Striker Guillermo May emerged as the hero for Auckland FC on Sunday, netting a brace that enabled the Black Knights to secure a thrilling 2-2 draw against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium.
This result keeps Auckland FC in the second position, awaiting the outcome of Melbourne City’s match against Adelaide United later on Sunday. Conversely, Sydney FC will miss out on a home Elimination Final, setting them up for an away fixture in Week One of the Finals Series.
The match got off to a tentative start as both teams sought to gain an upper hand. It wasn’t until the 35th minute that Sydney fullback Ben Garuccio nearly broke the deadlock, hitting the woodwork with a powerful shot. Teammate Tiago Quintal followed up with a fierce attempt that Auckland goalkeeper Michael Woud was forced to parry away.
Woud, who was certainly the more active of the two keepers, faced another test five minutes later as he kept out a low strike from Paul Okon-Engstler.
The Peruvian Piero Quispe put Woud to the test once again at the beginning of the second half but the Auckland shot-stopper was equal to the challenge, saving the striker’s powerful effort. However, shortly after, the resistance was broken.
Quispe, dancing at the edge of the penalty area, set up Garuccio, who feigned a shot with his left before cleverly cutting inside onto his right foot, unleashing a bobbling shot into the bottom corner to put the Sky Blues ahead 1-0.
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With the match seemingly heading for a draw, the Sky Blues struck again in the 85th minute. Substitute Victor Campuzano delivered a delightful flick-on that defender Alexandar Popovic blasted into the roof of the net, regaining a 2-1 lead for Sydney.
Auckland forward Cosgrove squandered a golden opportunity to equalise less than a minute later, failing to connect with Jesse Randall’s inviting ball across the goal.
However, the equaliser did come, and once again it was through the head of Auckland’s Uruguayan striker May. He soared above everyone to powerfully head in from Liam Gillion’s clever cutback from just six yards out.
This result leaves Sydney FC facing an away elimination final in Week One of the Finals Series, while Auckland now waits with bated breath for the outcome of Melbourne City’s home match against Adelaide.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT THEY SAID
Sydney FC goalscorer Ben Garuccio spoke to Paramount+ following the final whistle.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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