NSWPL leaders Sydney Olympic have experienced a disappointing defeat and elimination from the Quarter finals of the Waratah Cup, defeated 2-3 in extra time by Mounties Wanderers.

The State League Division One table leaders, Mounties Wanderers demonstrated their skill upon kick-off, with Olympic holding back and not playing their standard game of dominating football. A number of changes to Olympics’ line up were observed with several players, rested due to injuries whilst playmaker, Chris Triantis faced a one game suspension for an accumulation of 5 yellow cards and will return to the squad for this weekend’s upcoming fixture.

Mounties came out firing with various attempts at goal, in the opening minutes of the game. Viera tried his luck in the 2^nd minute with a great effort that thankfully for the home side did not eventuate into a goal and rocketed over the cross bar. Olympic began to counter-attack, however their efforts were thwarted by the Mounties defence and goal keeper, Ali Akbal.

Nervous play in Olympic defence led to the Wanderers opening the score line courtesy of a well executed volley by Peter Day in the 24^th minute. Mounties maintained their attack with various attempts at goal that fortunately for Olympic went wide of the target.  Olympic continued with their quest to equalize with new recruit Taka Omi, tearing up the Mounties defence to execute a powerful shot that hit the cross bar.  In the closing minutes of the first half, Olympic almost obtained an equalizer courtesy of a Richie Luksic header that unfortunately went inches over the cross bar. The score line remained the same for the remainder of the first half, enabling the visitors to obtain a 0-1 lead at half-time.

In the second half, Mounties continued to dominate with a second goal soon approaching, Viera once again tried his luck, this time with a well-timed header that fortunately for goal keeper Paul Henderson went over the cross bar. In the 54^th minute, Eli Squillacioti finally provided the Wanderers with a 0-2 lead to the dismay of Olympics’ passionate supporters. Olympic began to press yet were unable to capitalize, as Mounties goal keeper Ali Akbal continued to prevent Olympic from getting on the score board.  In the 85^th minute, Olympic were finally granted a great opportunity with a free kick provided due to a poor challenge. The composed, Makrys fired a brilliant and unstoppable strike which put the home side on the score board. Makry’s goal lifted his side’s spirit, with Olympic pressing forward to obtain an equalizer.

Moments later, Olympic defender Manny Giannaros demonstrated his skill, surpassing the Mounties defenders on the right hand side to execute a brilliant shot that hit the near-post. Olympic continued with their attempts on goal, with striker Mileski’s header soaring inches over the cross bar. With the final minutes approaching Olympic pressured the Wanderers defence and were granted another opportunity to score from another set piece. In the 88^th minute, Olympics’ defender Richie Luksic rose above his marker to head the ball from an incoming corner into the back of the net.

Upon the completion of the traditional 90 minutes of play, the score line remained leveled at 2-2 with both teams eager to gain the lead during, 30 minutes of additional extra time.  Striker, Robbie Mileski almost provided Olympic with the lead, after beating his marker Mileski set his sights on surpassing goal keeper Akbal, however a poor touch enabled Akbal to dive on the ball and cease Mileski’s attempt. In the closing minutes of the first half of extra time, an unmarked Daniel Willoughby almost provided the visitors with the lead with a half-volley that fortunately went over the cross bar.

Second half of extra time began with the score line unchanged, poor marking by Olympics’ defence almost resulted in another goal for the Wanderers, as substitute Mark Symington went one on one with goal keeper Paul Henderson, with his attempt going wide of the target. With 10 minutes to go, Mounties got their third and final goal celebrating their forthcoming victory, as an unmarked Daniel Willoughby, was provided enough time and space to execute his strike.

Heads dropped both on and off the field as the final whistle blew, with Olympic noticeably disappointed with the defeat and elimination. Olympic must now focus on their upcoming fixture, on Saturday 25 June against 2^nd placed Sutherland Sharks which will kick off at 5 pm, at Belmore Sports Ground.

Sydney Olympic: 1.Paul Henderson; 2.Emmanuel Giannaros (9.Luca Falcone 109’), 4.Ibrahim Haydar,  5.Richard Luksic (C), 7.Phil Makrys, 18.Jerry Kalouris, 11.Robbie Mileski, 17.Mitchell Stamatellis (10.Anthony Doumanis 66’), 16.Peter Triantis, 23.Takayumi Omi, 15.Todd Bamber (31.James Gikas 80’)

Mounties Wanderers: 1.Ali Akbal; 11.Peter Day, 3.T Salvaggio (33.C. Rogers 86’), 18.Mark D’Alessandro, 12.Joel Rodden-Ward, 19.Ian McAndrew, 9.Matty Viera (13.R. Loucos 113’), 17.Daniel McCann (C), 8.Joey Andriano (10.Daniel Willoughby 64’), 2.Eli Squillacioti, 4.Greg Baldock (14.Mark Symington 72’) 

Yellow Cards: Matty Viera 85’, C. Rogers 89’, Joel Rodden-Ward 119’