Auckland FC made history at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday evening, becoming first team to win all four of their opening games thanks to a goal from Uruguayan import, Guillermo May.
Auckland faced off against Macarthur FC in the Kiwi club’s first ever competitive game in Australia.
The Sunday afternoon sunshine and small contingent of Auckland FC fans were there to greet a team full of confidence after three wins in succession.
Thirty-three minutes in they were rewarded with a goal made in South America. Luis Felipe Gallegos pressed Macarthur into a mistake and then cut back from the left for Guillermo May to sweep the ball in for his first goal in Auckland colours.
In an open first half, both teams had several chances. Alex Paulsen showed his worth and twice saved well from Macarthur striker Ariath Piol and Bulls captain Valere Germain will be ruing the free header he missed at the near post.
Hoping lightning would strike twice after his goal in mid-week, Frances De Vries shot from range and moments later Jake Brimmer did well to round the keeper but couldn’t convert when confronted with the choice between a tight-angled shot or a pullback.
Several times Auckland worked the ball well down the right-hand side with a number of players, including Logan Rogerson and Captain Hiroki Sakai, putting in fine aerial balls.
The second half continued much as the first. Macarthur dominated possession early on but did little with it. As the hour approached, head coach Steve Corica decided things needed freshening up and introduced Cam Howieson, Neyder Moreno and Scott Galloway for his first appearance of the season. Off were Brimmer, De Vries and Rogerson.
With 20 minutes remaining, the experienced defender Tommy Smith came on against his former club in place of Gallegos and after weathering a period of Macarthur pressure, the Black Knights were able to start exerting some of their own and always looked like they could cause trouble on the break.
The club’s final substitution came with just minutes remaining, Luis Toomey replacing Gillion. Despite a nervy final few minutes, the defence held firm, just as they have in every match so far this season and with it breaking yet another record.
The team saw the game out and now attention turns home to Go Media Stadium and the visit of Newcastle Jets. Returning from the Unite Round victorious, the team will be delighted to be home and once again playing in front of thousands of fans.
The game itself may not live long in the memory but this result, and its significance, should not be understated. Auckland FC are top of the table and making history.
WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE, SAY WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE…
