Auckland FC ship five goals for first time in A-League loss to Wanderers
Defending champions lost 5-2 to Western Sydney, conceding their first five-goal A-League haul in a display that exposed fresh defensive gaps.
Auckland FC crashed to their first loss of the season, beaten 5-2 by Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday night. The reigning champions allowed five goals in an A-League match for the first time.
Three slipped past them in nine minutes either side of halftime. Young defender Luka Vicelich gave Auckland an early lead, but Brandon Borrello equalled for the Wanderers before the break.
Two quick goals just after the restart swung the contest decisively. Two late strikes made the scoreline bitter.
The defensive lapses showed gaps left by departures Louis Verstraete and Dan Hall.
- Western Sydney 5, Auckland FC 2
- Final score
- 18 years old, third A-League start
- Vicelich age
Why it mattersDefending champions losing heavily to a direct rival signals the season is genuinely competitive, not sewn up.
AustraliaAuckland's stumble opens the A-League title race for Australian clubs competing alongside the New Zealand side.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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