A stop-start game full of injuries, lengthy VAR decisions and an intensity usually reserved for the derby, saw Auckland go down 2-1 away to Melbourne City.
This was a game very much of two halves, Auckland dominating the first half but allowing Melbourne back into it in the second.
The Black Knights made one change to the team that won 2-0 the week before in Brisbane. Howieson making way for Felipe Gallegos. The Chilean picking up a yellow card inside five minutes perhaps a sign of things to come.
Corica was forced into an early change when Hiroki Sakai went down when challenging for a header. The club captain signalling to the bench for medical attention, indicating a return of his previous hamstring injury, and was replaced by Callan Elliot.
The change meant de Vries picked up the captain’s armband. Earlier in the day it was announced that the All White has signed an extension to stay at the club until the end of 28/29 season.
Auckland’s goal came in the 47th minute. Verstraete yet again winning the ball deep in midfield. Randall collected it on the wing, and after a burst of pace forward cut back inside and played the most exquisite pass forward that split the City defence and find the left foot of Lachie Brook. The league’s leading scorer only needed to make contact to poke it past the stranded City Keeper.
Melbourne’s equaliser arrived in the 69th minute. A shot striking the hand of de Vries in the area the subject of VAR intervention. After a long delay and numerous replays City were awarded a penalty which was quickly dispatched.
In the meantime, de Vries went down, needing treatment for nasty head knock, and May, Brimmer, Girdwood-Reich were all subbed on for Cosgrove, Gallegos and Rogerson.
The scrapy nature of the game continued, the tension and anger between the two teams continuing to build.
Melbourne scored their second in the 81st minute. A chipped cross headed in making it 2-1. The numerous stoppages meant there was another seven minutes of added time at the end of the 90 but Auckland couldn’t capitalise and lost their first away game of the season.
Player of the Match: Lachlan Brook
Next Game: The wait is finally over. On Saturday, January 24 we welcome Central Coast Mariners. Tickets for this and all Auckland FC games can be bought here.
