Auckland’s 14-game unbeaten run came to end, going down 4-2 to Western United at Ironbark Fields.
The Premiers, perhaps with one eye on finals, were undone in the first half, conceding two goals in quick succession early on. They then conceded a third minutes into the second.
Although the team improved with goals from substitutes Neyder Moreno and Jesse Randall, it wasn’t enough.
Moreno’s goal, his eight of the season, came in the 62nd minute after stepping on as second half substitute.
The Colombian collected his own right-sided corner from Sakai, then caught out the ‘keeper with a drilled shot that went it in at the near post from just outside the edge of the area.
Auckland were enjoying their best spell of match, but time was increasingly against them. Hiroki Sakai’s impressive back-heel challenge in his own penalty area a particular highlight.
30% of the team’s goals have been scored after the 75th minute, and in the 94th up stepped Jesse Randall to make it 3-2.
A ball over the top was met by the onrushing Randall who surprised everyone with his pace to round the ‘keeper and score his third of the season.
Sadly, any hope of an equaliser was extinguished when Western United scored their fourth almost immediately from the restart.
With that a physical encounter in the wilds of Tarneit came to an end. The Black Knights will be pleased to return to Auckland and put the game behind them.
Shout out to the Auckland FC fans in the crowd, we heard you.
Auckland now have a week off before a two-legged semi-final against opponents still unknown. More information as well as ticket details will be release by the A-League in the coming days. We can’t wait to see you there.
Player of the Match: Dan Hall
Next home game at Go Media: Saturday, May 24. Our home semi-final.
