Broadmeadow Magic 0-0 Wests APIA
Magic win penalty shootout 4-3 for bonus point
Broadmeadow Magic coach Jim Cresnar was thrilled with his side’s efforts after securing a 0-0 draw against Wests APIA in round one of the Australian Championship at Magic Park on Saturday afternoon.
After a hard-fought contest the match went to penalties where Magic claimed the bonus point to finish the opening round with two points.
The first half was a cagey affair, with the teams testing each other’s defence but struggling to create clear-cut chances.
Magic’s Riley Smith and Bailey Wells combined well just before the break, but Wells’ volley was comfortably collected by goalkeeper Oliver Kalac to keep the scores level at half-time.
APIA came out firing after the restart, forcing Broadmeadow to spend much of the second half defending in their own half.
Goalkeeper Noah James proved instrumental in keeping Magic in the contest, producing several important saves as the hosts’ defence continued to withstand the pressure.
With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the match headed to a penalty shootout to decide who would take home the additional point.
James denied APIA’s Michael Konestabo from the spot but James Cresnar struck the post for Broadmeadow, leaving the shootout levelled after the opening attempts.
The teams continued to trade successful penalties before James came up big again, denying APIA’s Edward Caspers. Jakob Cresnar then stepped up to convert the decisive spot kick and secure the bonus point for Magic.
Despite the late pressure, Cresnar was proud of his side’s resilience, admitting fatigue began to take its toll in the closing stages.
“We ran our legs in the last 15 minutes, which they [APIA] dominated, but at times we had our moments as well. I’m very proud of the efforts in terms of that,” Cresnar said.
“Having a draw against a powerhouse such as APIA is a big result for us.
“It’s always an interesting moment [penalties] but overall, we got the two points and that’s what matters.”
Broadmeadow will now travel to Victoria to face Avondale FC on Saturday, with Cresnar stressing the importance of recovery ahead of another challenging fixture.
“It’s going to be very similar but the main thing for us now is that we need a good recovery to freshen up and be ready for Avondale on Saturday,” Cresnar said.
After showing their defensive resilience against APIA, Magic will look to carry that momentum into their next test.