AUCKLAND, New Zealand (PS) — Auckland FC made history Sunday, capturing the A-League Men’s Premier’s Plate in their inaugural season with a 1-0 victory over Perth Glory before a jubilant sellout crowd at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart.

Although results overnight had already secured the title for Auckland FC, thousands of supporters turned out in full voice to celebrate the club’s first piece of silverware in its young history.

“I think a lot of Aucklanders have been gagging for a football team for a long time,” said Ollie, a local fan attending the match with his wife and two-year-old daughter. “It’s been a long time coming — we’re all excited.”

The celebratory atmosphere remained family-friendly, with police reporting no major incidents, a reassuring sight after tensions flared at recent matches elsewhere. Fans Katie and Lizzy, both visiting from England, praised the occasion, noting that while the crowd had room to grow compared to European stadiums, the experience was “super entertaining.”

Even lifelong rugby league supporters have been won over. “It’s massive,” said Steve, a local fan. “I grew up a rugby fanatic. This is the first year I’ve been coming to football matches, and it’s been incredible.”

Perth Glory head coach David Zdrilic acknowledged the electric environment played a role in Sunday’s outcome. “It felt like a European atmosphere,” Zdrilic said. “For a new club to create that in their first season — it’s impressive.”

Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica, now unbeaten in 14 straight matches, said the pressure had eased following the Plate-clinching result the night before, but the team was determined to deliver for their supporters.

“We didn’t want to let the fans down,” Corica said. “It’s been an amazing journey so far.”

Despite the celebrations, Corica emphasized the team’s focus must quickly shift to Friday’s regular-season finale against Western Sydney Wanderers in Parramatta. Auckland aims to become the first expansion team to win both the Premier’s Plate and the A-League Championship in the same season.

Hiroki Sakai and Steve Corica celebrate with the A-League Premier’s Plate. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

A Historic Achievement for New Zealand Football

Auckland FC’s Premier’s Plate win marks the first time a New Zealand-based team has claimed silverware in the A-League Men’s competition. The club secured the title with two games to spare after Melbourne City’s draw with Adelaide United on April 26.

The club — officially launched in March 2024 after receiving its license in November 2023 — features a strong Kiwi backbone, with 11 New Zealand internationals complemented by players from Australia, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, and Japan.

Previously, Wellington Phoenix was New Zealand’s sole professional football representative. Auckland’s arrival has provided long-awaited opportunities for aspiring professionals in the country’s largest city.

Majority owner Bill Foley, who also owns Premier League club AFC Bournemouth and NHL champions Vegas Golden Knights, said he was proud of the team’s rapid success.

“What the team has achieved is monumental,” Foley said. “Our ambition now is to do the double.”

Record-Breaking Debut Season

Since their inception, Auckland FC has shattered multiple A-League Men records:

• Best start to a debut season: Six consecutive wins.

• Longest shutout at the start of a season: 532 minutes without conceding a goal.

• Domestic crowd record: 27,009 fans attended the second New Zealand Derby at Go Media Stadium.

• Top defensive record: Only 23 goals conceded across the season.

• League-best attendance: An average home crowd of 17,591.

In just over a year — 409 days after the club was officially announced — Auckland FC has firmly established itself as a powerhouse.

Leadership Behind the Success

Head coach Steve Corica, formerly of Sydney FC, was recruited by Auckland’s Director of Football Terry McFlynn to lead the expansion club’s charge. Corica emphasized building a squad rooted in local talent while maintaining a high standard of excellence.

“An expansion club winning the league in its first season is unheard of,” Corica said. “The players, the fans, the whole club will remember this moment for a long time.”

CEO Nick Becker praised the supporters for their passion and commitment, with nearly a quarter of a million fans attending matches this season.

“The fans have been a revelation,” Becker said. “We’re incredibly grateful for the energy and atmosphere they bring. This is just the beginning for Auckland FC.”

By the Numbers: Auckland FC’s Record-Breaking Season

• 6 wins from their first 6 matches.

• 532 minutes before conceding their first goal.

• 27,009 fans set a New Zealand football crowd record.

• 17,591 average home attendance, the highest in the league.

• 23 goals conceded, best defensive record in the A-League Men.

• 11 All Whites (New Zealand internationals) featured in the squad.

About Auckland FC

Announced as an A-Leagues expansion side on November 21, 2023, and formally launched in March 2024, Auckland FC is part of Bill Foley’s growing global sports portfolio. The ownership group also includes entrepreneur Anna Mowbray, World Cup-winning All Black Ali Williams, former All Whites Tim Brown, Noah Hickey, Winston Reid, and NBA star Steven Adams.