Auckland FC have made their A-League debut in style, securing a commanding 2-0 victory over the Brisbane Roar at a packed Mount Smart Stadium this evening.
The match kicked off with an advantage for the new kids on the block thanks to Brisbane defender Harry van der Saag who inadvertently handed them an early lead just eight minutes in.
After a clever build-up involving Logan Rogerson and captain Hiroki Sakai, ven der Saag turned the ball into his own net. His night took a turn for the worse as he received a yellow card, ultimately being substituted off as the pressure mounted.
Auckland continued to press as the match continued, with Brisbane struggling to break through a disciplined defence.
The defining moment came at the 74th minute when Rogerson doubled the lead with a crucial second goal, then exiting the field to a rapturous reception.
Despite several attempts, the Roar could not penetrate Auckland's defence to challenge goal keeper Alex Paulsen - who made a shock return to our shores after being signed to AFC Bournemouth and loaned back to Auckland FC.
Auckland FC is the city's third attempt at a professional football club following the Kingz and the New Zealand Knights.
At the helm of the side is A-League winning coach Steve Corica who took home two championships as both a coach and player of Sydney FC.
The club is majority owned by American businessman Bill Foley, with part ownership from former All Whites Noah Hickey, Tim Brown and Winston Reid, as well as former All Black Ali Williams and Kiwi NBA star Steven Adams.
The Black Knights are out to make a splash in their inaugural campaign beginning on Saturday when Brisbane Roar visit Mt Smart Stadium, with 20,000 fans expected.
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Auckland FC: 1. Michael Woud, 2. Hiroki Sakai (C), 3. Scott Galloway, 4. Nando Pijnaker, 5. Tommy Smith, 6. Louis Verstraete, 7. Cam Howieson, 9. Max Mata, 10. Guillermo May, 12. Alex Paulsen (GK), 14. Liam Gillion, 15. Francis de Vries, 17. Callan Elliot, 18. Finn McKenley, 21. Jesse Randall, 22. Jake Brimmer, 23. Dan Hall, 27. Logan Rogerson, 28. Felipe Gallegos, 35. Jonty Bidois
Brisbane Roar: 1. Macklin Freke (GK), 4. Ben Warland, 6. Joe Caletti, 7. Rafael Struick, 8. Walid Shour, 10. Florin Berenguer, 11. Neicer Acosta, 15. Hosine Bility, 16. Thomas Waddingham, 17. Harry van der Saag, 19. Jack Hingert, 21. Antonee Burke-Gilroy, 23. Keegan Jelacic, 24. Sam Klein, 26. Jay O'Shea (c), 27. Ben Halloran, 29. Matt Acton (GK), 35. Louis Zabala, 43. Adam Zimarino, 49. Ivan Ozzi
