Auckland FC, Phoenix draws to start season
- Dave Worsley
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Auckland FC have kicked off their second A-League season with a goaless draw against Melbourne Victory in a wet Melbourne.
Up against the team that eliminated them from championship contention last season in the semifinals, Auckland FC created plenty of half opportunites with more shots on goal than their opponents. .
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Auckland's best chance came from a corner on the half hour, when striker Jesse Randall somehow knocked the ball wide from close range.
Randall also had two shots blocked and midfielder Louis Verstrate another in the second half.
Four yellow cards were dished out to Auckland including one for dissent from coach Steve Corica, as regulation time ran out, and each side struggled to break the defence.
Former Spanish international and European football star Juan Mata made his debut for Melbourne but wasn't given any space to create any positive chances.
Auckland FC return home to face Western Sydney next Saturday.
Meanwhile the Wellington Phoenix fought back from two goals down to hold Perth Glory to a 2-2 draw in their opening game of the A-League season in Perth.
The home sides opened the scoring and doubled their lead in the first half but Nigerian striker Ifeanyi Eze struck back before halftime to bring the Phoenix back into the match.
It was a former Glory player Carlo Armiento who would level for the Phoenix in the second half, with his goal helping Wellington earn a point in Perth.
The Phoenix next host Brisbane Roar on Saturday 26 October in Wellington.
