PERTH Soccer Club suffered a shock 3-1 loss to the Western Knights in the Westfield FFA Cup on Saturday.
The game was at the Knights’ home turf Nash Field in Mosman Park, but the Azzuri entered the round 6 clash as favourites on form.
Last season Perth was the NPL WA premiers but status meant little to the hungry Knights, and the State League Division 1 side has now booked a spot in the final four West Australian teams in the FFA Cup.
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READ NOWThe Knights stunned Perth early with a goal from Jack Rycroft at the eight-minute mark.
The Azzuri rallied and equalised just late in the first half, with Niccolo Sabatini slotting a penalty past Sam Stone after 41 minutes.
Knights captain Paul Lloyd regained the lead for his side at the 60-minute mark.
Perth battled to strike back but a cross from Jordan de Leo was headed into the post by Gustavo Catarcione.
Ben Coulter all but extinguished hopes of a Perth comeback with the Knights’ third goal at the 81 minute mark and the match ended 3-1.
It was a disappointing result for Perth after two strong wins on the road against Cockburn and ECU in the NPL WA.
The Azzuri return to their league shortly to begin the second half of the NPL WA season.
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