A dream start for A-league debutants Auckland FC came amongst a golden weekend for Kiwi sport. Can football, once the oft-marginalised cousin of the oval ball game in New Zealand now seize its opportunity?
The first-up 2-0 win against Brisbane Roar was complemented by a massive near-25,000 sell-out crowd at Go Media Stadium on Saturday. The ground’s south end was populated by an enthusiastic fan base known as ‘The Port’ styled along British football lines, who whipped themselves (and the rest of the fans in attendance) into a frenzy reminiscent of the Warrior’s first game at the park 30 years ago.
As expected, the pre-game and apres activities gave the day a carnival atmosphere. In a statement, the club said they had set a ‘new standard’ for matchday experiences within the New Zealand sporting landscape.
“This fan experience is exactly what the sport needs to thrive here, encouraging more people to come out and be part of the action,” read a release on their website.
Previous incarnations of professional football in the city of sails have whimpered out. Still, the feeling on Saturday amongst the soccer proletariat was that this time those behind the scenes have ticked the boxes essential for the new franchise’s long-term success.
On first impression, the roster put together by Coach Steve Corica and Director of Football Terry McFlynn is a solid one, led by Hiroki Sakai who appears to be a talisman with a cool head and ingrained with the utmost professionalism and respect of his charges- attributes essential for a winning culture.
After an own goal after 8 minutes, winger Logan Rogerson etched his name into the annals of football time with a calm 74-minute finish after latching onto a cross intended for Uruguayan striker Guillermo May delivered by left-back Francis de Vries.
The goal was Rogerson’s second in a week after a fabulous strike against Malaysia when suited up for the All Whites.
The team’s next opponent comes in the form of heavyweights Sydney FC, who edged cross-town rivals Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 away at Commbank Stadium on Saturday.
With another chance to impress at home, the challenge now for Auckland FC is to keep the momentum going and neutralise any potential fan apathy by putting in consistent performances.
The A-League plays out over the warmer months meaning it competes only with cricket and some other minor sports for eyeballs. A paltry allocation of 3 days of international cricket at Eden Park this summer means Auckland FC has every opportunity to carve off a decent chunk of the public’s sporting spend.
The club will be hoping for another huge crowd on Saturday and a result that leaves them poised to assume their place alongside the Warriors, Breakers and Blues as the city’s premier sporting options.
Next match Auckland FC v Sydney FC
27th October, 4.00 pm NZT
Tickets available here
