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Auckland Pride - Make Auckland Great Again

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about 2 months ago
For a change, with the last few ALM rounds  Auckland have had more Injury Outs than the Phoenix.

 
Sydney FC v Auckland FC
Sunday, April 26 – Allianz Staidum – 3:00pm AEST

Sydney FC Men: 
1. Gus HOEFSLOOT (GK), 4. Jordan COURTNEY-PERKINS, 6. Corey HOLLMAN, 7. Piero QUISPE, 8. Wataru KAMIJO, 9. Victor CAMPUZANO, 12. Harrison DEVENISH-MEARES (GK), 13. Pat WOOD, 16. Joel KING, 17. Ben GARUCCIO, 20. Tiago QUINTAL, 23. Rhyan GRANT (captain), 24. Paul OKON JNR, 29. Joe LACEY, 35. Al Hassan TOURE, 36. Rhys YOULLEY, 41. Alexandar POPOVIC, 44. Akol AKON, 70. Ahmet ARSLAN, 80. Apostolos STAMATELOSPOULOUS.

(Two to be omitted).
Ins: 9. Victor CAMPUZANO (return from injury), 36. Rhys YOULLEY (promoted).
Outs: None
Unavailable: 5. Alex GRANT (illness), 10. Joe LOLLEY (ankle).


Auckland FC squad: 
1.⁠ ⁠Michael WOUD, 3.⁠ ⁠Jake GIRDWOOD-REICH, 6. Louis VERSTRAETE, 7. Cameron HOWIESON, 8. Felipe GALLEGOS, 9. Sam COSGROVE, 10. Guillermo MAY, 11. Marlee FRANÇOIS, 12. Jimmy HILTON, 14. Liam GILLION, 17. Callan ELLIOT, 18. Finn MCKENLAY, 21. Jesse RANDALL, 23. Dan HALL, 27. Logan ROGERSON, 35. Jonty BIDOIS, 50. Eli JONES, 52. Luka VICELICH, 57. Van FITZHARRIS 77. LACHLAN Brook

(Two to be omitted)
Ins:
Outs: 4. Nando PIJNAKER (shoulder), 15. Francis DE VRIES (calf), 22. Jake BRIMMER (calf)
Unavailable: 20. Oli SAIL (long-term injury)

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about 2 months ago
Simon B wrote:
I for one weep for them. Wait, no I don’t.

Auckland FC coach calls for calm ahead of A-League finals

Auckland FC has given up asking A-League referees to explain their decisions.

Instead, coach Steve Corica would speak to his players about how they reacted when they did not get the refereeing calls they expected as they headed into finals football.

For a few weeks Corica had been unhappy with what he believed was inconsistency in the officiating. So much so, he had an outburst that got him red carded for kicking an object on the sideline during a game in exasperation.

Players were also starting to voice their displeasure to the referees in recent weeks.

"They're starting to get frustrated from some of the decisions," Corica said of his team which were sitting second in the league ahead of the last game of the regular season.

"I think we can get a little bit carried away. We probably just need to concentrate on the game and not what the referees are doing and make sure we get the job done."
I'm surprised Corica is even making a thing about this, he's an experienced Aleague manager and knows the refs are average - unless of course by being surorised he is unwitting admitting that he never experienced this at Sydney, which points to the bias against teams that are not City, Victory or Sydney FC.

Queenslander 3x a year.

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about 2 months ago · edited about 2 months ago · History
theprof wrote:
 Simon B wrote:
I for one weep for them. Wait, no I don’t.

Auckland FC coach calls for calm ahead of A-League finals

Auckland FC has given up asking A-League referees to explain their decisions.

Instead, coach Steve Corica would speak to his players about how they reacted when they did not get the refereeing calls they expected as they headed into finals football.

For a few weeks Corica had been unhappy with what he believed was inconsistency in the officiating. So much so, he had an outburst that got him red carded for kicking an object on the sideline during a game in exasperation.

