Auckland FC made a historic debut in the 2024/25 Isuzu UTE A-League with a 2-0 victory over Brisbane Roar at a sold-out Go Media Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
In front of a sold-out home crowd, Auckland FC’s first-ever A-League match saw an own goal from Brisbane Roar and a late strike from Logan Rogerson secure all three points.
Auckland FC struck early, with Hiroki Sakai driving down the right flank and delivering a dangerous cross that forced Brisbane’s Harry Van Der Saag to turn the ball into his own net in just the eighth minute.
Despite Brisbane growing into the match, Auckland’s defence held strong, with Alex Paulsen making key saves from Neicer Acosta and Thomas Waddingham. Belgian midfielder Louis Verstraete nearly doubled the lead with a powerful effort that narrowly missed the bottom corner.
Auckland FC continued to press for a second goal, with Guillermo May coming close shortly after the restart, and Liam Gillion forcing a great save from Macklin Freke following a brilliant team move.
The breakthrough came in the 75th minute when Rogerson finished off a precise cross from Francis De Vries at the back post, capping off a dominant display from the home side.
While Brisbane threatened late on, including a long-range effort from Walid Shour, Auckland FC remained in control to claim a memorable win in their first-ever A-League fixture.
MATCH DETAILS
Isuzu UTE A-League Men 2024/25 – Round 1
Auckland FC 2 (Brisbane Roar Own Goal 8’, Logan Rogerson 75’)
Brisbane Roar 0
Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Saturday, 19 October
Auckland FC Team: 2. Hiroki SAKAI, 4. Nando PIJNAKER, 5. Tommy SMITH, 6. Louis VERSTRAETE, 7. Cam HOWIESON, 9. Max MATA, 10. Guillermo MAY, 12. Alex PAULSEN (GK), 14. Liam GILLION, 15. Francis DE VRIES, 21. Jesse RANDALL, 22. Jake BRIMMER, 23. Dan HALL, 27. Logan ROGERSON, 28. Felipe GALLEGOS,
Unseen Substitutes: 1. Michael WOUD (GK), 17. Callan ELLIOT, 18. Finn McKENLAY
