SYDNEY, Aug 22 (Xinhua) -- Last year's National champions Melbourne Victory suffered an embarrassing defeat to State League side APIA Leichhardt, going out in the Football Federation Australia Cup (FFA) round of 16 clash at Leichhardt Oval on Tuesday evening.
Made up of a number of amateur players, the Tigers upset the Victory 3-2 in a gripping encounter that saw local fans in Sydney erupt in wild celebrations.
Up 2-0 just after half time, the home side opened the scoring in the 9th minute with some individual brilliance from Tasuku Sekiya.
In the 47th minute, the Japanese midfielder was also gifted a second after launching a thunderous right foot strike past the keeper following a defensive blunder from Melbourne.
But while the tigers seemed to be in control, the Victory fought their way back with two quick goals from center forward Kenny Athiu in the 60th and 66th minute.
With the match in the balance and the visitors looking like they had the upper hand, a spectacular free kick from Franco Parisi was headered in by defender Nathan Millgate, sealing the win for Leichardt in the 80th minute.
Despite the victory, the tigers won't have much time to celebrate as they prepare for Saturday night's clash with Sydney United in the semifinal of the National Premier League.
In other FFA Cup matches, Avondale FC downed Devonport City 4-1, Sydney FC got past Cairns 2-1 and Bentleigh Green thumped Broadmeadow Magic 4-0.
The rest of the round of 16 bracket will take place tonight, with A-League clubs the Newcastle Jets, Melbourne City, Adelaide United and the Western Sydney Wanderers all lookin to book their spot in the quarterfinals. Enditem