Players were also starting to voice their displeasure to the referees in recent weeks.

"They're starting to get frustrated from some of the decisions," Corica said of his team which were sitting second in the league ahead of the last game of the regular season.

"I think we can get a little bit carried away. We probably just need to concentrate on the game and not what the referees are doing and make sure we get the job done." 
I'm surprised Corica is even making a thing about this, he's an experienced Aleague manager and knows the refs are average - unless of course by being surorised he is unwitting admitting that he never experienced this at Sydney, which points to the bias against teams that are not City, Victory or Sydney FC.

This is a very selective narrative RNZ has made from the press conference. The majority of the press conference was on reflecting on underwhelming performances, discussing leaking too many goals in transition, etc etc.
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Endorsed by
martinb
about 2 months ago · edited about 2 months ago · History
Welcome to what A League referees dish out to Kiwi teams Steve. Ernie found out, Ufuk found out and Chiefy found out. Nothing new.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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Endorsed by
20 LegendbrWanderingSheep
about 2 months ago
LG wrote:
Welcome to what A League referees dish out to Kiwi teams Steve. Ernie found out, Ufuk found out and Chiefy found out. Nothing new.
AFC need to stop whining. They never complained about refs when Codgrove flopping won them two penalties against the Nix. 
Reality is they are top of the league for fouling and cynical play. Its the way they play. 

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Endorsed by
brLGWanderingSheep
about 2 months ago
Still the only game in two seasons they have been awarded a penalty 

Tells you something right?

Auckland will rise once more

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Endorsed by
20 LegendFUmrsmiis
about 2 months ago
AucklandPhoenix wrote:
Still the only game in two seasons they have been awarded a penalty 

Tells you something right?
The only team the refs dislike more than AFC is the Nix?


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Endorsed by
AucklandPhoenixchopahFULG+1
about 2 months ago
Auckland winless in their last 5 to miss out on the top 2. Just 5 wins out of 16 games in 2026. If they fail to make the semis it will be a generational choke. 

Just how dependent are they on de Vries?
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Endorsed by
WanderingSheep
about 2 months ago · edited about 2 months ago · History
Not sure it is just the absence of de Vries or Pijnaker. 
It is also the drop off of the scoring form of Brook and Randall (who in my opinion are both less reliant on de Vries crosses than say Cosgrove). Even Cosgrove's goals were not headers, lately.  And let's not forget the dramatic MIA form of May this season, a few goals he scored as a sub notwithstanding. Potentially Brimmer's absence due to injuries is also a factor.
If you take away the single result of the last NZ derby, their GF are decent but not spectacular.  Their ladder position seems to be more due to their good defensive record all season (only Syd FC had fewer GA) than their scoring performance, outside of the derbies.  
On the strength of their performances leading to the finals, I am not seeing them lifting the toilet seat this season, but they may rebuild for next year and improve to challenge again. That places them in that exclusive elite of ALM clubs that every season are expected to win something.   They had some excellent performances this year and have been fun to watch more often than not. 


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Endorsed by
FU
about 2 months ago
So AFC who are in poor form,  playoff against City who are in hot form.
I cant see them beating City as their home form has been terrible in 2026
City also have players like Younis who are really firing. AFC in comparison, have loads of players out of form. Randell in particular looks out of confidence. Twice against Sydney he was through on goal and botched the chance.
The commentators in the Sydney game said AFC had the lowest pass percentage accuracy and most longballs played in AL.
Thats what happens when you have a big unit up top. You get trapped into constantly lumping it up to big guy
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about 2 months ago
Will de Vries & Pijnaker even be fit for this week? When they were assessing their recoveries they probably would have been targetting returning for the semifinal because it seemed extremely likely that they would finish in the top 2
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about 2 months ago
Sounds like Pijnaker is a chance to be fit by this weekend 

FDV likely still a no show
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about 2 months ago
It will be an interesting game to watch next weekend.    M City will be out to regain their self-respect after Adelaide literally stole the win in the last seconds of the game last night (and away from home too).  Conversely, A-FC should be feeling the season is slipping away from them.
Any news if Gallegos will be fit to play, after his hammy twinge?  


