Preston Lions Stun Newcastle Jets 3-2 in Australia Cup Upset, July 22

Preston Lions pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Australia Cup history on July 21, defeating defending champion Newcastle Jets 3-2 in the Round of 32. The NPL Victoria side came from two goals down to win, with 20-year-old Daniel Lazarevski scoring the decisive goal deep into stoppage time. It marks the first time the Jets have been knocked out in a Cupset, and Preston advances to the Round of 16 for the first time.

How Preston came from two goals down

Newcastle raced to a 2-0 lead in the first half. Will Dobson opened the scoring early, then Nikos Vergos doubled the advantage just six minutes later with a finish into the bottom left corner. Preston looked beaten at halftime but emerged with renewed belief after the break. Nahuel Bonada pulled one back in the 56th minute, tapping in from close range after his initial effort was saved. Bonada equalised minutes later, getting on the end of a deflected cross from Jamal Ali to level the scores.

Lazarevski’s 93rd-minute winner seals the comeback

The match appeared headed for extra time when Daniel Lazarevski, a 20-year-old former Western United youth player, got on the end of a cross deep into stoppage time to score the winner in the 93rd minute. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the Preston faithful and completed a remarkable 3-2 comeback. Preston will advance to the Round of 16 for the first time in the club’s history.

A night of Cupsets across the tournament

Preston’s win was one of two major upsets on July 21. Queensland’s Lions FC also pulled off a Cupset, defeating A-League side Perth Glory 1-1 (4-2) on penalties. Goalkeeper Jackson Riley was the hero for Lions FC, saving penalties from Seb Despotovski and Arion Sulemani. Sydney FC were the only A-League survivor of the evening, comfortably defeating Bayswater City 5-1. Heidelberg United also advanced with a 3-0 victory over Cumberland United.

What comes next for Preston and the Jets

Preston’s reward for the upset is a Round of 16 tie between August 8-12. The Jets will now focus on competing in Asia and the A-League after their early exit. The 2026 Australia Cup semi-finals are scheduled for September 8-20, with the final date still to be determined.

Final Thoughts

Preston Lions’ 3-2 comeback victory over Newcastle Jets ranks among the biggest shocks in Australia Cup history. The NPL Victoria side’s first-ever appearance in the national rounds ended with a Round of 16 berth, while the defending champions’ reign as Cup holders is over.

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