Auckland FC’s have etched their name in A-Leagues history, becoming only the second team to win their first two matches. Their latest victory, a 97th-minute stunner over Sydney FC, had fans at Go Media Stadium on their feet until the very last second.
The drama kicked off when Sydney FC’s potential game-winner was disallowed in the 82nd minute due to an offside ruling, leaving the scoreline at a tense deadlock.
But just as the match seemed destined to end in a draw, Black Knights defender Nando Pijnaker struck gold. A failed clearance from Sydney’s defense left an opening, and Pijnaker seized the moment, backheeling the ball through Andrew Redmayne’s legs to secure Auckland’s place at the top of the table.
Early on, Sydney FC took control, with Joe Lolley testing goalkeeper Alex Paulsen from a free kick in the 11th minute. Then, Brazilian midfielder Leo Sena came close in the 20th minute, but his shot curled just wide of the far post.
Auckland quickly countered, with Logan Rogerson’s shot saved by Redmayne in the 21st minute. Moments later, Guillermo May narrowly missed with a curling effort over the bar.
Auckland continued to apply pressure. In the 56th minute, Felipe Gallegos slipped a perfect pass to Liam Gillion, who rattled the crossbar with a powerful shot. Shortly after, Sydney thought they had broken the deadlock when Matthews flicked a ball into the net, but a VAR review disallowed the goal for offside.
Then, in the last moments, a failed clearance from a free kick allowed Pijnaker’s backheel to slip through Redmayne’s legs, setting Go Media Stadium ablaze with celebration.
The Black Knights had snatched victory, cementing their thrilling start to the season.
Next up, NZ’s first pro football derby.