Striker Guillermo May was the saviour for Auckland FC on Sunday, scoring twice to help the Black Knights salvage a 2-2 draw with Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium.
The result means Auckland FC cling on to second spot pending the result of Melbourne City’s clash with Adelaide United later on Sunday while Sydney FC miss out on hosting an Elimination Final altogether and will now be away in Week One of the Finals Series.
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It was a cagey start from both sides at Allianz Stadium before Sydney fullback Ben Garuccio rattled the upright in the 35th minute with a rasping drive, with teammate Tiago Quintal then stinging the palms of Auckland keeper Michael Woud with the rebound.
Five minutes later Woud was called upon again, this time palming away a low driven effort from Paul Okon-Engstler.
Certainly the busier of the two keepers, Woud was tested early in the second half as Peruvian Piero Quispe lashed an effort towards goal which was well saved, but the Auckland custodian was soon breached.
Dancing along the edge of the box, Quispe laid the ball off to Garuccio who, having feigned to shoot with his left foot cut inside on his right and sent a bobbling effort into the bottom corner to make it 1-0 to the Sky Blues.
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Sydney’s lead last just 10 minutes though as Auckland levelled things up in the 67th minute through half-time substitute Guillermo May, who headed home Golden Boot winner Sam Cosgrove’s flick-on inside the box from a long throw.
Just as the game looked to be heading towards a draw the Sky Blues pounced in the 85th minute as substitute Victor Campuzano’s excellent flick-on was slammed into the roof of the net by defender Alexandar Popovic to make it 2-1.
Auckland striker Cosgrove then wasted a glorious chance to make it 2-2 less than 60 seconds later as he failed to connect with Jesse Randall’s inviting ball across the face of goal.
The equaliser did arrive though and for the second time it came from the head of Auckland’s Uruguayan striker May, who leapt highest to power home Liam Gillion’s clever cutback from six yards out.
The result condemns Sydney FC to an away elimination final in week one of the Finals Series whilst Auckland wait anxiously to see the result of Melbourne City’s home clash with Adelaide.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT THEY SAID
Sydney FC goalscorer Ben Garuccio spoke to Paramount+ after the full time whistle.
