Football Australia explains disallowed goal in Auckland FC semifinal loss
The crucial decision on Saturday at Go Media Stadium came after Auckland FC went 2-0 down (2-1 on aggregate) in the second half of the second leg of
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
11 hours ago
- RNZ News
Wellington Phoenix latest victim of plucky Victorian team
Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano says his side has a lot of work to do after becoming the latest A-League side to fall victim to Heidelberg United in the Hahn Australia Cup . The National Premier Leagues (NPL) Victoria side beat the Phoenix 4-0 in the first of the Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday night, a week after dispatching Western Sydney Wanderers 3-0 in the round of 16. Heidelberg led 1-0 at half-time courtesy of an unfortunate Wellington own goal and took command of the tie with two goals early in the second half before adding a fourth in the 85th minute. Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano was disappointed to bow out of the Cup in such fashion. "For large parts we dominated that match ...the first half we should have capitalised on those two/three big chances that we had," Italiano said. "[We] scored an own goal against the run of play but the big thing that killed us was the first 10 minutes of the second half. We got caught twice on the counter, poor second ball recovery and we got punished for it, and then the fourth goal just topped off the whole performance. "But the positive was that the boys didn't give up, the subs came on and we were a little bit more on the front foot, but again that game changes if we score earlier." He concedes they have a lot of work to do before the start of the A-League season in eight weeks, especially in regards to the squad's fitness. "If we're going to be on the front foot for the whole season, to play like that is high risk, high reward. We need to be fit for 90 minutes that's the most important thing and then build confidence by playing as many games as we can. "The signs have been positive but obviously if you're going to play like this you'll get anomaly scores like that." The Nix had little to show for their dominance in the first half and were unable to properly test Heidelberg's goalkeeper. The hosts were fortunate to take the lead in the 34th minute when Wellington defender Isaac Hughes found the back of his own net. The Phoenix then found themselves three goals down little over five minutes into the second half. The Bergers doubled their lead in the 47th minute courtesy of a quality strike from Max Bisetto before Asahi Yokokawa made it 3-0 four minutes later. The Wellington Phoenix will return home on Wednesday and have two months to get ready for the 2025-26 A-League season. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
a day ago
- RNZ News
Football: 'Physical' striker joins Auckland FC's attack
Auckland FC player Sam Cosgrove Photo: Supplied English striker Sam Cosgrove has moved from League One Barnsley FC to the A-League with Auckland FC. The 28-year-old will boost coach Steve Corica's attacking options as the team look to continue the form that saw them become the fastest A-League team to score 50 goals, and the first New Zealand team to win A-League silverware. At Barnsley, Cosgrove scored seven goals and registered six assists across 60 games. In total he has scored 70 goals and registered 20 assists across 297 professional games with stints at Plymouth Argyle, Aberdeen FC, Shrewsbury Town and Birmingham City. "Sam is going to be a great acquisition and will provide firepower to the front line. He's a proven goal scorer and we're pleased to have secured his signature," Corica said. "He is a big, physical striker who I think will be well-suited to the league. He's also got a great deal of experience. We're looking forward to having him as part of the group." Cosgrove's arrival means Corica has a full complement of attackers to call on with recent arrival Lachlan Brook joining Logan Rogerson, Guillermo May, Marlee François, Jonty Bidois, Liam Gillion, plus the inform Jesse Randall. "We're an ambitious group keen to improve on last year's performance, so right now, we're focused on building a squad to do that. "That requires depth in every position and a team that fights for the right to play each week." Cosgrove arrived in Auckland over the weekend. "I've had a couple of training sessions now and spent some time with the team. The culture and togetherness are outstanding. Being from overseas, I'm still adjusting, but everyone has been so supportive and friendly," Cosgrove said. "I spent a lot of time researching the club before I made the move, and the more I heard, the more I wanted to join. "What the club has achieved, the way the city has got behind the team, I was eager to be a part of it." The team leave for Sydney on Thursday ahead of Saturday's Australia Cup quarter-final clash against Sydney FC. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
NZ Herald
a day ago
- NZ Herald
A-League: Auckland FC sign towering English striker to boost forward stocks
Auckland FC have reinforced their goalscoring stocks for their sophomore men's A-League campaign, confirming the signing of English striker Sam Cosgrove. As first reported by the Herald, the 28-year-old arrives at the Black Knights from English League One club Barnsley FC, after a career that's also seen stints with Birmingham,
