Louis Verstraete of Auckland FC scores a goal against Macarthur FC in the A-League men's football match at Mt Smart Stadium, 1 Feb, 2025. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Auckland FC have extended their lead at the top of the men's A-League ladder to five points with a 2-1 win over Macarthur Bulls at Mt Smart Stadium.
An 80th minute goal from midfielder Louis Verstraete broke the deadlock that had been in place since the 19th minute.
He nodded the ball into an unoccupied Macarthur net after a superb Francis de Fries free kick eluded goalkeeper Flip Kurto.
It was Verstraete's first A-League goal and yet another example of Auckland FC's ability to score goals late in matches.
The Belgian said he had felt before the game that he was going to score today.
"I just went for it and I saw a gap,'' he told Sky Sport. There was possibly a touch by Kurto, but Verstraete said he was in the right place at the right time.
Their win over fourth-placed Macarthur puts them five clear of Adelaide United, but they have played two more games than the South Australian side.
Auckland took the lead in the ninth minute courtesy of a Neyder Moreno goal, after nifty lead-up work from skipper Hiroki Sakai and Max Mata, but Macarthur levelled up in the 19th minute thanks to a Jake Hollman goal.
There was immediate concern after that goal for centre back Nando Pijnaker, who had to come off after possibly rolling his ankle.
Defender Tommy Smith said the team's fitness levels were responsible for their ability to score goals late in matches.
"We know we are fitter than all other teams. That's testament to the guys in our medical and fitness department. We have worked so hard throughout the pre-season throughout the season to be the fittest team in the league," he told Sky Sport.
Auckland FC have a bye next weekend and play Western United away on 15 February.
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