Auckland FC has been granted the green light to celebrate exuberantly following their Isuzu UTE A-League Premiership victory, yet head coach Steve Corica maintains that this is merely the beginning of their quest for more trophies.
Corica’s team entered Sunday’s home fixture against Perth Glory having already secured the Premiership, thanks to second-placed Melbourne City’s scoreless draw with Adelaide United the previous night.
With the pressure lifted and the atmosphere electric at a rain-soaked Go Media Stadium, the Black Knights finally netted the crucial goal in the 62nd minute, as winger Marlee Francois celebrated his first goal in style by scoring directly from a corner kick.
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Although an impressive display from Perth Glory’s goalkeeper, and Auckland local, Oli Sail prevented a more significant scoreline in front of 24,221 spectators, the Black Knights secured their 15th win of the season and proudly lifted the Premiers Plate into the night sky.
“We’re definitely keen to celebrate,” a delighted Corica expressed during his post-match press conference.
“I want to have a chat with the players about celebrating; they’ve earned it. I’m talking about tonight and perhaps even tomorrow!”
“However, after that, we must focus on recovery and prepare for the game this weekend, because that’s also crucial.”
Corica went on: “We aim to finish the season strongly away from home. So tonight, we’ll have a few drinks together here at Go Media Stadium, and then head to the Black Knights club too. I believe all the families will be joining us there.”
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“Following that, we’ll disperse and let the boys have their fun together, whilst our staff will enjoy a quiet drink or two.”
With an eight-point lead as they approach the final round of the Isuzu UTE A-League, Corica’s side has consistently been at the top of the table throughout the regular season, boasting the best defence in the league and the third-best attack.
Auckland will travel to Ironbark Fields on the season’s last day to face a Western United team freshly buoyed by their 1-0 victory over Sydney FC on Sunday afternoon. Despite already clinching the Premiers Plate, Corica has no plans to rest his key players.
“No, I don’t think so at this point, as we have a week off afterward. If we don’t play them next week, they’ll have two weeks off, then it’ll be three weeks before they play again in the semi-final.”
“The momentum is good; we will maintain our current trajectory and aim to secure a victory against Western next week.”
Western’s win over Sydney FC keeps them in contention for second place on the ladder, which would grant them a spot in next season’s AFC Champions League Elite, as they currently trail Melbourne City by just one point.
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Regardless of the outcome for the Black Knights in the final round of the season, Corica asserts that his squad is entirely focused on making even more history, following their achievement as the first New Zealand team to win the Isuzu UTE A-League Premiership.
“It’s been an incredible journey up to this point,” said Corica when reflecting on the day and the season as a whole.
“Clearly, we’re not finished yet; we still have one more trophy that we are eager to pursue.”
He added: “Our aim is to become the first team to achieve the double in our inaugural year. The Wanderers won the Premiership in their first season, so we’re eager to surpass them if we can.”
“That’s the driving force for the players; securing the double would be something truly special.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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