It is fair to say no one saw this coming.
Auckland FC have slipped to their first defeat of the season on Sunday afternoon, shocked 2-1 by the lowly Newcastle Jets.
It is also only the third time Auckland had been beaten at home in their history and only their second regular-season loss.
On a day where the second half was marred by torrential rain – which almost left the field unplayable at times – the Black Knights couldn’t find a response, after falling behind just before halftime to a Lachan Rose goal.
They had earlier been shocked by a third-minute goal to Will Dobson, before Louis Verstraete restored parity in the 14th minute.
The conditions were a big factor – helping Newcastle defend their lead grimly after the interval – while the game was surely close to being abandoned as it become almost impossible to pass the ball, let alone dribble.
But referee Alireza Faghani opted to continue and things did improve in the final 15 minutes. While Auckland were much better than last week, their form will still be a concern.
They were open at the back – conceding two sloppy goals – and only goalkeeper Michael Woud stopped Newcastle getting one or two more. Auckland had plenty of opportunities – with 12 shots to four – but weren’t clinical enough.
The result adds spice to next Saturday’s derby against the Wellington Phoenix, with the two New Zealand teams only separated by three points.
The hardy crowd were stunned as early as the third minute, when Newcastle took the lead through Dobson.
It was the ultimate counterpunch. Auckland had gone close at the other end – with Sam Cosgrove failing to find an open Lachlan Brook – and 20 seconds later, the ball was in the Auckland net as they were caught by the quick break, Dobson applying a clinical finish, after a cross hit Dan Hall.
It was a shock – by far the earliest goal Auckland had conceded at home – but the Black Knights equalised 11 minutes later, thanks to another crucial Verstraete goal.
The Belgian collected an intelligent knock-down from Cosgrove – off a Francis de Vries cross – before firing into the roof of the net.
Auckland dominated much of the rest of the half and should have gone ahead.
Jesse Randall was inches wide with a chip after being released by Jake Brimmer, while Cam Howieson had an air swing from a handy position, before another cross narrowly eluded Randall.
But Newcastle continued to throw punches, with Woud prominent. He came up with a great save to defy Max Burgess, before a timely block by Hall averted more danger.
Still, Newcastle’s second goal came out of nowhere, as a pass from Alexander Badolato somehow eluded three defenders – with a helpful deflection off Hall.
That left Rose free from close range and he made no mistake. He had stayed onside, though the Auckland bench felt the ball had been headed out of play in the build-up, with goalkeeping coach Johnathan Gould booked for his protest.
The rain escalated before halftime and was torrential for much of the second half, leading to some farcical scenes as players splashed through puddles. Before that, Auckland had their chances.
Randall hit the crossbar – after being released by Cosgrove – and the same player had another great opportunity from a Liam Gillion pass but the Jets scrambled to save the day.
Woud was busy at the other end, making a superb stop from Clayton Taylor, before Dobson should have added his second, with a half-volley over the bar with 15 minutes to play.
There was a captain’s conference in the 84th minute – with referee Faghani warning the skippers the game could be stopped – but the rain abated just after that.
As you would expect, Auckland threw the kitchen sink at their opponents in the final stages, with a succession of corners and plenty of pressure, but the Jets held firm to bank a famous win.
Auckland FC 1 (Louis Verstraete 14)
Newcastle Jets 2 (Will Dobson 3 Lachlan Rose 41) Halftime: 1-2
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.