Auckland FC travelled to Adelaide for a top-of-the-table clash against the league leaders, their first of two consecutive away games in Australia.
After 99 minutes of quality, often physical, ferocious football it was honours even in a match that sent hearts racing and demonstrated Auckland’s never-say-die attitude.
The Black Knights named an unchanged side from the team that looked so good in their 3-0 win against Melbourne City on Saturday. That meant Mata and Randall retained their places, along with Elliot and Rogerson. Brimmer returned, albeit to the bench, coach Steve Corica choosing to ease him in gently. Hiroki Saki was still out after sustaining a concussion against Perth.
All white lined up against all red, 4-4-2 against 4-4-3, with Auckland looking for either de Vries and Elliot to push up when in attack. The first 15 minutes were fairly even but chances soon started to fall Auckland’s way, both Randall and Mata going close.
Not that it went all Auckland’s way. Alex Paulsen was the last line of defence to swat away a cross-come-shot that had the potential to embarrass, and then stood tall to brilliantly stop a close range shot moments later.
Right on the stroke of half time Auckland again pushed forward. Rogerson was increasingly dominant in midfield, and it was his pass that found May whose own cross-come-shot flashed millimetres wide of the far post.
Despite the high intensity it was goalless at the break, Auckland leading shots, corners and possession.
Two attacking changes early in the second half reinvigorated Adelaide who rattled the crossbar with the best opportunity of the match so far.
But the relief was only temporary. Corica made two attacking changes of his own, Randall replaced by Brimmer and Gallegos by Moreno. It was super-sub-Moreno who then struck with his first involvement of the game. Chasing down a forward pass by May, the ball broke and he fired in low and hard from the edge of the box. Tyler Street Sports erupted. Amon’s delicate margarita with salted rim, tossed wildly in the melee that followed. This is Auckland.
With 15 minutes left May, who had worked tirelessly all game, was replaced by Cam Howieson. The game then became increasingly frantic. Adelaide scored, but the foul on Elliot before the cross came in seemed obvious so it was a surprise for it to be given after a lengthy VAR check.
During the check Jonty Bidois came on for Max Mata. Bidois making his professional debut. After five minutes of stoppage time Adelaide scored what many thought was the decisive winner. Archie Goodwin scoring his second of the night. But it’s not over until its over. Despite the setback Auckland pushed on. A de Vries corner after 99 minutes saw Auckland pack the box with even Paulsen up and eager to cause chaos. The corner, whipped in at the near post, was headed in by Rogerson from six yards out. Cue mad celebrations.
Auckland next play at home against Macarthur on Saturday, February 1, one of just six guaranteed home games remaining. Don’t miss your final chance to become a founding member with pro-rata memberships still available! Secure your tickets to the remaining home games, enjoy a $60 member store credit, get first dibs on playoff tickets, and unlock exclusive discounts. It is the most affordable way to be at every match. Tickets can be purchased here.
