The NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers have been knocked out of the Hyundai A-League finals series after losing 6-5 on penalties against Brisbane Roar on Friday night.
It was an open and entertaining game that ended at 1-1 after Jamie Maclaren’s second half strike had cancelled out Terry Antonis’ first half penalty.
With neither side able to find the breakthrough in extra time, the game headed to penalties; Japanese winger Jumpei Kusukami missing the decisive penalty.
The Wanderers started the match on the front foot and could of taken an early lead if it weren’t for the heroics of Michael Theo, the Roar keeper making a smart double save to deny Nicolás Martínez and Terry Antonis.
Yet it took until the final minutes of the first half for the Wanderers to break the stalemate, as Terry Antonis coverted from the spot after Avraam Papadopoulos had brought down Brendon Santalab in the box.
The Roar responded immediately after the break, as Jamie Maclaren tapped home after Brandon Borrello’s shot rebounded off the post.
The Wanderers had multiple opportunities to wrestle their lead back, Santalab in particular having a golden chance denied by a fantastic save from Jamie Young, who had come on to replace the injured Michael Theo.
At the other end, Vedran Janjetovic pulled off a number of crucial saves to keep his side in the contest, as the game headed to extra time.
The Wanderers endured a nervy finish to the match when they were reduced to 10 men after substitute Jaushua was handed his second yellow card.
The Red & Black were able to hold on and take the match to penalties.
Both sides converted their first five penalties but the Wanderers’ sixth peanlty by Jumpei was saved by Jamie Young.
The Wanderers’ Hyundai A-League season ends on a heartbreaking note, as the Roar nace face Melbourne Victory next week for a spot in the Grand Final.
With the Wanderers’ domestic commitments ending, the Red & Black will switch focus to the Asian Champions League, where they’ll face Urawa Red Diamonds in Japan on Tuesday night.
