Latest news with #A-LeagueMen'sPremier'sPlate
RNZ News
26-04-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Auckland FC v Perth Glory: All you need to know
Auckland FC players celebrate a goal against the Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ Auckland FC v Perth Glory Kick-off: 5pm Sunday, 27 April (NZT) Go Media Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland Live blog updates on RNZ Sport A sold-out crowd at Mount Smart will see more than 26,000 home fans celebrate Auckland FC when they lift the A-League Men's Premier's Plate on Sunday . With two games left in their regular season, Auckland FC sealed top spot and the Premier's Plate on Saturday night, after second placed Melbourne City drew 0-0 at home to Adelaide United. It has been an incredible achievement in a debut campaign, matching that of Western Sydney Wanderers in 2013, and a well-earned one, with the Black Knights leading the table for most of the season. Auckland FC will aim to go undefeated for the sixth game straight when they meet Perth Glory, the A-League's bottom-placed team. Luis Felipe Gallegos celebrates his goal, Auckland FC v Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ One of the key reasons for Auckland's success this season has been a relatively low injury count. That continues into this fixture, with a full complement to choose from for head coach Steve Corica. Felipe Gallegos was the only injury doubt, but he has recovered from a knock against Melbourne Victory and is likely to feature. The one question will be around how Corica decides to set up. A recent switch to 5-3-2 proved fruitful against Victory, so it would be no surprise to see a similar line-up. Goalkeepers: Alex Paulsen, Michael Woud; Defenders: Hiroki Sakai (c), Nando Pijnaker, Dan Hall, Tommy Smith, Francis de Vries, Callan Elliot; Midfielders: Louis Verstraete, Cameron Howieson, Luis Toomey, Jake Brimmer, Felipe Gallegos; Attackers: Max Mata, Guillermo May, Jesse Randall, Logan Rogerson, Neyder Moreno, Marlee Francois, Liam Gillion. Phoenix goalkeeper Oli Sail reacts after allowing a goal to be scored during the 4-0 loss to Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Photosport It could be one All White keeper v another, with Oli Sail likely to deputise at the other end from Alex Paulsen. The Glory stopper will be hoping to keep the league leaders at bay in front of a hometown crowd. Captain Adam Taggart represents a potent threat in attack, while Jaylan Pearman is a young prodigy who Auckland will be wary of due to a previous experience. Seb Despotovski will be looking to make his debut and follow in the footsteps of his father Bobby, a Glory legend. Goalkeepers: Oli Sail, Cameron Cook; Defenders: Anas Hamzaoui, Tass Mourdoukoutas, Yuto Misao, Josh Risdon, Kaelan Majekodunmi, Tomi Mrcela, Takuya Okamoto; Midfielders: Nicholas Pennington, Adam Bugarija, Trent Ostler, Luke Amos, Jaylan Pearman, Will Freney; Attackers: Nikola Mileusnic, Adam Taggart (captain), Patrick Wood, Khoa Ngo, Seb Despotovski. 11 Jan, 2025 - Perth Glory 1-0 Auckland Auckland have lost just twice this season, but their most recent defeat did come against Perth at the start of the year. One of only three wins for the basement club this season, young prodigy Pearman grabbed the solitary goal. Auckland also finished the game with 10 men after Adama Coulibaly saw red. Auckland clearly struggled to handle their first mammoth commute to Western Australia with a forgettable showing, which they will look to avenge this weekend. Auckland Fc v Wellington Phoenix, Go Media Mt Smart Stadium. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ Auckland will not be taking this lightly - that January defeat will still loom in the mind of Corica and his players. Auckland are impressive at home while Perth have just one win in their past 17 A-League games on the road. All signs point in one direction - a comfortable Auckland win, but given the rollercoaster rides fans have been treated to so far this season, it wouldn't be a shock if the home side has to battle through this one. Getting over the finish line can be tough in football, but Auckland have shown time and time again that they have what it takes. Auckland FC 3-2 Perth Glory. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
26-04-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Football: Auckland FC to lift A-League Premier's Plate in front of bumper home crowd
Auckland FC and the A-League Premier's Plate Photo: supplied Auckland FC's dream debut season just got better by becoming the first New Zealand side to win the A-League Men's Premier's Plate, which they will share with home fans on Sunday. With two games left in their regular season, Auckland FC sealed top spot and the Premier's Plate, after second-placed Melbourne City drew 0-0 at home to Adelaide United on Saturday night. The result left Auckland in an unassailable position, with just one match remaining in the 2024/25 season for Melbourne City. Auckland FC meet Perth Glory on Sunday afternoon, and regardless of the result will lift the Premier's Plate in front of an expected sold-out home crowd at Auckland's GO Media Stadium. It caps off an historic inaugural season for Auckland FC, who made a record-breaking unbeaten start to life in football's A-League. Backed by one of the league's best defences, a strong attack and fantastic home support, Steve Corica's men have led the league for much of their first season. Auckland FC have locked in a semi-final berth, but also a chance to host the grand final. A-League executive chair Stephen Conroy congratulated Auckland FC. "It's testament to all involved with Auckland FC for the impact they've had on and off the field; playing fantastic football and building an incredible connection with the local football community. "We look forward to seeing them complete the regular season and move into the finals series, where they will push to become the first-ever team to win the Premier's Plate and Championship in their inaugural season." The finals series kicks off on the weekend of 9-11 May, with two elimination finals between third and sixth, and fourth and fifth, with the two winners facing the top two sides in two-legged semi finals. The winners will then progress to the grand final, with the highest placed team from the regular season earning the right to host the showpiece event on the weekend of 31 May - 1 June.
