Head coach Steve Corica made four changes to the starting line-up as Auckland FC took a point away at Macarthur’s Campbelltown Stadium.
Keen to put the New Year’s Day defeat behind them, Corica brought captain Hiroki Sakai, Nando Pijnaker, Marlee François and Logan Rogerson into the starting XI.
The Black Knights started positively and certainly had the best of the early chances, and the defence, featuring a back four familiar to many from last season, snuffed out any Macarthur attack.
The goal that put Auckland ahead came in the 41st minute after some excellent defensive work from Dan Hall. The centre back slid in, expertly tackled his opponent, and then collected the ball and played a pass forward to Sakai. With speed, Sakai ran forward before passing it through to Brook, who slid the ball under the keeper and into the bottom corner for his fourth of the season.
The transition from back to front was fast and one of the best team goals of the season so far.
But Macarthur are no mugs. Unbeaten in five, they still posed a threat, and that was realised when they equalised midway through the second half. Tomislav Uskok’s header squaring things up.
Auckland pushed for a winner, May, Cosgrove and Gillion all getting time to make something happen, but despite their continued dominance, it wasn’t to be, and the points were shared.
Auckland remain top of the A-League, their next game coming on Friday night away at Brisbane Roar.
Player of the Match: Louis Verstraete
Next Game: The team travel away to play Brisbane Roar. The game kicks-off at 9:35pm NZ time.
Next home game at Go Media Stadium: Fans will have to wait until Saturday, January 24 for the visit of Central Coast Mariners. Tickets for this and all Auckland FC games can be bought here.
