That will hurt, for a squad that is still finding their feet, after all the off-season change. For the most part it was an encouraging performance but conceding another poor goal – after defending so stoutly – won’t help confidence.
Coach Pedro Moreira made two changes to his starting XI, with centre back Ronan Wynne getting his first A-League start, replacing Luka Vicelich, and Jonty Bidois in for the suspended Sam Cosgrove.
Brisbane dominated the opening period, with Auckland FC barely venturing out of their own half in the first 10 minutes. When they eventually did, they made it count, with Sakai’s controlled, dipping strike finding the bottom corner of the net. It was superb technique by the Japanese – as the ball fell to him just outside the area – after Bidois and Logan Rogerson had worked hard to engineer the cross.
That was an intangible boost and it showed, as Auckland began to get more fluency with their passing and movement. They were unlucky not to double their lead, with Rogerson beating the keeper with a delightful, angled chip – after being released by Francis de Vries – only to see it bounce off the crossbar.
However, Brisbane continued to monopolise possession and territory. They created pressure – although not too many clear cut chances – as Auckland got bodies in the way and were well organised defensively. Sakai and Nando Pijnaker came up with timely blocks and Brisbane striker Virgiliu Postolachi headed over. The best chance for the home side came just before halftime, when a sliced shot from Sabit Ngor beat Michael Woud but hit the far post. Auckland had moments, with Lachlan Brook narrowly wide with a right foot drive, while Logan Rogerson almost teed up Bidois but was flagged for offside.
Burly Brisbane forward Justin Vidic, who was booked in the first half for simulation after an extravagant dive in the area, went desperately close early in the second half, his well struck shot eluding Woud before cannoning off the cross bar. Auckland were coming under increasing pressure, with a strong close range save from Woud and a miraculous clearance from de Vries – after delightful work by Tyrese Francois and Nam Tae-hee – preserving their lead.
Callan Elliot and Isa Prins were introduced for Brook and Bidois respectively with 25 minutes to play. Brisbane camped in Auckland’s half but were rarely threatening, with the Black Knights mustering a couple of counter attacks. With time almost up, Brisbane forced a corner – their 12th – after a miscued clearance from a tired Pijnaker. Nam Tae-hee delivered into traffic, with the ball falling to Aldred, before he turned and squeezed a shot past several defenders and into the corner of Woud’s goal, to cue pandemonium among the home support.
Auckland FC 1 (Hiroki Sakai 11)
Brisbane Roar 1 (Tom Aldred 90+5)
Halftime 1-0