Auckland FC’s habit of scoring late in games – they have earned five points through goals in stoppage time this season – is a key reason why they find themselves at the top of the A-League table.
And according to defender Tommy Smith and coach Steve Corica, Auckland’s knack for the late dramatics stems from fitness, character and impact off the bench.
Auckland FC’s 1-0 victory over the Western Sydney Wanderers last weekend was the latest in a remarkable run of results for the competition newcomers and the second match in a row they have scored deep into stoppage time. They have scored late goals in six games in total.
"In football if you get a reputation for that, teams almost start fearing it’s going to happen to them and I think that might be the case," Smith said today. "It shows how fit we are to finish games so strongly.
"When you do rely on a late goal it means the pressure is heightened on the rest of the game to not make a mistake… the lads are getting into positions to score goals. I’m sure there will be a game that comes up where we score a few – similar to the Melbourne City game – where we score a few early [and were 3-0 up at halftime]."
What’s it like in the changing room after a late goal?
"It’s an ecstatic feeling really, because the emotions are heightened right at the end of the game – you’ve scored seconds earlier and the celebrations in the changing room after the [Wanderers] game were immense," Smith said. "I don’t know if there is any footage around but there were some antics going around."
The centre back added: "The pre-season was the hardest I’ve had across my career so I think that’s probably got a lot to do with it.
"There’s quality involved as well of course, you’ve seen the quality of the goals we’ve scored. Everyone’s attitude is spot on."
Corica said the late dramatics were "not so good for the ticker", but added: "It’s good value isn’t it? Obviously late goals are special for everyone really and they’re hard to come back from.
"It shows great character for the team to keep going until we get a result like that.
"It’s becoming a habit which is a great thing for us. Of course we’d like to be like Melbourne City, 3-0 up at halftime, but it doesn’t work like that every time. I’m really proud of the character that the boys are showing.
"Most of our second halves have been strong and we finish strongly, which shows our fitness. Also, the players coming on and making a difference, Neydar [Moreno] for instance – he’s scored some very important goals as well which is fantastic for us.
"Players coming off the bench need to make an impact, and we’ve got that."
Auckland’s next match is against Macarthur at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday.
"They’re a counterattacking team so if we can counter that threat, we feel we can come away with the three points," Smith said.
Auckland FC, who have nine wins, three draws and two losses, have beaten Macarthur away already this season.
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