A-League: Auckland FC go down to Western United, ending 14-game unbeaten run

If you’re going to end a 14-game unbeaten streak, you might as well do it before the playoffs.

The A-League premiers have a bit to ponder on their week off after Auckland FC ended the regular season on a sour note following a 4-2 defeat to Western United in Tarneit.

The loss ended Auckland FC’s unbeaten run that stretched all the way back to January 11 and puts them in a slightly precarious, albeit top, position heading into their maiden playoff run. For Auckland FC, it’s a week off before an away visit in the first leg of the semifinals, their maiden playoff game.

Western Utd went into the match with hopes finishing second and joining Auckland FC with the bye week, depending on the result of the earlier match between Melbourne City and Sydney FC. But by kickoff in Tarneit, Melbourne were leading 3-0 and had a week off all but secured.

Maybe Western United weren’t aware the match was verging on a dead rubber as they started the game with plenty of pressure on the Auckland defensive end of the park. It eventually paid off when Nando Pijnaker forced a turnover in the 18th minute that led to Western United’s opener as Michael Ruhs slotted past Alex Paulsen.

Pijnaker looked to clear deep and wide of his own box but was intercepted and a few quick passes into the box found Ruhs for the opener.

Auckland FC and the Perth Glory are the only two sides to have failed to win a game this season after conceding the opening goal. But Auckland FC barely had time to take stock of overcoming that stat before they gave up another goal. Four minutes later, the home side doubled their lead from a corner with Noah Botic heading home for his 12th goal of the campaign.

Maybe a day off or two to celebrate the Premiers Plate win was showing for the Black Knights. It wasn’t until the 38th minute that they had their first shot on goal, when Logan Rogerson’s half-volley was denied by Matt Sutton.

Western United continued their dominance after the break with a cross over the top of the backline causing trouble. Pijnaker attempted to clear but deflected the ball into the path of Angus Thurgate, who had no trouble finishing past Paulsen.

It took until the 62nd minute before Auckland responded, substitute Neyder Moreno followed a rebound off his own corner to make it 3-1, his eighth goal of the season, with a fine strike inside the post. Jesse Randall added a second in injury time to give Auckland a brief hope of a draw before Oliver Lavale scored Western United’s fourth a minute later.

Melbourne City’s 5-1 win over Sydney FC saw them earn second place in commanding fashion and will feel much better about their week off. Western United host Adelaide United while Western Sydney and Melbourne Victory will meet in the other elimination final, with the host to be decided following the weekend’s action.

Auckland will face the lowest-ranked side in the semifinals, which means a potential rematch with Western United would have to wait until the grand final.