The Newcastle Jets have put up a gallant fight however Rob Stanton’s side have gone down to Auckland FC 2-0 at Go Media Stadium.
As the rain fell at Go Media Stadium, the Jets had an early chance to silence the home crowd but Auckland goalkeeper Alex Paulsen stood tall to thwart Newcastle forward Ben Gibson in the third minute following a brilliant throughball from Eli Adams.
As the rain continued to fall, Newcastle shot-stopper Ryan Scott came up big to keep the scores level in the 24th minute – Dan Hall’s acrobatic strike at the back post pushed over the bar.
Scott’s reaction in the 62nd minute left Auckland players bemused as to how the ball stayed out of the net after his last-ditch block and Mark Natta’s clearance frustrated the home side once more.
The Jets caused some concerns 17 minutes from the end when Clayton Taylor forced a fine save from Paulsen before a follow-up effort flashed just wide of the post.
Moreno broke Newcastle’s resistance in the 84th minute with his first goal for the club after his volley found the back of the net.
Justin Vidic thought he had equalised three minutes later but the Jets forward’s goal was ruled out offside before De Vries made sure of the points for Auckland in the 89th minute.