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about 2 months ago
https://twitter.com/thenichecache/status/2048683777740906540

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about 2 months ago
5pm kickoff, no doubt leading to some rescheduling in club football land.
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about 2 months ago
Bit early for their awards night with both ALM team & OFC Pro League team still to play finals?

Ronan Wynne worth a look at by the Nix. Though did he leave the Academy with a bit of negativity around?
The Esonians might just sign him to their A League side if any of Hall, Pijnaker or Girdwood-Reich move on.

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2026/04/29/auckland-fc-name-louis-verstraete-and-ronan-wynne-as-clubs-mvps/

Auckland FC name Louis Verstraete and Ronan Wynne as club’s MVPs

Midfielder Louis Verstraete has claimed Auckland FC’s top individual honour at the A-League club’s end-of-season awards.

The Belgian import was named A-League Club MVP after anchoring the side through a demanding schedule, missing only two matches. His influence in midfield underpinned Auckland’s push towards the finals series, in which they meet Melbourne City in Saturday’s elimination final.

The awards also recognised the club’s performance in the inaugural OFC Pro League, where they topped the table and are about to push for a place in the grand final.

Striker Sam Cosgrove led the scoring charts with 11 goals to share the A-League Golden Boot in his first season at the club.

Winger Jesse Randall collected both the Players’ Player of the Season and Members’ Player of the Season awards, with a series of decisive performances before he heads to Scotland to join Dundee United.

Auckland’s Round 4 win against Wellington Phoenix, achieved with nine players, was voted A-League Moment of the Season. Felipe Gallegos’ volley against Adelaide United in Round 23 claimed Goal of the Season honours.

Young defender Jake Girdwood-Reich (21) was named Emerging Talent after filling multiple roles across the back line during the A-League campaign.

In the OFC Pro League, Ronan Wynne was recognised as the club’s OFC Pro League MVP, while Liam Gillion’s five goals secured the OFC Pro League Golden Boot.

Gillion also collected OFC Pro League Goal of the Season for a solo effort against South Melbourne, while goalkeeper Oscar Mason’s stoppage-time penalty save against Solomon Kings earned OFC Pro League Moment of the Season.

Award winners
A-League Club MVP
Louis Verstraete

A-League Golden Boot
Sam Cosgrove

A-League Players’ Player of the Season
Jesse Randall

Members’ Player of the Season
Jesse Randall

A-League Goal of the Season
Felipe Gallegos (volley v Adelaide United, Round 23)

A-League Moment of the Season
Win v Wellington Phoenix (Round 4, nine men)

Emerging Talent Award
Jake Girdwood-Reich

OFC Pro League Club MVP
Ronan Wynne

OFC Pro League Players’ Player of the Season
Daniel Normann

OFC Pro League Golden Boot
Liam Gillion

OFC Pro League Goal of the Season
Liam Gillion (solo goal v South Melbourne, Round 3)

OFC Pro League Moment of the Season
Oscar Mason penalty save v Solomon Kings (Round 4)
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about 2 months ago · edited about 2 months ago · History
Still no FDV, but Pijnaker is fit. Will he start as part of a back 5?
His raking switches are great for finding Cosgrove (if big Sam plays), plus Nando himself is a bit of a goal threat from set pieces.

