It was circus day at Go Media Stadium, and the action on the pitch was just as electrifying as anything under the big top! Late goals, dramatic VAR calls, two penalties, and an eight-goal spectacle ultimately saw Auckland FC and Adelaide United play out a draw.
Auckland and Adelaide delivered 100 minutes of relentless drama, mirroring the intensity of their last encounter. Steve Corica named an unchanged starting XI from the side that triumphed over Wellington Phoenix last weekend, and his team wasted no time in making their mark.
The hosts stunned the crowd with two early goals, catching many fans off guard as they were still queuing for the Ferris Wheel and Tea Cup rides.
The first came in the 11th minute, courtesy of their Uruguayan striker – May, who unleashed a spectacular long-range strike. From 25-30 yards out, his curling thunderbolt left Ethan Cox helpless. A breathtaking opener!
His second goal, a long throw-in from Francis de Vries caused chaos in the box, sneaking past two Adelaide defenders at the near post. May bundled it over the line.
Adelaide found a way back into the match in the 31st minute. A dangerous cross from Clough forced Paulsen into an awkward position, the ball clipped the near post and fell for Elsey, who made no mistake.
Auckland looked to restore their cushion, and they spectacularly did just that. A trademark in-swinging corner from the left-back de Vries was floated onto the goal line. Cox tried to punch it clear, but Rogerson reacted first, nodding it home right in front of The Port. Brilliant scenes! To top it off, Francis de Vries claimed his sixth assist of the season!
Auckland FC made a few changes – Brimmer and Mata off, making way for Verstraete and Randall but shortly after, the game took another dramatic turn. Referee Daniel Elder was called to the monitor to review a challenge from Verstraete on Ethan Alagich inside the Auckland box. After a lengthy delay, a penalty was awarded. Paulsen got a hand to Clough’s spot-kick but couldn’t keep it out. Adelaide were back within one.
Auckland made another double substitution, with Howieson replacing Gallegos and François coming on for Rogerson. Moments later, Adelaide struck again, another penalty, another goal! With just 13 minutes left, the match was all square, and frustration spilt over as Steve Corica was shown a yellow card on the touchline.
Auckland’s final change saw Callan Elliot replace Neyder Moreno, and he made an instant impact. Elliot unleashed a fierce shot goalward, with Randall getting the slightest deflection, but Cox somehow threw himself in the way, the ball cannoning off his back foot. How did they stay out?
Then, captain Hiroki Sakai thought he had sealed the points in the dying moments. It looked like Auckland had done enough to secure the win in the 98th minute, but Bart Vriends scored a dramatic equaliser, ensuring both sides shared the spoils in an unforgettable contest once again.
Player of the Match: Guillermo May
Next game: March 9th, Newcastle Jets v Auckland FC, McDonald Jones Stadium, 7PM NZT.
Next home game at Go Media: Auckland FC v Central Coast Mariners, March 16th 5PM. Secure your tickets to the remaining three home games here.
Attendance: 16,709
Favourite non-Auckland FC shirt spotted in the crowd: Manchester United’s infamous 1996 grey kit.
