Auckland FC stay perfect after passing toughest test yet

By Michael Burgess

Auckland FC have made more history.

The club have already packed several milestones into their short life – but this one could be the most important yet.

They have won their first match in Australia – in difficult circumstances, against a tough opponent – edging Macarthur FC 1-0 in Sydney.

Uruguayan striker Guillermo May provided the decisive goal, finishing a rapid team move in the 34th minute.

There were other chances – to May and Jake Brimmer – though the Auckland side were grateful to goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, who made some critical stops.

The result means Auckland FC become the first A-League team to win their opening four games in their first season, as well as the first new club to record four successive clean sheets in their inaugural campaign.

It wasn’t their most convincing performance, as they lost shape in the final 20 minutes and struggled to hold possession but they again demonstrated their defensive grit, togetherness and belief.

And given the travel, the two weeks off and the six players involved with the All Whites, it was another statement of intent. They also had to deal with hot, muggy conditions which were physically testing, along with a near-empty stadium, devoid of atmosphere.

Midfielder Louis Verstraete was again a key figure, while the central defensive duo of Dan Hall and Nando Pijnaker were outstanding, but there were important contributions all across the park.

Coach Steve Corica made one change from the XI that started the capital derby, with Brimmer coming in for Cam Howieson.

The goal was a reward for quick, incisive play. Felipe Gallegos completed a swift one-two with Brimmer, before the Chilean burst into the area, looked up momentarily then cut back for his fellow South American. May provided a crisp finish inside the near post, then wheeled away to celebrate with a triumphant leap.

Earlier, both teams had gilt-edged chances. Brimmer rounded the keeper after an intercept but was forced wide, then couldn’t find May as he elected not to shoot from a tight angle. And Macarthur captain Valere Germain was left with his head in his hands, after directing his header inches wide from only five yards, with Paulsen beaten.

The Auckland keeper had a busy half, standing up well to deny Ariath Piol after he wriggled free, then parrying from a narrow angle when the same player unleashed just before halftime. The young Australian striker was a constant threat, with Hall and Pijnaker doing well to contain the 20-year-old, with both making critical blocks to deny him opportunities.

Auckland put together some nice first-half moves – down both flanks – but lacked the requisite quality on the final ball, though Hiroki Sakai managed a couple of delicious crosses.

Corica made a triple substitution on the hour mark, bringing on Howieson (for Brimmer), Colombian Neyder Moreno (Logan Rogerson) and Scott Galloway (Francis de Vries), with the Australian making his first appearance for his new club.

The fullback had a chance to make an immediate impact – on the end of a sweeping move – but his lofted cross was too close to the keeper.

Tommy Smith – who has established a role as a closer – came on with 20 minutes to play (for Gallegos) against his former club. It was a tense period, as Auckland FC invited pressure by sitting too deep, much to Corica’s frustration, though Macarthur didn’t create too many clear opportunities, despite plenty of pressure, as the New Zealand side held firm, before resounding celebrations at the final whistle.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission