Tara Murray
The magic of the Australia Cup was on show on Sunday as Western United was knocked out of the competition by National Premier League side Sydney United 58.
The A-League champions were left stunned as the New South Wales side claimed the win 4-3 on penalties.
Green Gully’s cup run also came to an end on Sunday.
United made two changes to the side that beat Melbourne Victory in the round of 32 with Ben Collins making his second senior start in place of Leo Lacroix, who was managed with hamstring soreness.
Dylan Pierias replaced Nicolas Milanovic in the starting line up.
It was United, who was competing in the last 16 of the tournament for the first time, who had the better of the attacking shots early.
United hit the woodwork three times in the first half, before Connor Pain finally put one in the back of the net late in the first half.
Tariq Maia levelled the scores just after half time to get the hosts back into the game.
United continued to create chances for the remainder of the match, but neither team could find a winner and the match headed to extra time.
Both sides had chances to win the match during extra time, but the shot was wide.
Scores were still locked at 1-1 at the end of extra time so the game headed to penalties.
It’s the third time Sydney had been involved in a penalty shoot out in the Australia Cup competition, having gone 1-1.
It was Western United’s first penalty shoot out in this competition.
Noah Botic was the first to convert for United, with Sydney also converting their first shot.
Ben Garuccio missed his penalty, while Sydney converted to take an early lead.
Nicolas Milanovic converted for United, before a Jamie Young save brought the game back on level terms.
Lachie Wales was next up for United and converted, as did his Sydney opponent.
Steve Lustica was fifth up for United and he missed, giving Sydney the chance to win the game.
Christian Gonzalez was the man to take the shot and he was able to convert to give his side the upset win.
Sydney fans quickly joined their team on the field to celebrate.
In other results in the round of 16, Macarthur beat Modbury Jets 4-0, Sydney FC was too good the for the Bentleigh Greens, 2-1 and Peninsula Power ended Green Gully’s run with a 2-1 win.
In matches still to be played, the Oakleigh Cannons will host Brisbane City, Melbourne City will play Wellington Phoenix, Adelaide City will play Adelaide United in an Adelaide derby, while Avondale will face the Brisbane Roar.