Auckland FC v Melbourne City
Saturday, May 2 – Go Media Stadium – 3:00pm AEST

Auckland FC squad:
1.⁠ ⁠Michael WOUD, 3.⁠ ⁠Jake GIRDWOOD-REICH, 6. Louis VERSTRAETE, 7. Cameron HOWIESON, 9. Sam COSGROVE, 10. Guillermo MAY, 12. Jimmy HILTON, 14. Liam GILLION, 17. Callan ELLIOT, 18. Finn MCKENLAY, 21. Jesse RANDALL, 23. Dan HALL, 27. Logan ROGERSON, 35. Jonty BIDOIS, 50. Eli JONES, 52. Luka VICELICH, 57. Van FITZHARRIS 77. LACHLAN Brook

(None to be omitted)
Ins: 4. Nando PIJNAKER & 22. Jake BRIMMER,
Out: 8. Felipe GALLEGOS (Injured), 11. Marlee FRANÇOIS (Injured)
Unavailable: 15. Francis De Vries (Injured), 20. Oli SAIL (long-term injury)

Melbourne City squad:
1. Patrick BEACH (GK), 2. Harrison DELBRIDGE, 4. Liam BONETIG, 7. Mathew LECKIE, 8. Ryan TEAGUE, 10. Takeshi KANAMORI, 11. Elbasan RASHANI, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 15. Andrew NABBOUT, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 17. Max CAPUTO, 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 28. Marcus YOUNIS, 30. Andreas KUEN, 35. Medin MEMETI, 36. Harry SHILLINGTON, 39. Emin DURAKOVIC, 40. James NIEUWENHUIZEN (GK), 44. Besian KUTLESHI.

(Two to be omitted)
In: 4. Liam BONETIG (promoted), 8. Ryan TEAGUE, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 15. Andrew NABBOUT (all return from injury).
Out: 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN (knee), 41. Lawrence WONG (omitted).
Unavailable: 14. Daniel ARZANI (hamstring), 21. Alessandro LOPANE (quad), 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN (knee), 47. Kavian RAHMANI (knock).
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Endorsed by
ni
about 2 months ago
With the latest injury news on Gallegos, Cosgrove and Randell its difficult to see AFC going far in the playoffs. They are seriously out of form and only won five home games this season. Plus only one win in the last 6 games where as City have 5 wins in their last 6. Stats dont cost you games but they couldnt lift their game to save 2nd place.
Is Corica playing mind games. Cosgrove has ruptured ankle ligaments.....and he might play?????
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Endorsed by
FU
about 1 month ago
Cosgrove and Pijnaker not starting, both are on the bench. 

Gallegos injured is a real blow, I don’t see Howieson being on the same level. 

Defence will be ok, it’s getting goals that is the issue

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about 1 month ago
 I made two big mistakes today: 

a) going for a hot dog before the first half whistle blew;
b) saying "Woud won't save anything, look he's going down slowly to his right every time" 

 How was I to know:
a) Citeh defenders would push May INTO the path of the ball;
b) A Citeh penno taker would put the ball slowly down to Woud's right 

Credit to Beach, though, played a blinder, kept them in it (I heard the keepers got into it after full time?)

Excellent to see T-AFC favourite "Ratboy" Gillion get a run, and it really looks like going up against Fijians and ni-Vanuatu has given him a bit of strength and confidence to add to his place, might have deserved a goal in extra time. and what a time for May to break his drought. But still missing de Vries and his dead ball skills, though - the question in the semi will be where the goals are coming from.

Cheers to Sam from this forum who came down to say hi to the commos in bay 25

Ramming liberal dribble down your throat since 2009
This forum needs less angst and more Kate Bush threads



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Endorsed by
FULGMainland FCni
about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History
Gillion's run in Pro League has served him well too. Looked less frantic and more composed on the ball.

I'll be that guy though... City's goal should've been overturned. Pijnaker is literally rugby tackled out of the hole they score from.

Did anyone catch the crowd number? Port looked strong but other stands looked weak. 5pm Saturday game no good no that footy season is all go.
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Endorsed by
FU
about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History
Apparently just a tad over 11,000

Hopefully may crack 18k next week.

