Adelaide United faces APIA Leichhardt in the Quarter Finals of the FFA Cup 2018.
Ahead of what promises to be an intriguing clash at Leichhardt Oval, get to know a little bit about our opponents.
History
APIA Leichhardt Tigers Football Club was founded in 1954 as Associazione Poli-sportiva Italo Australiana in Sydney’s inner-western suburbs by Italian immigrants with the help of English and Scottish migrants. Simply referred to as APIA, the team has enjoyed success in the local competition as well as on the national stage. In 1987, the Tigers clinched the National Soccer League title, and have been crowned champions and premiers five times, while also winning the local knockout cup tournament, the Waratah Cup in its current incarnation, on five occasions too.
Current season
After finishing the 2017 NSW NPL season at the summit of the table, APIA ended this year in second place, three points behind premier Sydney Olympic. However, the Tigers did enjoy success in this campaign’s Waratah Cup, defeating Hakoah Sydney City East 3-0 in the final.
But in the Grand Final they suffered a 3-1 defeat, falling short to Sydney Olympic in early September.
FFA Cup 2018 run
Billy McColl’s side recorded a 1-0 away win against Port Melbourne in the Round of 32, thanks to a first-half stoppage time goal from Tasuku Sekiya. In the last 16, APIA produced arguably the biggest upset in the tournament’s history following a dramatic 3-2 win against Hyundai A-League outfit Melbourne Victory at Leichhardt Oval. The Tigers found themselves boasting a commanding 2-0 lead courtesy of Sekiya’s brace. Victory restored parity as Kenny Athiu netted a double of his own before Nathan Millgate scored an 80th minute winner.
Key players
Striker Jordan Murrary finished the regular season of the NSW NPL as the competition’s top scorer with 23 goals in just 19 games. Meanwhile, Japanese forward, Sekiya, bagged 15 goals and midfielder Sean Symonds scored 10 times. Midfielder, Adrian Ucchino, has European pedigree, having played with Italian side Frosinone. Defender, David D’Apuzzo, has experience in the Hyundai A-League with Central Coast Mariners and veteran striker Franco Parisi plied his trade with Newcastle Jets.
Adelaide United face APIA Leichhardt in the Quarter Finals of the FFA Cup 2018 on Wednesday, 26 September at Leichhardt Oval. Kick-off is at 7.00 PM ACST.
