Auckland FC are up and running in football’s A-League, marking their maiden match with a solid 2-0 win over Brisbane Roar. Jason Pine runs through what we learned about the competition’s new boys in their debut outing.
Super Sakai
Japanese international Hiroki Sakai came with a big reputationand well and truly delivered. He was the architect of his side’s first ever A-League goal and celebrated afterwards with all the joy of a player who is fully invested in the club. In the lead-up to the goal, he was fouled, but bounced up, rejoined the attack and drilled in a cross that Brisbane defender Harry Van der Saag could only divert into his own net. That was just a snapshot though of Sakai’s overall influence on the game and his side, which was significant.
The Kiwi influence
The stated recruitment aim of Auckland FC was to prioritise local talent and the hometown boys delivered. Logan Rogerson scored the side’s second goal, Francis de Vries was a constant threat on the left flank, Liam Gillion repaid the faith shown in him with an energetic display and Jesse Randall provided good impact from the bench.
Sitting at the base of Auckland FC’s midfield, Louis Verstraete was the side’s best player. The Belgian age-group international shielded his back four to impressive effect, breaking up would-be attacks and transitioning his side into attack with an impressive passing range and no-nonsense approach. He’ll be integral to Auckland’s success this season.
Defensive steel
All great teams are built on a solid defence, and on the evidence of one game, the Black Knights will certainly have that. Dan Hall and Nando Pijnaker have already formed a solid centre-back pairing and with Verstraete sitting in front of them, the central channel was difficult to penetrate. Out wide, Sakai and de Vries were also sound, meaning reigning A-League goalkeeper of the year Alex Paulsen had very little to do. A clean sheet to start; box ticked.
The 12th man
Build it and they will come … and they did. The sellout crowd provided the perfect backdrop to Auckland FC’s inaugural A-League match, from the celebrities in the corporate areas to the families and fans in the stands and the outstanding active support provided by The Port. Even this early in the club’s life, Go Media Stadium at Mt Smart appeals as a cauldron no away team will fancy visiting.
