Steve Corica says all the pressure will be on Adelaide in the second leg of their semi-final. Photo / Photosport
Auckland FC coach Steve Corica is embracing the prospect of a hostile Coopers Stadium crowd as his side battle an increasing injury toll, ahead of Friday night’s A-League semi-final second leg against Adelaide United.
After a 1-1 draw at Go Media Stadium in the opening leg, the Black Knights now face the daunting task of needing a win in Adelaide to book a place in the grand final against either Sydney FC or the Newcastle Jets.
The margin between success and failure at this stage of the season often comes down to handling pressure in decisive moments.
Auckland learned that lesson the hard way last year when a costly five-minute lapse against the Melbourne Victory ended their campaign, despite entering the match as favourites.
Despite not winning in regulation since March 14, Corica is adamant his side can handle the occasion and has shifted the pressure squarely on to Adelaide.
“Next week the pressure’s on them because they’re at home,” the coach said.
“We’ve been there before, we’ve played there, we’ve done well there. We haven’t beaten them there, but they haven’t beaten us either.
“It’s going to be hostile, but who cares? The pressure’s on them to go and win the game. For us, we have to win it as well, but it can go to extra time, it can go to penalties. At the end of the day, it’s just about winning the game.”
While Corica viewed the first-leg draw as a positive result, Auckland’s growing injury concerns are threatening to complicate preparations for the biggest match in the club’s short history.
Midfielder Cam Howieson, who assisted Lachlan Brook’s goal, was forced off after being poked in the eye, while captain Hiroki Sakai battled through groin tightness after feeling discomfort during the warm-up.
Both are expected to be available for Friday’s return leg, but there are more significant concerns surrounding Uruguayan forward Guillermo May, who limped off with an ankle injury.
Speaking to Newstalk ZB on Sunday, Auckland FC assistant coach Danny Hay said May was in a moon boot and the signs were not promising.
“We haven’t had the scan as yet, but it’s not looking great for him at this stage,” Hay said. “He’s in, he’s in quite a bit of discomfort.
“He’s such an important player for us. I thought he was playing particularly well as well before the innocuous injury.
“We can only hope hope the best for him. He was devastated and you can understand why when he came off and we’re hoping that things can turn around for him and he gets a little bit of luck.”
Auckland were already missing midfielders Felipe Gallegos (hamstring) and Jake Brimmer (calf), although defender Francis de Vries made his return from a calf injury off the bench.
Striker Sam Cosgrove also continues to play through pain after tearing a ligament in his ankle last month, requiring injections to get through matches.
The club’s leading scorer, with 11 goals in his debut season, said there was no chance he would sit out with a grand final spot on the line.
“I’d not trained properly on it all week, so I was a bit apprehensive on how it was going to pull up,” Cosgrove said.
“I’ve worked hard all year and we wanted the Premiers [Plate] and now that the Premiers haven’t come to fruition ... I want to go and win the grand final and if I can help the team and the manager keeps on wanting to put me in the team then I’ll be there available for him.”
The two sides have become difficult to separate over the past two seasons. Of their five meetings, four have ended in draws, while Auckland have claimed one win.
Corica said his squad remained completely focused on reaching the grand final, despite speculation some players may have already played their final home game for the club.
“There’s only one thing that we’re focusing on [and that] is making the grand final and winning it,” the coach said.
“Not getting there, we’re going to get there.”
If the aggregate score is level after Friday night’s match, the semi-final will go to extra time and, if required, penalties.
Auckland will take confidence from last weekend’s home elimination final, where they defeated Melbourne City in a penalty shootout.
In the other semi-final, Newcastle and Sydney FC played out a 1-1 draw in the opening leg.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.