Guillermo May of Auckland FC celebrates the opening goal in the elimination final against Melbourne City at Go Media Stadium. Photo / Photosport
Auckland FC 1 (7)
Melbourne City 1 (6)
Mark this down as the biggest win of Auckland FC’s short existence.
They live to fight another day in this A-League season – in the most improbable of circumstances.
They felt down and out coming into this match, after a tough recent run, then looked gone again on Saturday night, after Melbourne City equalised with virtually the last kick of the second half.
But they have done it, prevailing 7-6 in a dramatic penalty shootout. Dan Hall slotted the decisive kick but goalkeeper Michael Woud was the hero, as he leapt to his right to save from Nathaniel Atkinson in the phase before.
It was amazing sporting theatre; a match that will live long in the memories of everyone who witnessed it.
The game didn’t finish until nearly 8pm – after kicking off three hours earlier – but what a finale – with Auckland players dancing deliriously on the field.
The result means Auckland progress to the semi-finals, where they will face Adelaide United in a two-legged contest, the first at Go Media Stadium next Saturday.
It was a remarkable effort from Steve Corica’s men, especially as they found the fortitude to go again in extra time.
They had been seconds away from victory before Melbourne’s miraculous equaliser with barely a minute to play.
With all 22 players in the Auckland penalty area, teenager Medin Memeti managed to get on the end of a perfect Aziz Behich delivery, giving Woud no chance.
Auckland FC had held a precious lead since just before halftime, after Guillermo May’s brilliant header from a Jesse Randall corner.
That should have been enough, as Auckland had managed the second half well – while living dangerously at times - before the late shock.
The extra time period was a thriller, with chances for both teams, though Auckland had the better chances, with May prominent.
Then, after more than 130 minutes, came the shootout. Each side was perfect until the 13th attempt, before Atkinson opened the door for Auckland.
Corica had made two enforced changes to his starting XI. May replaced Sam Cosgrove, after the Englishman strained ankle ligaments last week in Sydney, while Cam Howieson came in for the injured Felipe Gallegos (hamstring).
The first half was everything you would expect; a tight, tense affair. The visitors settled quicker, with Matt Leckie prominent, using his physicality and vision. With no obvious outlet in Cosgrove, Melbourne used their press effectively, squeezing Auckland.
Max Caputo had an early chance – but lacked composure with his chipped effort, while Melbourne City had a series of corners which created anxiety.
Auckland were trying to get going but the quality of passing wasn’t quite there.
Playing in a centre forward role, Randall was the obvious threat. He got away once – but choose not to shoot – before teeing up Logan Rogerson whose effort was too straight.
But Randall played a key part in the opening goal, a beautiful move from a corner. Randall’s delivery was precise, met with a stunning flicked header from May. It was superb technique – as the South American ended up beyond the edge of the six-yard box – but managed to direct it past Patrick Beach into the far corner, to bring the crowd to life.
That gave Auckland FC momentum but the second half was never going to be straightforward. The home side seemed to sit deeper and deeper as time ticked over but still had chances. A Rogerson header forced a strong save from Beach, before Howieson managed a slalom run through the defence but couldn’t find the right shot. Cosgrove was introduced just after the hour but it was mostly still a rearguard action, with waves of Melbourne attack.
However, Auckland stood firm, winning the challenges when it mattered, with Hall and Sakai immense.
The New Zealand side switched to a back five for the final stanza, with Nando Pijnaker introduced.
Andrew Nabbout had a late effort but Woud was safe behind the shot before Leckie stung his palms from distance.
Auckland were home before disaster struck with Memeti’s volley. Melbourne won a cheap free kick, which would be so costly. The delivery from Behich was perfect and Memeti was too strong for Callan Elliot at the far post. The massed Auckland support were in shock, while Melbourne players stormed the field.
The extra time equation was always going to be complicated. Melbourne City had an early chance but couldn’t make the most of it, while May had three opportunities, the second after Liam Gillion got away, before Verstraete stooped to head over.
The final period was engrossing and agonising, as both teams went for the win. May was almost the hero, connecting with Sakai’s cross, only denied by a fabulous block.
Melbourne City went first in the shootout, staged in front of the port. There was a series of emphatic penalties, with neither keeper getting close, and Pijnaker and Sakai held their nerve as Auckland faced elimination.
Then came Woud’s moment, before Hall etched his name into club history, sending the keeper the wrong way, as he rolled his shot into the net.
Auckland FC 1 (Guillermo May 45+3)
Melbourne City 1 (Medin Memeti 90 +4)
HT: 1-0
Penalty shootout: 7-6