Auckland FC v Brisbane Roar: Auckland FC held at home, despite stunning free kick goal

Auckland FC players celebrate their opening goal, before Brisbane came back. Photosport.

After their memorable derby success two weeks ago, Auckland FC have been brought back to earth.

They have been held 1-1 by Brisbane Roar on Sunday afternoon, in a match where the visitors probably had the better of the chances. It was a strangely off colour display by Auckland FC, who have become so good at getting results at home.

There were mitigating factors – with the injuries, suspensions and players travelling back from All Whites duty – but coach Steve Corica will still be disappointed, as the output was below the standards expected. Auckland FC remain unbeaten but have lost their spot on top of the men’s A-League ladder, now second behind Sydney FC.

There was a late, late opportunity, as a Francis de Vries free kick from 25 metres thudded against the crossbar, which probably summed up the afternoon. Brisbane are a much improved side from last season, though their physical, combative style will not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Auckland had earlier taken the lead in the 18^th minute through Lachlan Brook. It was one of the goals of the season so far, a superb 22 metre free kick into the top corner. But they failed to build on that foundation, as the visitors were the better side for the next hour. Brisbane had two or three clear chances – including hitting the crossbar – before their equaliser right on halftime, as Justin Vidic sprang the offside trap then slotted past Michael Woud.

On a hot Auckland afternoon – with a 3pm kick-off – the Black Knights made hard work of it. They were untidy in possession, which meant a lot more running and they struggled to knit much together in the final third. They looked a bit rusty and too many individuals were a shade below their best. Too often they were second to the ball, with Brisbane just a bit quicker, a bit more desperate. Auckland got better in the second half, as the energy lifted and they made inroads down the flanks but couldn’t find the vital moment.

It had all seemed rosy with the first goal, as Brook couldn’t have opened his club account in more memorable fashion. It was expert technique – the curling shot struck perfectly, over the wall at the highest point and just inside the near post. It was the brilliant mix of power and precision, with goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis only able to get a desperate fingertip to it.

But that was rare bright moment in a scrappy first half for Auckland FC, where they struggled to get much going. Striker Sam Cosgrove was in a running battle with marker Milorad Stajic, booked once for a stray elbow and perhaps fortunate to avoid another card late in the half.

Brisbane had the better opportunities. Michael Ruhs had an airswing from a handy position, then was unlucky to hit the crossbar after carving out a good opportunity. James McGarry tested Woud from distance, then Lucas Herrington headed straight at the Auckland custodian.

But it felt like somewhat was coming; a lapse went unpunished just before halftime but Brisbane made no mistake minutes later, with the combative Vidic getting between the central defenders – Nando Pijnaker played him onside – then finishing past Woud.

Corica introduced Liam Gillion (Jesse Randall) and Cameron Howieson (Felipe Gallegos) early in the second half. A Gillion corner was almost poked home by Guillermo May but referee Ben Abraham found a foul.

Youngster Jonty Bidois was brought on with 20 minutes to play – for May – before a Gillion cross eluded everyone. Olly Middleton – on for his club debut - almost created a chance for Gillion but his cross drifted too far, before de Vries’s powerful free kick, which left heads in hands across the 12,379 in attendance.

Auckland FC 1 (Lachlan Brook 18)

Brisbane Roar 1 (Justin Vidic 45+2)

Halftime 1-1

Michael Burgess has been a sports journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.