Late Drama as Auckland FC and Adelaide United Play Out Eight-Goal Thriller

It was a night of pure footballing spectacle at Go Media Stadium as Auckland FC and Adelaide United played out a breathtaking 4-4 draw in a match that had everything—stunning strikes, controversial VAR calls, and last-gasp heroics.

The 16,709 fans in attendance were treated to a relentless 100 minutes of high-intensity football, mirroring the drama of their previous encounter. Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica stuck with the same starting XI that secured victory over Wellington Phoenix last weekend, and his side wasted no time making their mark.

Auckland Stun with Early Onslaught

Auckland FC set the tone early, catching fans off guard as they were still queuing for the Ferris Wheel and Tea Cup rides. The breakthrough came in the 11th minute through Uruguayan forward Guillermo May, who unleashed an unstoppable curling effort from 30 yards out—leaving Adelaide goalkeeper Ethan Cox with no chance.

Just minutes later, chaos in the box led to May doubling his tally. A long throw-in from Francis de Vries sneaked past two Adelaide defenders before May bundled it over the line to put Auckland 2-0 up.

Adelaide Fight Back Before Auckland Strike Again

Adelaide United clawed their way back into the match in the 31st minute when a dangerous cross from Zach Clough forced Auckland’s Paulsen into an awkward save. The ball clipped the near post and fell kindly for Jordan Elsey, who tapped in from close range.

Determined to restore their advantage, Auckland responded spectacularly. A trademark in-swinging corner from de Vries was met by Ben Waine, whose header forced a save from Cox, but Kosta Rogerson reacted fastest to nod it home, sending The Port into raptures. The assist marked de Vries’ sixth of the season.

VAR Drama and Late Controversy

Corica made changes, bringing on Verstraete and Randall for Brimmer and Mata, but the match took another twist when referee Daniel Elder reviewed a challenge from Verstraete on Ethan Alagich inside the Auckland box. After a lengthy VAR delay, Adelaide were awarded a penalty. Paulsen got a hand to Clough’s effort but couldn’t keep it out, making it 3-2.

Auckland responded with more substitutions—Howieson replaced Gallegos, and François came on for Rogerson—but Adelaide struck again with another penalty in the 77th minute, leveling the score at 3-3. Corica’s frustration boiled over, earning him a yellow card on the touchline.

The drama wasn’t over. Auckland’s Callan Elliot, replacing Neyder Moreno, nearly won it when his powerful shot took a slight deflection off Randall, but Cox miraculously kept it out with a last-ditch save.

Last-Minute Heartbreak

Then came the moment Auckland fans thought had sealed the win—captain Hiroki Sakai fired home in the 98th minute. But in one final twist, Bart Vriends netted a dramatic equalizer deep into stoppage time, ensuring both teams walked away with a point in a match that will be remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters of the season.

Player of the Match: Guillermo May (Auckland FC)

Next Matches:

• March 9th: Newcastle Jets vs Auckland FC – McDonald Jones Stadium, 7PM NZT.
• Next home game: Auckland FC vs Central Coast Mariners – March 16th, 5PM at Go Media Stadium. Secure your tickets for the final three home games!

Attendance: 16,709