A thrilling, end-to-end encounter ended 2-2 in Sydney, with Auckland coming back from 2-0 down thanks to goals from Rogerson and de Vries.
Steve Corica returned to Sydney, his home of nearly 20 years as player and manager of Sydney FC, for a high-profile, high-stakes game with Auckland looking to secure the Premier’s Plate.
The game had an intensity from the start, both teams with plenty to play for, trading attacks and testing the resolve of the opposition.
Unfortunately, it was Sydney FC who scored first. An absolute rocket of a shot Segecic unleashed from 20 yards, putting Sydney 1-0 up after 12 minutes.
Full of confidence after that first goal, he decided to repeat the trick 20 minutes later. Collecting the ball from the right, he stepped inside and slammed a swerving shot into the back of Alex Paulsen’s net.
The 2-0 lead didn’t last long. Just three minutes later, good work from François forced a save from Sydney’s keeper, the rebound pushed into the path of the onrushing Rogerson who scored from eight yards out.
Auckland were certainly the dominant team over the first half but was undone by the left foot of Segecic. At halftime, Brimmer and Elliot replaced Rogerson and Howieson. The latter started in place of the injured Max Mata. Otherwise, the team was unchanged.
The second half was a mirror of the first, a high-intensity game with Auckland having the better chances but Sydney always dangerous.
After missing the previous two games through injury, Neyder Moreno made his return in the 61st minute, on for Marlee François.
Soon after, Auckland’s efforts finally paid off. After a precise goal-saving tackle at one end, de Vries was at the other moments later to volley a Verstraete cross into the Sydney net via a deflection. The goal came after some neat play between the Belgian and captain Sakai.
Auckland not even pausing to celebrate their goal, the game was now on a knife edge and Sydney were looking nervous. Auckland had an opportunity cleared off the line one moment and hit the post another. The physicality, the yellow cards and the tension all increased, but sadly not the score.
A great game ended 2-2, meaning Auckland remain unbeaten in 13, including five draws in their last six games. The resilience they showed here, coming back from 2-0 down something that elevates this performance and result above those previous draws.
Player of the Match: Birthday boy, Hiroki Sakai
Next game: Saturday April 19, away to Melbourne Victory
Next home game at Go Media: Our final home game of the regular season and chance to settle a score against Perth Glory. We’re expecting a sell out so get your tickets for that game here.
