Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia
Sunday, April 26th, 5pm NZT
Written by Jonno Ross
Last weekend stung. A 1-0 loss to the Central Coast Mariners was gut-wrenching, but Sunday is far from a meaningless fixture. This group needs to dust themselves off and come out firing against Sydney FC because there is still plenty on the line.
Last weekend’s defeat to the Mariners handed the Premiership title to Newcastle, and fair play to the Jets; it’s a well-earned achievement.
But there’s still plenty for Auckland FC to fight for. We head to Allianz Stadium on Sunday to face Sydney FC. We’re currently sitting second and need the win to guarantee a bye next weekend and to avoid an Elimination Final.
MATCH RECAP
Nothing went our way against the Mariners last week. In the 11th minute of the game, James Donachie contests with Cosgrove for a header, but leads with his elbow, sending our number 9 to the ground. Arguably, a red card should have been pulled out.
It gets worse – with Cosgrove lying in a heap after the challenge, Donachie proceeds to stand on the back of Cosgrove. That behaviour merits a red card anywhere in world football, but after a long look at the VAR screen, the ref decides to book Donachie with a yellow card. Bewildered AFC players and the bench are livid – Mariners stay with eleven men. To really rub salt into the wounds even more, the Mariners scored just minutes later.
The weather looked like it was going to be an absolute pearler of an afternoon. But in true Auckland fashion, in the 25th minute, the heavens opened up, and 10 minutes later, the game was called off for 30 minutes – a reprieve for the Coast as they were under the pump.
Another moment that went against us. Further on into the game, more free kicks and yellows that didn’t go our way, and the score remained 1-0 at full time. Not our day at the office.
MATCH PREVIEW
Sydney FC are on a great defensive run and will be a hard team to score against this week. In the last five games, they’ve conceded just twice, keeping four clean sheets along the way. With Auckland FC scoring six in five games, this week is shaping up to be a contest and a half.
Tune in to watch the battle on Sky Sport 2 at 4:30pm to support the boys as they look to secure that precious spot on the league table.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
Auckland FC’s ideal scenario is to win on Sunday and finish the league in second place. First and second placed teams get a week off, waiting for the 3rd placed team, who play 6th placed, and 4th placed team to play 5th.
Auckland FC will play the winner of 3rd vs. 6th, which will be a two-legged semifinal. We MUST win on Sunday, a week off will do us the world of good, before we travel away to play the first leg against the 3rd vs. 6th winner.
If we lose on Sunday, we could drop as low as 4th, meaning no week break, and playing in an Elimination Final the following week.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Lachie Brook was the most creative player on the pitch last weekend. Taking players on and beating them, cutting back on his left foot, looking to create. Let’s hope he gets his fruits for his labour on Sunday.
Sam Cosgrove leads the competition’s golden boot race with 11 goals to his name. He has one last game to add to his tally and take the title of ‘best striker in the league’ in his A-League debut campaign. Let’s get it, Cozzee!
