Auckland FC opened their 2024/25 Australia pre-season tour with a 2-2 draw against the Newcastle Jets at Leichhardt Oval.
Auckland FC played their first-ever match against an A-League peer Newcastle Jets.
Logan Rogerson scored the opening goal, giving Auckland FC the lead early in the first half of their match with a long-range finish. His precise finish set the tone for Auckland FC, who controlled the game in the early stages.
The second goal came from Max Mata’s intense pressure causing a defensive mishap from the Newcastle Jets resulting in an own goal, putting Auckland FC in a commanding 2-0 lead as they headed into halftime.
In the second half, the Newcastle Jets came out with renewed energy and determination. Despite their efforts to hold the lead, Auckland FC conceded two goals, allowing the Newcastle Jets to level the score.
Auckland FC managed to hold on for a 2-2 draw, maintaining their undefeated status.
Starting Lineup
Micheal Woud [1]
Hiroki Sakai [2]
Dan Hall [23]
Tommy Smith [5] [Captain]
Francis De Vries [15]
Cam Howieson [7]
Finn McKenlay [18]
Adama Coulibaly [16]
Logan Rogerson [27]
Jesse Randall [21]
Max Mata [9]
Reserves
Joe Knowles [30]
Scott Galloway [3]
Callan Elliot [17]
Jonty Bidios [36]
Nikko Boxall [31]*
James Bulkeley [32]*
Ralph Rutherford [33]*
Codey Phoenix [34]*
James Bayliss [38]*
Thomas Makko [39]*
* Trialist players
Substitutions
60′ Hiroki off for Elliot
60′ Coulibaly off for Bidios
70′ Rogerson off for Rutherford
70′ Smith off for Boxall
76′ Howieson off for Makko
80′ Phoenix off for Randall
Moments That Mattered:
- 01′ The highlight of the match was a perfectly placed long ball from Woud to Rogerson. Rogerson took a 30-yard shot, earning Woud an assist as the shot found its target.
- 12′ De Vries delivered a beautifully in-swinging corner that caused a scramble at the back post. Toomey rose above the defenders, heading it towards the goal, but it was just a close shot.
- 48′ Woud displayed his defensive awareness with a precise pass to Randall. Randall unleashed a good shot, but it brushed just over the top left corner of the goal.
- 50′ McKenlay lofted a ball over to the left side where De Vries calmly controlled it. Stepping inside with no immediate threat, he passed it off to Randall, whose shot was blocked by the defence.
- 64′ De Vries took a free kick, sending a looping cross that found the head of Rogerson. He nodded it back inside the six-yard box, allowing Bidios to attempt an acrobatic effort, which was blocked near the goal line.
Auckland FC’s head coach Steve Corica was satisfied with the team’s offensive display and highlighted the importance of maintaining focus and consistency throughout the match.
Overall, the draw provided a solid foundation for Auckland FC to build upon as they prepare for the rest of their Australia pre-season tour. They take on Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday 17th August. KO 1pm AEST / 3pm NZT.
