Lachlan Brook’s late free-kick salvaged a point in an intense 2-2 draw between Auckland FC and Melbourne Victory.
The visitors initially took the lead with a slick counter-attack, finished off by Franco Lino, before the hosts equalised just before half time through Sam Cosgrove. Nishan Velupillay capitalised on a defensive error to restore Victory’s advantage, but Brook’s curled free-kick late in the game ensured Auckland FC shared the spoils.
This draw will be disappointing for Auckland, as a win would have propelled them to the top of the Isuzu UTE A-League standings. Meanwhile, Victory’s hopes of breaking into the top two appear slim with only two matches remaining, though they will be content in third place with Adelaide United still to face.
In the 23rd minute, Nishan Velupillay moved into midfield and executed a clever back-heeled flick to find Denis Genreau. Genreau then delivered a perfectly timed pass to the onrushing Franco Lino, who completed the move by coolly placing the ball past James Hilton to put the visitors in front.
As the first half moved into injury time, Hiroki Sakai launched a long throw into the penalty area. After winning the initial header, the ball fell to Sam Cosgrove, who turned and fired it home, sending the teams into the break at 1-1.
The second half began with both teams pushing hard, but it was a misjudgment by 17-year-old Luka Vicelich that led to the third goal. Losing control of the ball, he allowed Velupillay to seize the opportunity, move into the box, and calmly slot it past Hilton to put Victory back in front.
The second half proved frustrating for both teams, as they laboured but struggled to create clear chances, until Auckland earned a free-kick in the 82nd minute. From the centre of the pitch, Lachlan Brook delivered a left-footed strike that, despite a touch from Jack Warshawsky, found its way into the top right corner, igniting excitement in the dying moments of the match.
Just a short time later, Cosgrove had a golden opportunity from a corner but sent his header wide from close range. He quickly found himself in another scoring position, only to blast his effort high over the bar.
Auckland’s head coach Steve Corica received a red card as the game neared its conclusion, but neither side could find a winning goal, and the match ended in a stalemate.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Compiled by SportArena.au
Fanpage: SportArena.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