Auckland will rise once more

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Endorsed by
LG
about 1 month ago
Doloras wrote:
I made two big mistakes today: 

 
a) going for a hot dog before the first half whistle blew;
b) saying "Woud won't save anything, look he's going down slowly to his right every time" 


How was I to know:
a) Citeh defenders would push May INTO the path of the ball;
b) A Citeh penno taker would put the ball slowly down to Woud's right 


Credit to Beach, though, played a blinder, kept them in it (I heard the keepers got into it after full time?)

Excellent to see T-AFC favourite "Ratboy" Gillion get a run, and it really looks like going up against Fijians and ni-Vanuatu has given him a bit of strength and confidence to add to his place, might have deserved a goal in extra time. and what a time for May to break his drought. But still missing de Vries and his dead ball skills, though - the question in the semi will be where the goals are coming from.

Cheers to Sam from this forum who came down to say hi to the commos in bay 25
Good comments, except for one minor correction - May broke his drought by scoring both goals against Sydney FC in the A-FC away draw 2-2 last weekend.  That is three converted headers in seven days.  


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Endorsed by
FULGni
about 1 month ago
FDV may be back for the semi first leg.
He’s close to a return apparently 
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about 1 month ago
I was surprised to see Cosgrove taking to the field despite his torn ligament, I wonder it that may impact him for the Adelaide game.


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Endorsed by
LG
about 1 month ago
Mainland FC wrote:
I was surprised to see Cosgrove taking to the field despite his torn ligament, I wonder it that may impact him for the Adelaide game.
Yes, I was surprised too. Cosgrove is not that mobile anyway but he looked even slower.  I thought the AFC attack looked the best for ages without him. May was playmaking centrally which suits his game and the whole attack looked quick and mobile.
Without de Vries service Cosgrove is a liability IMO
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Endorsed by
FU
about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History
austin111 wrote:
 Mainland FC wrote:
I was surprised to see Cosgrove taking to the field despite his torn ligament, I wonder it that may impact him for the Adelaide game.
Yes, I was surprised too. Cosgrove is not that mobile anyway but he looked even slower.  I thought the AFC attack looked the best for ages without him. May was playmaking centrally which suits his game and the whole attack looked quick and mobile.
Without de Vries service Cosgrove is a liability IMO
He spent most of his time on the field (after 80 min or so) parked in the midfield trying to disrupt M City progression.  I kept thinking whether he was the right person to bring onto the field at that time, perhaps someone like the young FitzHarris might have been more useful. But his (Cosgrove) experience and reading of the game would have helped.
And kudos for a well taken penalty, torn ligaments or not (in fact all A-FC penalties were spotless, I was totally impressed having suffered through some of our - Nix - criminally wasted pennos over the years).


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Endorsed by
FULG
about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History
Guy also is a beast with his head in defence. 

Cudos to him. While he has many detractors on here (some deserved) many A league clubs have suffered by hiring imports who have not given their all.

He definitely gave his all.

I guess also the advantage of having a contract for next year and the longest off season in football to recover.




Auckland will rise once more

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about 1 month ago
  "Becker was optimistic and hoped at least 20,000 will be in the stands come kickoff."
WTF, can say what you want about our crowds numbers but when it comes to finals  we can expect better than that.

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

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Endorsed by
LG
about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History
ballane wrote:
  "Becker was optimistic and hoped at least 20,000 will be in the stands come kickoff."
WTF, can say what you want about our crowds numbers but when it comes to finals  we can expect better than that.
True, though maybe if they Nix were hosting their 3rd finals game in 2 seasons, they wouldn't be selling out the ROF come the 3rd one.
Regular success can bred some fan indifference, at least in our part of the world.
 
Finals football hits Auckland 👊

This Saturday, Auckland FC take on Adelaide United in Semi Final Leg 1 with a place in the Grand Final on the line.

Back the boys in their final home game of the season and be there for a huge night at Go Media Stadium.

