Title Race Heats Up: APIA Edge St George FC in Thriller
APIA Leichhardt FC have surged to within two points of league leaders Sydney United 58 after edging St George FC 2–1 in a dramatic Sunday evening clash at Lambert Park.
In a match that had everything—momentum swings, late drama, and high stakes—APIA extended their unbeaten run to 11 games, holding their nerve through a frantic finish that saw St George push them to the limit.
The hosts entered the Round 12 encounter brimming with confidence, unbeaten at home and fresh off a commanding 4–1 victory over Sydney Olympic. In contrast, St George FC arrived desperate to snap a five-game winless run after a strong start to the season.
The opening half was a tense, hard-fought affair.
APIA controlled the early exchanges before St George grew into the contest, with both sides trading periods of dominance. However, resolute defending on both ends ensured chances were limited.
The best opportunity of the half fell to the visitors midway through, when Evangelo Souris attempted to curl an effort into the top corner, only to see it drift off target.
St George came out firing after the break, pressing high and forcing APIA deep into their own half. Their intensity nearly paid off when Jaden Casella struck the right-hand post from the edge of the box, leaving goalkeeper Oliver Kalac stranded.
But just as the visitors looked on top, APIA flipped the script.
A dangerous inswinging corner found Kyle Shaw rising highest in a crowded six-yard box, powering home to give the hosts a crucial breakthrough.
With momentum now firmly on their side, APIA struck again ten minutes later. Oscar Gonzalez threaded a perfectly weighted pass through to Michael Konestabo, who held off his defender and finished clinically at the near post to double the lead.
At 2–0, it looked like the hosts had done enough—but the drama was far from over.
In the first minute of stoppage time, St George were handed a lifeline when Justin Poon was brought down in the box. Casella stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty into the bottom corner, setting up a grandstand finish.
Moments later, St George had one final chance to snatch a point. A free kick on the edge of the box fell once again to Casella, but his effort drifted agonisingly wide of the post.
Relief for APIA. Heartbreak for St George.
The final whistle confirmed all three points for the home side, capping off a resilient performance that keeps them firmly in the title race.
APIA Leichhardt head coach Franco Parisi acknowledged the drama of the finish while praising the contest overall.
“The end of the game was pretty dramatic, but besides that, I thought both teams, as we anticipated, played football and really competitive football,” he said.
Oscar Gonzalez also highlighted the cohesion within the squad following his key assist.
“The front three and the top two are so fluid. Even though it changes sometimes, everyone understands each other—the chemistry is there. It’s about finding that final ball.”
The victory continues APIA’s impressive run, bringing them within touching distance of the summit. But Parisi remains grounded.
“It’s a 30-round competition. To get through the last seven days with three games, take maximum points, and progress in the Australia Cup—that’s the most exciting part.”
Momentum is building—and APIA are coming.
Match Stats
APIA Leichhardt FC 2 (Kyle Shaw 71’, Michael Konestabo 81)
St George FC 1 (Jaden Casella 90+1)
Sunday 26th April, 2026
Lambert Park
Referee: Casey Reibelt
Assistant Referees: Amber Morris and James Makris
Fourth Official: Mujtaba Ebrahimi
APIA Leichhardt: 1. Oliver Kalac, 2. Seiya Kambayashi (11. Rory Jordan 63’), 7. Jack Stewart (30. Alex Denmead 63’), 8. Michael Konestabo, 15. Themba Muata-Marlow, 19. Fabian Monge, 21. Michael Kouta (23. Levi Sciuriaga 85’), 24. Cameron Fong, 26. Oscar Gonzalez (3. Navid Alizada 85’), 28. Kyle Shaw (4. Eijin Kishimoto 77), 99. Franco Farinella
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Alexander Parkes, 22. Edward Caspers
Yellow Cards: Kyle Shaw 34’, Michael Kouta 74’, Themba Muata-Marlow 90+4
Red Cards: Nil
St George FC: 3. Troy Danaskos (7. Justin Poon 70’), 4. Jayden Seeto, 5. Nicholas Kalogerou, 6. Patrick O’Shea 8. Evangelo Souris (25. Harrison Farrow 82’), 10. Jaden Casella, 14. Katuyoshi Kimishima (20. Kota Toyooka 87’), 15. Mark Rodic, 16. Kaidyn Wright, 23, Javier Rodriguez, 40. Marcus Petrovski
Substitutes Not Used: 12. Stevan Stanic-Floody, 13. Sebastian La Luz, 21. Harry Keys, 38. Rafael Costa
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings:
3 – Michael Konestabo (APL)
2 – Oscar Gonzalez (APL)
1 – Jaden Casella (STG)
By Keane McKenna
