<
        >

          Adelaide, Melbourne City, Perth Glory, Heidelberg through in FFA Cup

          • Cronan Yu
          Aug 26, 2015, 11:51 AM ET

          Holders Adelaide United advanced into the FFA Cup quarterfinals as a Dylan McGowan goal deep into extra time secured a 2-1 win over Sydney FC at Coopers Stadium.

          McGowan's winner came from close-range after a Marcello Carrusca cross. The matchwinner's night was spoiled somewhat just minutes later when he was sent off for a cynical challenge on Sydney defender Sebastian Ryall.

          Earlier, Sydney had made the better start and took the lead after 15 minutes when Rhyan Grant obtained possession in midfield before executing a perfectly-directed lob that caught Adelaide goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic in no-man's land.

          The goal, though, proved to be a turning point in the half as Adelaide slowly took control of the match. Sergio Cirio had a perfect opportunity to equalise in the 35th minute when he hit the post after a fine run. Moments later, Marcello Carrusca was denied by Sydney goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic.

          Adelaide finally found the net five minutes before half-time when Sergio Cirio beat right-back Aaron Calver before crossing for Pablo Sanchez to volley past Janjetovic.

          After an evenly-played second half, Sydney created the first chance of extra time when a Galekovic block from a Riley Woodcock cross fell to Chris Naumoff, who was unable to test the goalkeeper.

          Cirio then had a chance in the 99th minute but shot straight at the on-rushing Janjetovic. Six minutes before a penalty shootout, McGowan scored the decider.

          Meanwhile, there were penalties galore at AAMI Park as Melbourne City thrashed Wellington Phoenix 5-1.

          Aaron Mooy converted from the spot in the 18th minute, before Harry Novillo doubled the lead three minutes later before debutant Bruno Fornaroli extended the lead with a penalty after 32 minutes.

          One minute later Wellington responded with a penalty of their own through Roy Krishna after Paulo Retre fouled Alex Rufer.

          The flurry of goals continued after 40 minutes as Robert Koren re-established the home side's three-goal lead and, four minutes after half-time, Wade Dekker tapped in to make it 5-1.

          Wellington's woeful night was completed when Krishna failed to convert the fourth penalty of the match in the dying moments. Tando Velaphi saved after Patrick Kisnorbo brought down Joel Stevens.

          Perth Glory are through to the last eight after they edged out minnows Lions FC 1-0 in extra time at Perry Park having gone down to 10 men after just six minutes.

          Perth goalkeeper Jerrad Tyson was given his marching orders after bringing down Shoheel Khan in the penalty area. However, the hosts were denied an early lead when substitute goalkeeper Nicholas Feely managed to keep out Andre Bonotto's spot-kick.

          Glory forward Richard Garcia came close to scoring with a first half header while Sidnei wasted two glorious opportunities after the break when he failed to direct headers on target.

          Eventually, Chris Harold proved the difference, scoring from his second attempt in the 116th minute after a good run by Gygory Snyder.

          Heidelberg United of the Victorian Premier League eased past fellow second-tier opposition as they saw off Sydney United 58 FC 2-0 at Olympic Park.

          Dan Heffernan scored the fastest goal in the history of the competition after just 26 seconds when he directed a Reuben Way cross into the net and Heidelberg put the result beyond doubt when substitute Kenny Athiu scored three minutes from time.

          The final four FFA Cup quarterfinals take place on Sept. 1 when Hume City face Sydney Olympic, North Eastern MetroStars take on Oakleigh Cannons, Rockdale City Suns host Melbourne Victory and Palm Beach play Western Sydney Wanderers.