Kids tickets from $15.… pic.twitter.com/b2UDdvT0YZ
— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) May 7, 2026 

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about 1 month ago
Still think the fact it's Saturday at 6pm is still gonna be the biggest limiting factor.
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Endorsed by
ni
about 1 month ago
coochiee wrote:
 ballane wrote:
  "Becker was optimistic and hoped at least 20,000 will be in the stands come kickoff."
WTF, can say what you want about our crowds numbers but when it comes to finals  we can expect better than that.
True, though maybe if they Nix were hosting their 3rd finals game in 2 seasons, they wouldn't be selling out the ROF come the 3rd one.Regular success can bred some fan indifference, at least in our part of the world.
https://twitter.com/NZ_Football/status/2052247351235080693
Finals football hits Auckland 👊

This Saturday, Auckland FC take on Adelaide United in Semi Final Leg 1 with a place in the Grand Final on the line.

Back the boys in their final home game of the season and be there for a huge night at Go Media Stadium.

Kids tickets from $15.… pic.twitter.com/b2UDdvT0YZ
— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) May 7, 2026 

Seem to recall some claiming that wouldnt happen to them. Bit of a peverse pleasure seeing they can have some of same issues we do.  😁

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

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Endorsed by
br
about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History
Sigh.

Ballane there is no comparison on the crowds this season or last.

If not for the two derby games and the Christchurch game, the Nix would have averaged just over 3k this season.

Auckland averaged 18k in the regular season last year and 13k this year. Both season highs for the league.

They don’t have issues. The Nix’s potentially are business breaking.


It’s likely that AFC are more then happy with crowds around that level as that was the size of the stadium they were going to build.









Auckland will rise once more

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Endorsed by
FUhepatitis
about 1 month ago
coochiee wrote:
 ballane wrote:
  "Becker was optimistic and hoped at least 20,000 will be in the stands come kickoff."
WTF, can say what you want about our crowds numbers but when it comes to finals  we can expect better than that.
True, though maybe if they Nix were hosting their 3rd finals game in 2 seasons, they wouldn't be selling out the ROF come the 3rd one.Regular success can bred some fan indifference, at least in our part of the world.
https://twitter.com/NZ_Football/status/2052247351235080693
Finals football hits Auckland 👊

This Saturday, Auckland FC take on Adelaide United in Semi Final Leg 1 with a place in the Grand Final on the line.

Back the boys in their final home game of the season and be there for a huge night at Go Media Stadium.

Kids tickets from $15.… pic.twitter.com/b2UDdvT0YZ
— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) May 7, 2026 

NZ Football's tweet claiming it to be Auckland's 'Final home game of the season' might be a bit premature - If they knock over Adelaide and then if Sydney beat Newcastle the Grand Final would be held in Auckland. 

Would then have both A-League Grand Final and the OFC Pro League final both on in Auckland over the same weekend
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about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History
Anything happening like Saturday afternoon games elsewhere being postponed or is it football silos? 

Or is it just Auckland fans after a couple of losses? If they’d come in on a hot streak of form and fawning publicity, no problem?

Tbf, last week’s final with a penalty shootout win is something Nix fans haven’t had. Great experience. Memorable night. And thanks Iffy for that!

Also, don’t think there was anything wrong with City’s goal. Great delivery. 


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Endorsed by
Mainland FC
about 1 month ago
martinb wrote:
Anything happening like Saturday afternoon games elsewhere being postponed or is it football silos? 

Or is it just Auckland fans after a couple of losses? If they’d come in on a hot streak of form and fawning publicity, no problem?

Tbf, last week’s final with a penalty shootout win is something Nix fans haven’t had. Great experience. Memorable night. And thanks Iffy for that!

Also, don’t think there was anything wrong with City’s goal. Great delivery. 
I heard on a football pod that as the AFC game clashed with local football they rescheduled something like 170 games out of 280???? Cant remember the exact numbers but thats a lot of teams whose players probably would have gone to the match. You add on players partners and families and it adds up.
Hence the 6pm kickoff for the Adelaide game designed to give more time for local players to get to the match
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Endorsed by
Mainland FCmartinbni
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