Auckland FC kept their A-League season alive on Saturday after beating Melbourne City in a dramatic penalty shootout at Mt Smart Stadium. The Elimination Final ended 1-1 after extra time, before Auckland goalkeeper Michael Woud made a vital save. Defender Dan Hall then scored the winning penalty to send Auckland into the semi-finals.
Woud said penalty shootouts can be a goalkeeper’s dream because they offer the chance to become a hero. He saved Melbourne City’s seventh penalty after both teams had scored several times. Auckland player Jake Girdwood-Reich celebrated too early because he thought the save had already won the match, but Hall still needed to score.
Hall said the moment felt “pretty surreal” after scoring his first goal for Auckland. He had told team-mate Nando Pijnaker that he thought he would win the match, and he said he was lucky his belief came true. Auckland had been leading 1-0 until Melbourne City equalised in added time, which Hall said was disappointing.
Coach Steve Corica praised his players for showing courage, especially after some had recently returned from injuries. He said the team always believed they could win, even though the match was very close. Auckland are now expected to face Adelaide United in a two-leg semi-final.
