Auckland FC boss Steve Corica has pinpointed the exact moment he knew his side would go on to clinch the Isuzu UTE A-League Championship – and it was a long time prior to Saturday night’s Grand Final triumph.
The Black Knights triumphed over Sydney FC 1-0 in the season decider at Go Media Stadium thanks to midfielder Cam Howieson’s 60th minute strike.
Auckland’s Grand Final victory means they’ve now captured two trophies in their first two years in existence having sealed the Premiers Plate last season, whilst also becoming the first ever New Zealand side to win the Championship.
MATCH REPORT: Auckland crowned Isuzu UTE A-League Champions after knocking off Sydney FC
“Obviously our form leading into that wasn’t great, but again, I’ve said it before, finals, you know, it doesn’t really matter what happened during the season,” said Corica when speaking in his post-match press conference.
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“Whether we finished first, second, or third, you know, as you saw last season, we lost in the semi last season, so, we just obviously knew what we had to do.
“I knew the moment we beat Melbourne City that we were going to go all the way. I felt it.
“I could see the belief in these boys, and how much hard work they needed to put into that game, and I knew that was going to stand us in good stead for moving forward.”
The result means Corica now becomes the most successful Isuzu UTE A-League Head Coach in the competition’s 21 year history after clinching his third Championship.
