WATCH: Wests APIA cruise to 4-0 win over Sydney United
Wests APIA showed off their title credentials to begin Round 2 of the Australian Championship, defeating Sydney United 4-0.
Wesley Ortiz, Dredon Kelly and Sean Symons all scored in the first half before Domenic Costanzo opened his account for APIA with a second-half penalty.
It was a comprehensive victory for the NPL NSW champions who have laid down a benchmark for the rest of the competition.
Wests APIA FC 4 v Sydney United 0
The match started at a slow pace, as both teams took some time to settle into the game and adapt to the speed that it was being played at.
Just as Sydney United began to gain the upper hand, it was APIA who struck first. Cameron Fong was set free on the right-hand side of APIA’s attack. His pinpoint ball in found the perfectly timed run of Wesley Ortiz, whose left-footed finish gave him the first goal of his campaign.
They doubled their lead from a corner. Michael Kouta was unmarked at the back post, and was able to head it back into danger. Dredon Kelly was waiting and made no mistake with his header at close range.
A third came just before half-time. This time, club captain Sean Symons stood over a free kick just outside of the penalty area. He continued the trend of stunning goals to start this competition, nestling his free kick into the top of the net in what was the final meaningful action of the half.
Sydney United did their best to respond in the second half. Michael Krslovic almost created something out of nothing in the 63rd minute, heading onto the crossbar, but APIA managed to clear.
It was APIA who would go on to score a fourth instead. Rory Jordan was brought down in the penalty area. Domenic Costanzo made no mistake from the penalty spot, extending the margin and scoring his first goal in APIA colours.
Sydney United had their own chance from the penalty spot for a consolation goal in stoppage time, but it was saved by Oliver Kalac.
The win was APIA’s first over Sydney United in 971 days, and one sees them rise to the top of the Group D table.