL NSW leaders APIA Leichhardt.
The Sky Blues made their way into the Round of 16 with a pulsating victory over the Central Coast Mariners which saw both teams exchange blow for blow, before sending the match to extra time. Jaiden Kucharski scored a stoppage time equaliser to force the game to penalties of which a marathon ensued.
22 penalties were taken with Andrew Redmayne saving the Mariners keeper’s attempt before scoring his spot kick to end a crazy afternoon of football.
APIA Leichhardt made their way through Victorian NPL side Goulburn Valley Suns in what was ultimately a mismatch with the Australia Cup debutants playing their football in NPL3. APIA raced out to an early lead before a second half quick-fire double put the game beyond reach for the Suns.
The Victorians would pull a goal back but with the hosts pushing for a second, star forward Jack Stewart hit them on the counter and secured their place in the last 16.
This is a mouthwatering clash on paper with APIA Leichhardt leading the NSW NPL currently and looking to win the title in the coming weeks, while Sydney FC lead into the Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Fixture details to be confirmed.
