Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Saturday, 21st March, 3pm NZT
Written by Jonno Ross
The title race is well and truly on. What a win for the team last weekend, absolutely clutch! Finally, on our third time of trying, Auckland FC got the job done against the Newcastle Jets, putting us just one point behind the league leaders.
We now face the Macarthur Bulls at home in the quest to hunt down top spot. Game on!
It’s a massive chance for our team, and a huge incentive to win. If we get the three points against the Bulls, we nudge past the Jets and will remain on top of the pile until Sunday evening. No doubt the Auckland fans will be gunning for Sydney FC to beat the Jets when they play at 5pm on Sunday. If things go our way with Sydney either drawing or winning, the ball falls in Auckland’s court, putting us in the driver’s seat and destiny in our own hands.
What a time to be an AFC fan!
Speaking of incentives to win, it’s the club’s 50th game in the A-League, and no one could have dreamed of such a successful beginning for our new club. We’ll also celebrate Jake Brimmer’s 200th A-League appearance post-match, after he reached the milestone against the Jets last weekend. A true leader on and off the pitch, and a player who’s earned every bit of recognition that comes his way. His teammates will have nothing but three points in their minds as they walk out onto the pitch on Saturday. A huge day of milestones, make sure you’re there to witness it!
We’ve played against Macarthur three times in our short history. We beat them twice last season, and we drew 1-1 with them earlier this season. Unfortunately, we couldn’t come home with all three points, but a point meant staying on top of the league at the time.
The odds are stacked massively in our favour on Saturday. As mentioned before, we’re unbeaten against Macarthur. We’re in pretty good form, unbeaten in the last six games, and we’ve got the experience in our players to get Auckland FC over the finish line.
On top of that, Macarthur are winless in seven games, leaving them in eighth position in the league, scrambling for a playoff spot – they’re two points behind the Mariners, who don’t look like slipping up. The Mariners are on an eight-game unbeaten streak…Macarthur seem to be heading on a downward spiral.
Sam Cosgrove is proving to be one of the transfers of the season. His two goals last weekend sent him to the top of the goal-scoring chart, with 10 goals to his name. He’s hungry for the golden boot and will be licking his chops against a struggling side. Don’t be surprised if we see him hit the back of the net again this weekend.
Even though Macarthur are having a hard time of it at the moment, there’s no doubt they’ll do their best to bring their A game on Saturday. They know they’re in with a shout of finals football, but another loss would see them with a monster task of making the top six.Â
They have it in them to make the top six. They were undefeated in all of December and midway through January. If they can cause an upset by beating Auckland this weekend, then they put themselves back in the running for finals football.
It’s another final for Auckland FC. They have to win to stay in the hunt for the Premiers Plate.Â
This one has goals written all over it, don’t be surprised to witness an open game, with both teams going for the win.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
We need to give some love to Francis de Vries. He keeps putting in consistent shifts for AFC and was instrumental in his side’s win against Newcastle last weekend. His pinpoint cross was met by Sam Cosgrove, who headed home in what turned out to be the winning goal. His sixth assist for the season – not bad for a defender!Â
For the bulls, Harry Sawyer and Rafael Duran were key figures in their side’s unbeaten run back in December. However, since the streak ended, neither of them have hit the back of the net. Could this be the week they get their mojo back? We’ll see.
FUN AT GO MEDIA STADIUMÂ
My Food Bag sign-making station is back for another game, and Heinz Free Fries are on offer. Make sure you grab your free fries before kick-off! Thanks to The Warehouse, the Red Rabbit Hunt is on! Spot a red rabbit hidden somewhere around Go Media Stadium, and you’ll score a prize. Once you find one, head to the red tent in the Family Fan Zone to claim your reward.
Plus, be sure to check out the My Food Bag Club Race at halftime.
