Melbourne Victory was too strong for NWS Spirit, defeating the NSW NPL side 0-4 to advance to the next round of the Australia Cup.
It was a windy night at Christie Park as Melbourne Victory looked to book their spot in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Australia Cup.
Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo selected a full-strength side for the important clash against the NSW NPL hosts, with Daniel Arzani making his return to the starting lineup.
How we line up for the @AustraliaCup Round of 1️⃣6️⃣ pic.twitter.com/twXz2xfpK5
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) August 28, 2024
Jack Duncan was called into question early in the content when a dangerous corner cross was sent in from the Spirit. Calls for a penalty were shouted from the home stands but a foul was the call instead, with Duncan winning the ball.
After dominating possession, the biggest chance of the first half so far came Jordi Valadon’s way in the 19th minute.
A high pass into the box from Daniel Arzani found Valadon in the box in some space with the Spirit keeper charging toward. Valadon attempted to chip the keeper in mid-air, but his shot hit the crossbar and rebounded for a goal kick.
Ryan Teague then broke the deadlock in the 29th minute with a brilliant strike from outside the box to give Victory the lead.
Teaguey, that is stunning 🤩
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) August 28, 2024
Not a bad way to open the scoring 🥶 pic.twitter.com/pi3vhch8Le
Nikos Vergos and Nishan Velupillay both looked to double Victory’s lead, but a failed penalty shout and a diving save stopped that from happening.
But, on the edge of half-time, Nish finally found another breakthrough with another stunner of a strike from outside of the box to double our lead.
Nish with a brilliant strike to double our lead 💥 pic.twitter.com/QGE15G4ZQ6
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) August 28, 2024
No changes were made for the second half with the wind remaining a problem for both sides.
A tough start to the second half was cut short when new signing Nikos Vergos scored his first goal for the Club in the 57th minute
A brilliant cross from Nish found Vergos in the box who made no mistake, slotting home from close range.
A goal on debut for Nikos 😍 pic.twitter.com/Jy4vPIe1C2
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) August 28, 2024
And then, only 10 minutes later, Velupillay scores once again to extend Victory’s lead to four.
A second brace in two matches for Nish has the young attacker in fine form this Australia Cup campaign.
Another @AustraliaCup round, another brace for Nish 🔥 pic.twitter.com/lc9suPqha1
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) August 28, 2024
Victory Academy attacker Jordan Hoey made his senior debut for the Club, taking the field in the 77th minute.
The full-time whistle blew and Victory now face Moreten Bay Excelsior in the Quarter-Finals of the Australia Cup.