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Hagley Park In Stadium Live FeedLeague-leading Auckland FC brace for hostile debut derby against Phoenix
SENZ • October 30th, 2024 11:58 am
Three days later, coach Steve Corcia is still smiling after his team's magnificent last-gasp victory over Sydney FC on Sunday.
In front of another cacophonous packed house at Mt Smart, the hosts struck from the final play of the game, breaking the deadlock in the 97th minute to continue the expansion team's superb start to their inaugural A-League campaign.
Making the situation even sweeter for Corica was earning one up over his former club in the Sydney heavyweights, as his team did the occasion justice for the new and very loud bunch of loyal supporters, while advancing to the top of the competition ladder.
"It was an amazing game," Corica told SENZ's Scotty & Izzy. "It was another fantastic crowd as well, turning out to support the boys and I think they really put on a good show for them.
"Obviously, against my old club that I've been out for for 19 years, it was very nice.
"I think we created some really good chances, probably the best chances of the game, and probably should have been in front before that. But I was really pleased with the way we played, the way we defended as well, especially because we've kept two clean sheets now, which is really great for the confidence as well.
"The boys are working so hard for each other and putting in great performances and two games that we've won from the start, which is amazing."
Undefeated through the club's first two games, the true test now comes this weekend in the capital, where they'll head for the first ever 'Kiwi Clasico' against the second-placed Phoenix.
The hostilities between the two fervent fanbases have been underway for some time, and the teams will have the first chance to settle the score on the pitch at what promises to be an uninviting Sky Stadium come Saturday.
'NZ is yellow' has been the catch-cry from the Wellingtonians, who have gone as far as chartering a plane towing that very slogan above Go Media Stadium on Sunday.
"It's going to be a great atmosphere," said Corica. "It's going to be just a derby - aggressive and fierce.
"Good to have two teams obviously at the top as well, both going so well. But that's going to be really special I think, and great for the public as well to get behind it."
Listen to the full interview below:
