from "The New Zealand Herald" - Michael Burgess .....
Auckland FC are out of the Australia Cup.
They were shocked by Victorian NPL side Heidelberg United 2-0 in the semi-final on Saturday night. It was a spirited effort from the part timers, who pushed Auckland harder than some of their A-League opposition last season.
The result continued Heidelberg’s giant killing run in the competition, after they had eliminated Western Sydney Wanderers (3-0) and the Wellington Phoenix (4-0) in successive rounds.
The decisive moment came in the 75th minute, after a mistake from goalkeeper Michael Woud, who made a rash decision to rush off his line, allowing striker Bul Juach in for a composed finish. While Auckland FC weren’t at their best or sharpest – they were on top before that point.
As the A-League club then pushed for an equaliser, Asahi Yokokawa caught out some stationary defence before finishing past Woud. While Woud’s error with be highlighted, Auckland FC also paid the price for their inability to create much, with the final product and crossing not quite there, while new striker Sam Cosgrove missed their best opportunity minutes before the first goal.
But it was a special night for Heidelberg, who have yet to concede a goal in the competition and more than matched their illustrious opponents. However they were helped by the circumstances, as the match had been abruptly rescheduled last Monday – brought forward by a fortnight – which caused significant disruption to Auckland FC and also presented a physical challenge to the A-League side, off the back of their 120 minute effort against Sydney FC last Saturday.
But Heidelberg – whose team feature Uber drivers, construction workers, airline staff and civil engineers – are the story, now on track to become just the second NPL team (after Sydney United 58 in 2022) to reach the final.
Auckland FC coach Steve Corica made one change from his quarter final starting XI, with Jake Brimmer coming in for Cam Howieson.
As they had done in previous rounds, Heidelberg started well. They pressed high, were inventive and physically strong and had the clearer chances in the first 30 minutes. Woud was alert to smother as Juach ran through on goal, while a Ben Collins header was just wide. Auckland began to exert more control in the last 15 minutes of the half, with neat work in midfield. The moment of quality was lacking, though Marlee Francois went close, with his snapshot from a narrow angle hitting the crossbar, after a Guillermo May effort had been deflected into his path.
Auckland extended their dominance into the second half – with opportunities falling to Jesse Randall, Dan Hall and May. New signings Cosgrove and Lachlan Brook combined just after being brought off the bench in the 65th minute, with Cosgrove’s shot straight at the keeper.
Auckland were on top when disaster struck. After a quick turnover thanks to an errant Callan Elliott pass, Juach was released by Japanese playmaker Asahi Yokokawa. He had the run on Hall but Woud chose to sprint out of his area and intercept and got it badly wrong, as Juach kept his composure and finished into an empty net.
There was more to come nine minutes later, as Yokokawa broke – catching the defence stationary – before slotting home between Woud’s legs. Howieson went close – defied by a flying save – but time was always against Auckland FC.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
