Match Report: Heidelberg United 2 – 0 Auckland FC
Auckland FC has exited the Australia Cup at the semi-final stage, following a 2-0 loss to Heidelberg United.
After last week’s exertions in the plenty shootout win over Sydney FC, this was one game too many for the Black Knights.
Despite dominating for much of the game, two breakaway goals in the 75th and 84th minutes saw the Melbourne-based side take the win.
Head coach Steve Corica stuck with the same team that edged out Sydney FC last Saturday, the only change coming in the central midfield where Jake Brimmer started ahead of Cam Howieson.
Auckland dominated the stat count, having 65% of possession and 17 shots to Heidberg’s eight. The best of Auckland’s chances fell to François, who hit the crossbar in the first half from a tight angle, and Cosgrove, whose snapshot shortly after coming on was well saved by the opposition goalkeeper. Howieson and Hall also went close with headers in the second half.
Auckland pushed to the very end, but it wasn’t enough. The team will now break for the upcoming international window, with those players not called up enjoying some much-needed time off. Jake Brimmer will fly to Malta.
The 27-year-old recently switched his allegiance to the Mediterranean island and has now been selected to be part of a 28-player Malta squad to play Lithuania and San Marino as part of FIFA Men’s World Cup qualification.
