For the first time in three years, Melbourne Victory are in the Australia Cup Round of 16. The last time they got that far, they went all the way, and they’ll be hungry to do it again—but before they can dream of trophies, they’ve got to take care of North West Sydney Spirit FC, a side fresh off their first cup victory who’d love the opportunity to truly put themselves on the national map. Before this duel kicks off at Christie Park, let’s go over what they did to make it here and consider how either side could claim a spot in the quarter-finals.
Spirit topple Tasmanians After making it to the national rounds for the second time in three years, NWS Spirit found themselves hosting Glenorchy Knights, the Milan Lakoseljac Cup winners who came to Sydney carrying the hopes of both Tasmania and the Croatian diaspora on their backs. The hosts got the early edge, making multiple serious challenges before the Knights could even get the shot off, and that paid dividends in the 27th minute, when Knights keeper Angus Burdon got a touch on it, but Michael Konestabo swooped in at the other post and tapped it in right at the goal line to put the Spirit in front. A few minutes later, the Koalas doubled their advantage when Jacob Chidiac and Richard Darko pulled off a beautiful two-man counter down the left side, ending with Darko’s flourish of a strike and setting the eventual terms for half-time.
Spirit’s on ???? and through the Round of 32 at just their second attempt! @nwssp.