APIA Hold Off Spirited Comeback in Five-Goal Thriller at Lambert Park
APIA Leichhardt FC built a commanding three-goal lead at Lambert Park before surviving a fierce late surge from NWS Spirit FC to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory on Saturday afternoon.
On a cloudy day at a vibrant Lambert Park, the reigning champions were chasing their first points of the season against the reigning premiers in what shaped as an early heavyweight clash.
APIA made an assertive start, dominating the opening 15 minutes by winning second balls and maintaining sustained possession. Despite the pressure, Spirit managed the early tempo well and limited clear-cut chances.
The first genuine opportunity came when Cameron Fong cut inside and fired at the near post with his weaker foot, but Christopher Marques was equal to the effort.
The breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute. A clever backheel from Seiya Kambayashi released Sean Symons down the flank, and his delivery found Presley Ortiz at the front post, where the striker calmly slotted home.
Spirit responded in the 36th minute following a turnover in build-up. Kosta Petratos reacted quickest to the loose ball and fed Kaan Nizam, whose tame effort nonetheless registered the visitors’ first shot on target.
The visitors’ best chance of the half came four minutes later. Aiden Mostofi surged into the box and flashed a dangerous ball across goal, but APIA goalkeeper Oliver Kalac punched clear under pressure.
APIA doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time. Kambayashi delivered a precise lofted pass from deep that drew Marques off his line and found Jordan Segreto’s run in behind. The APIA No.17 showed composure to round the goalkeeper and slot into an empty net.
Spirit emerged stronger after the break, threatening through sharp combination play. Mostofi and Riku Kobayashi combined neatly to release Petratos, but his attempt sailed over the crossbar.
The hosts effectively sealed the contest in the 76th minute. Edward Caspers showed composure to win possession and initiate a slick passing move that sent Oscar Gonzalez through on goal. Marques brought him down, and Jack Stewart calmly converted the resulting penalty into the bottom-left corner.
Spirit refused to surrender. Just three minutes later, Mostofi produced a stunning solo effort, weaving between defenders before striking low into the bottom-right corner from outside the box.
The contest intensified in stoppage time when Shoki Yoshida capitalised on a defensive error to finish clinically in the 91st minute, setting up a tense finale. However, APIA held firm to secure the three points.
Spirit head coach Sergio Malfara praised his side’s character despite the result.
“Definitely take the positives — it shows character,” Malfara said. “First half we weren’t good enough, I was very clear on that. But second half, I’m really proud of the performance.”
APIA coach Franco Parisi acknowledged the late scare but emphasised the importance of the result.
“Three points is what we needed today and that’s critical. It’s a long season, but you’ve got to start banking points,” Parisi said.
MATCH STATS
APIA Leichhardt FC 3
(Ortiz ’22, Segreto ’45, Stewart ’76 pen)
NWS Spirit FC 2
(Mostofi ’79, Yoshida ’91)
Saturday 14 February 2026
Lambert Park
Referee: Sam Kelly
Assistant Referees: Luke Chapman & Benjamin Hutchison
Fourth Official: Harriet Gee
APIA Leichhardt FC: 1.Oliver Kalac (GK), 2. Seiya Kambayashi (7. Jack Stewart ’57), 8. Michael Konestabo (14. Max Court ’67), 9. Presley Ortiz (29. Oscar Gonzalez ’67), 16. Sean Symons (C), 17. Jordan Segreto (11. Rory Jordan ’57), 19. Fabian Monge (99. Franco Farinella ’82), 21. Michael Kouta, 22. Edward Caspers, 24. Cameron Fong, 28. Kyle Shaw
Substitutes Not Used: 27. Henry Gifford (GK), 30. Alex Denmead
Yellow Cards: Oscar Gonzalez ’87
Red Cards: None
NWS Spirit FC: 1.Christopher Marques (GK), 2. Aiden Mostofi, 4. Bradie Smith (3. Kyah Williams ’56), 7. Shoki Yoshida, 8. Grant Cornwell (C), 10. Kosta Petratos, 11. Kaan Nizam (14. Benjamin Duroux ’56), 13. Simon Nicholas (32. Thomas Mason ’82), 18. Andre Takami, 19. Zayne Ahluwalia (15. Sam Armson ’56), 21. Finn Ballard McBride (17. Riku Kobayashi ’45)
Substitutes Not Used: 12. Jay Coates (GK), 16. Charlie Broomhead
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: None
Player Ratings:
3 – Edward Caspers (AL)
2 – Jordan Segreto (AL)
1 – Presley Ortiz (AL)
By Ikko Ehode Arimoto
