We hold the Australia Cup Champions to a draw
We went to Lakeside Stadium on Saturday night and came away level with the Australia Cup Champions. Nothing separated us and South Melbourne over 90 minutes, and the game went to a penalty shootout. South Melbourne took the bonus point in sudden death.
We were first out of the blocks, attacking well and moving forward constantly. Jordan Perez and our front players made several early chances, and South Melbourne's back line had to stay sharp to keep us out. At the other end, South Melbourne pushed forward too, and we went in at half-time with the score still 0-0.
The second half followed much the same pattern. South Melbourne had their moments, but our defensive line held firm and they couldn't find a way through.
We came closest in the 75th minute. Lachlan Sattout's free kick was dangerous enough to force a good save from the South Melbourne keeper.
South Melbourne then sent a run of late set pieces into our box. Danijel Nizic kept them out, which sent the game to penalties.
The first five rounds of the shootout finished 3-3, so it went to sudden death. Nizic made two saves and came close to more. In the eighth round, South Melbourne's keeper saved Jaden Casella's penalty. Jack Pointer-Andrews then scored the next one for them.
It wasn't the finish we wanted, but we can be proud of this one. We went to the home of the Australia Cup Champions and held them scoreless for 90 minutes.
Next up, we're home against Canberra Croatia on Sunday 15 Nov, with a 3pm kick-off. Come down and get behind us.