A-League
Auckland FC Targets History in Round 5 Showdown
Auckland FC’s head coach Steve Corica has set the bar high for his team as they prepare for their Isuzu UTE A-League Round 5 encounter against the Macarthur Bulls this Sunday at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
New to the league, Auckland FC has already captured attention with an impeccable start, winning their first three matches. With a bye in Round 4, they are poised to extend their streak and etch their name in A-League history. The Black Knights are only the second team in the league’s history to win their first three games and maintain clean sheets in all three, joining Adelaide United in this elite feat.
Corica’s Ambition: “Records to Break”
Addressing reporters ahead of the Unite Round, Corica emphasized his team’s focus on making history:
“We’ve got records to break. If we can secure another win, it’ll be four in a row – a first in the league’s history – and another clean sheet would make it an exclusive four-game streak for us.”
The coach acknowledged the significance of this milestone but remained grounded in the team’s objectives.
“I’d say we’ve surprised a few people, but not ourselves. This is what we’ve been working for. At the start of the season, we set clear goals: to compete with the best and stay at the top.”
Auckland currently sits third in the standings, just a point behind Melbourne Victory with a game in hand.
A First Challenge Abroad: Sydney Awaits
Sunday’s match marks Auckland FC’s first A-League fixture outside New Zealand. The team has so far triumphed against Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC in Auckland, as well as Wellington Phoenix in Wellington.
When asked about playing on Australian soil for the first time, Corica admitted it was a new test but remained confident:
“I think it’s a challenge for us. We want to win every game, whether it’s at home or away. Unite Round adds another layer – all teams playing at the same venue. We’ll keep an eye on other results, but the focus is on getting back to the top of the table.”
Unite Round: A Unique Stage for Auckland FC
The Unite Round brings all A-League teams together at a single venue, offering an electric atmosphere for players and fans alike. For Auckland FC, it’s another step in their mission to solidify their place among the league’s elite.
Auckland FC’s momentum, coupled with Corica’s ambition, sets the stage for an intense battle against the Macarthur Bulls. Will the Black Knights continue their historic streak? Fans will find out this Sunday.
