The NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers have progressed to the Westfield FFA Cup Semi Finals after a penalty shootout win against Blacktown City at Lily Homes Stadium on Wednesday night.
The game went to extra-time after Blacktown City’s James Andrew cancelled out an Oriol Riera penalty, with both Andrew and Riera again scoring in extra-time to take the match to penalties.
The Wanderers would triumph 4-2 in the shootout to qualify for the Westfield FFA Cup Semi Finals for the first time, where they’ll host Adelaide United.
Tony Popovic’s side got off to the best possible start when they were awarded a penalty in the first two minutes of the match after Jumpei Kusukami was upended in the box.
Riera stepped and expertly dispatched the penalty, his third goal in as many games for the club.
Roly Bonevacia went close to pushing the Wanderers further into the lead but his volley was well taken by Blacktown’s goalkeeper Tristan Prendergast, who had a fine night between the sticks.
As the Wanderers failed to capitalise on their opportunities, Blacktown found an equaliser midway through the second half, as Andrew raced onto a nice ball from Zach Caincross before cutting inside and slotting past Janjetovic.
Substitute Steven Lustica had one of the best chances in the second half to put the Wanderers back infront but Prendergast was again on hand to keep the scores level as the game headed to extra-time.
After the restart, Riera had a fantastic opportunity to put the Wanderers into the lead after latching onto a smart ball from Kearyn Baccus but his shot thumped into the crossbar and away to safety.
It was Blacktown though who went ahead after Mitch Mallia teed up Andrew to tap home his second of the match.
Seven minutes later, the scores were level once again as a pinpoint cross from Josh Risdon found Riera who headed past Prendergast to take the game to penalties.
Former Wanderer Joey Gibbs blasted his effort over, with Janjetovic denying Blacktown’s second penalty.
Mark Bridge, Lachlan Scott, Steven Lustica and Riera all dispatched their penalties, as the Wanderers triumphed 4-2 in the shootout.
The Red & Black will now face Adelaide United in the Semi Finals with the date and venue to be confirmed shortly.
