Es D Raiders beat MacArthur 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Australia Cup Round of 16 on Tuesday. The tie went to extra time, with Z. Helweh opening the scoring before H. Politidis turned the ball into his own net. And here's the thing — the shootout decided everything.
MacArthur dominated possession, yet Raiders found a way to threaten. The hosts kept their shape through a cagey first half, then pushed forward when Helweh broke the deadlock in the 103rd minute. Politidis' own goal in the 115th gave the visitors a lifeline.
The penalty shootout was a tense affair. Raiders took the early advantage with clean conversions from Machar Reec, Eremugo, Malfara, Ragg and Lee. MacArthur missed only one — Vickery sent his effort over. By then, the result was written.
Statistics told the story of a match split in two. MacArthur held 66 per cent possession and launched 153 attacks, but managed just one shot on target. Raiders, with 34 per cent possession, were sharper — seven shots on target to their opponent's one.
Raiders move into the quarter-finals. MacArthur's campaign ends at this stage, despite their recent form showing mixed results. The hosts extend their unbeaten run from league play into the cup.