A-League
Auckland FC Move Five Points
Verstraete’s 80th-minute header secures crucial victory for the Black Knights
Auckland FC strengthened their grip at the top of the Isuzu UTE A-League with a dramatic 2-1 win over Macarthur Bulls, courtesy of a late Louis Verstraete header. The victory at Go Media Stadium sees the Black Knights extend their lead to five points as they edge closer to securing the league’s top spot.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
The Black Knights wasted no time in asserting their dominance, striking first in the 10th minute. A long throw-in from Hiroki Sakai was flicked on by Max Mata, finding an alert Neyder Moreno, who poked home his fifth goal of the season. The early lead sent the Auckland crowd into a frenzy, but Macarthur had other plans.
Just nine minutes later, Macarthur hit back. Valere Germain’s header forced a strong save from Auckland goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, but Jake Hollman pounced on the rebound to level the score at 1-1. The goal sparked controversy as the visitors had earlier appealed for a penalty, with VAR ultimately dismissing claims that Moreno tripped Chris Ikonomidis in the box.
Battle for Supremacy
The remainder of the first half saw both sides pushing for the advantage. Auckland came closest to retaking the lead when Uruguayan forward Guillermo May’s diving header was denied by Filip Kurto. Moments later, May squandered another golden opportunity, heading over from close range.
In the second half, both teams exchanged chances. Moreno nearly bagged his second of the match in the 56th minute, only for Josh Damevski to make a crucial block. On the other end, Hollman sought his brace but was denied by a well-timed tackle from Tommy Smith.
Macarthur came close again when Ikonomidis curled an effort just wide before making way for Harrison Sawyer. The substitute nearly made an immediate impact, forcing Paulsen into action with a powerful header.
Verstraete Delivers the Knockout Blow
With the game finely poised, Auckland head coach Steve Corica made a decisive triple substitution in the 72nd minute, introducing Felipe Gallegos, Marlee Francois, and Jesse Randall. However, it was full-back Francis De Vries, a set-piece specialist, who provided the game-winning moment.
De Vries delivered a pinpoint free-kick into the box in the 80th minute, where Verstraete rose above the Macarthur defense to nod home the decisive goal. It was the midfielder’s first goal in the A-League, securing Auckland’s 10th win of the campaign.
Closing Moments and What’s Next
Macarthur pushed for an equalizer, but Auckland’s defense stood firm. A final substitution saw Cam Howieson replace Logan Rogerson, and after five minutes of stoppage time, the referee blew the final whistle. The Black Knights’ five-point lead at the summit remains intact, while Macarthur’s sixth defeat of the season could see them slip further down the table.
Player of the Match: Callan Elliot
Upcoming Fixtures
- Next match: February 15, away to Western United
- Next home game: February 22, Derby vs Wellington-based team at Go Media Stadium
- Tickets available: Click here
