Canberra Croatia Exit Australia Cup

Canberra Croatia FC - 1 (Stephen DOMENICI 59’)

Mount Druitt Town Rangers FC - 3 (Solomon-John MONOHAN-VAIIKA 36’, Anthony FRANGIE 76’ 81’)

Canberra Croatia’s Australia Cup dreams were shattered in the Round of 32 as Mount Druitt Town Rangers, from Sydney’s National Premier League competition, ultimately proved too strong for their visitors, a brace of goals in the �inal fourteen minutes �inally seeing the hosts home by 3-1.

There had been hope for the Capital Football entrants, encapsulated by a quite magni�icent equalising goal just past the hour mark as Stephen Domenici arced a superb, dipping, half-volley that swerved over a cluster of defenders and left the Rangers goalkeeper stranded as it nestled into the net. Ironically, the goal was a by-product of a decision that Croatia felt should have been a stonewall penalty, Lukman Ahmed-Shaibu bundled to the ground inside the area, one of a sequence of decisions that baf�led the away team throughout the course of the ninety minutes.

Already depleted in numbers due to the absence of the injured Daniel Barac, the suspended Matt Grbeša, and the cup-tied duo of Tony Spaseski and Mchael Piccolo, plus a trio of players overseas, it was left to the Croatia young guns to provide added spark and impetus with substitutes Noah Vanderpol and Nicholas Pratežina shining in late cameos.

Indeed, the pair almost combined to pull one back late on, Pratezina showing commitment and desire to burst through a pair of Rangers challengers, cutting the ball back to Vanderpol whose effort was well- blocked.

Ahmed-Shaibu tested the re�lexes of the home stopper with a curling effort in the second-half, and also blazed over a presentable opportunity inside the �inal �ive minutes as Croatia sought a route back into the match which, by this stage of the �ixture, they trailed by two clear goals.There had been discussions over whether the home team’s opener was a foul on defender Marco Gayer, a view that the Croatia bench certainly agreed with, but take nothing away from the quality of the hit from Mount Druitt mid�ielder Solomon-John Monohan-Vaiika who thwacked a thunderous drive beyond Sam Brown in the Croatia goal that was still rising as it shook the foundations at the back of the net. Croatia’s response was excellent with the mid�ield trio of Ryan Keir, Franc Greco and

Daniel Colbertaldo dictating play, culminating in the leveller as Daniel Sparrow characteristically won a thumping challenge and played in substitute Vanderpol. His cross found its way to Domenici, via Ahmed-Shaibu, and the mercurial talent did the rest in some style.

Mount Druitt had their own dangerman though in the shape of the returning Anthony Frangie and he made the difference late on.

A well-worked move cul- minated in Frangie heading home at the far post to restore the lead and, when he plucked the ball out of the night sky to ri�le a low effort that clipped off a defending foot and into the bottom corner, the die was cast.

Sydney United 58 showcased their mettle and determination as they overcame a resilient Broadmeadow Magic in a thrilling encounter that culminated in a tense 4-2 victory at the iconic Magic Park.

The match was not without its dramatic moments, as an early and unfortunate injury to Sydney United’s Ante Bakmaz resulted in a lengthy delay. Despite the unsettling incident, striker Patrick Antelmi remained composed as he stepped up to take a crucial penalty. With precision and �inesse, Antelmi expertly placed the ball into the right corner of the net, sending the supporters into a frenzy and granting Sydney United 58 an early lead that set the tone for the match.

Broadmeadow Magic, however, swiftly showed their resilience as they fought back to level the score. Jayden Stewardson, displaying his prowess, seized the opportunity to net an equalizer, demonstrating the Magic’s determination to not be outdone on their home turf.

The back-and-forth nature of the game continued, with Sydney United 58’s captain, Adrian Vlastelica, making his mark in the 34th minute. Vlastelica’s clinical �inish re-established his team’s lead, leaving the spectators at the edge of their seats and igniting the competitive spirit on both sides.

Despite facing adversity, the Broadmeadow Magic squad demonstrated their unwavering spirit and determination. Just moments before halftime, Bailey Wells showcased his creativity and skill by deftly �licking the ball into the net, pulling off a remarkable equalizer that left everyone astounded. Even with a numerical disadvantage due to Riley Smith’s red card, the Magic side displayed remarkable resilience and resourcefulness.

The second half brought a fresh wave of intensity, with United 58’s Devante Clut stepping into the spotlight.

Clut unleashed a remarkable long-range strike that soared past the outstretched arms of Magic goalkeeper Cesar Serpa, restoring Sydney United 58’s lead and sending their supporters into jubilation.

As the �inal minutes of the match approached, both teams continued to push their limits, seeking that decisive advantage. In a captivating display of teamwork and skill, United 58 executed a precision breakaway, allowing Alessandro Lacalandra to deliver a powerful and unstoppable shot that found the back of the net. Lacalandra’s emphatic �inish sealed the deal for Sydney United 58, capping off a hard-fought victory that showcased the