Auckland FC underlined their strong away form, handing Western Sydney Wanderers their first home loss of the 25/26 campaign with a composed 2-0 victory on a hot, humid night at CommBank Stadium.
Second-half goals from Sam Cosgrove (57’) and Lachlan Brook (74’) proved decisive in testing conditions, as Auckland once again showed resilience on the road.
Celebrations for both goals were muted. Cosgrove’s strike came with a hint of conjecture after appearing to take a deflection off the heel of Jesse Randall, while Brook held back against his former club after producing a calm, clinical finish.
Head coach Steve Corica named an unchanged 11 from the team that beat the Mariners last Friday, meaning Callan Elliot started over captain Hiroki Saki for the second week in a row.
The Wanderers dominated the early exchanges, and Auckland were made to work hard, uncharacteristically failing to register a shot on target until three minutes before half-time.
After the break, Auckland lifted their intensity and control. Belgian midfielder Louis Verstraete was instrumental in helping the Black Knights regain and then maintain dominance in general play.
Cosgrove took his time to line up the shot, which looped off Jesse Randall’s foot, who was lying on the ground, and it floated into the top right corner. Soon afterwards, Auckland FC switched to a back five, with Nando Pijnaker introduced (replacing Jesse Randall), while Sakai came on for Elliot. It meant they sat deeper but were still dangerous. A smart switch to a back five after the opening goal further underlined Auckland’s game management.
May later burst forward from halfway to test Lawrence Thomas, before Brook delivered his special moment. The goal started with Louis Verstraete winning possession on the halfway line and driving forward before slipping Brook through. Facing his former club, Brook cut inside a defender and finished calmly past Thomas. With confidence growing, Brook threatened again, while May went close late on, dragging his shot narrowly wide of the far post.
Woud was also outstanding for Auckland, making six saves to keep a clean sheet and propel the Black Knights back to the top of the Isuzu UTE A-League table.
Player of the Match: Sam Cosgrove
Next Game: If you’re spending the festive season in Sydney, make it a date with Auckland FC as we take on Sydney FC in a top-of-the-table clash. It’s the perfect excuse to turn your post-Christmas break into a football-filled afternoon. See you Saturday night, December 27th, 7pm at Leichhardt Oval.
Next home game at Go Media: No games in Auckland until 2026, when we play the Newcastle Jets again, this time on New Year’s Day. Hopefully, without the on-pitch water feature. Tickets for this and all Auckland FC games can be bought here.
