Auckland FC secured their first A-League Men championship by defeating all-time record-holders Sydney FC 1-0 before a record crowd in Auckland. The decisive goal came in the 60th minute from Cameron Howieson, the club’s first signing. The win delivered Auckland their second trophy in two seasons after previously winning the premiers plate in their inaugural campaign and missing the decider. The match was played at a sell-out Go Media Stadium, drawing 28,374 fans including a large contingent of Sydney supporters. Both teams were defensively strong, with Sydney conceding the fewest goals in the regular season and Auckland close behind. The game remained tight, with Auckland’s physical press disrupting Sydney’s possession and limiting attacking rhythm. Sydney struggled to build attacking phases under Patrick Kisnorbo’s revived side, and were forced into long balls and flick-ons that repeatedly met Auckland’s defense.
"The Sky Blues, revived under new coach Patrick Kisnorbo who signed a three-year contract earlier this week after taking the team on a seven-match unbeaten streak struggled to string more than two passes together in attacking phases, especially through midfield and up front. Forced by Auckland's press into hopeful long balls and flick-ons, the visitors crashed up against the Black Knights' solid defensive wall again and again, registering just one shot in the ent"
Read at www.theguardian.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]