Auckland FC's Hiroki Sakai celebrates. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.photosport.nz
New Zealand's newest franchise has arrived in winning style.
It was an historic occasion at Mount Smart Stadium as Auckland FC marked their A-League debut with a 2-0 win over the Brisbane Roar.
It has been a long wait for Auckland football fans, 17 years since a side from the city has played in the A-League.
But they were rewarded with an enthralling 90 minutes to mark Auckland's grand return.
Skipper Hiroki Sakai played his part in the inaugural goal for the new franchise, though it came by way of an opposition player.
However, "a goal is a goal", the Japanese international told Sky Sport.
"Such a great atmosphere, a great memory, we have a lot of young players, but I think it's a great team now."
Brisbane skipper Jay O'Shea said the new boys on the block would be great for the competition.
"They put a good team together, played really well, they will be a credit to the A-League, it's a great addition."
Sakai led the new side out onto a sun-drenched pitch to the roar of a healthy home crowd.
It took just eight minutes to give them something to shout about, an own goal putting the hosts ahead.
Sakai sparked the movement with a strong run and followed up on the right flank, hammering one across the box only for Harry Van der Saag to deflect it into his own net.
Auckland FC's Hiroki Sakai celebrates after Auckland go ahead following an own goal from a Brisbane defender. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.photosport.nz
Brisbane enjoyed plenty of opportunities as Auckland became increasingly disjointed, but the Roar were unable to convert as the home side took a 1-0 lead at half-time.
It was a frantic start to the second, Guillermo May snatched a clearance attempt and looked to find Jake Brimmer with a cross and an open goal but he was just off the mark.
The shots kept coming, Francis De Vries and Brimmer both with long-range speculators desperately deflected by the Roar.
Brisbane keeper Macklin Freke was then called on to save a powerful attempt from Liam Gillion, Auckland dominating territory in the opening quarter of the second spell.
The Roar made a triple change in a bid to swing the momentum but they soon had an even taller mountain to climb.
Logan Rogerson out the result to bed for Auckland in the 75th, De Vries chipping in a cross for the All White to guide home and become the first player for the club to score an A-League goal.
Things really opened up in the closing stages, a great Jesse Randall run giving Gillion back to back shots at goal, but the radar was wayward.
Auckland move to the top of the A-League table after a dominant debut, and will host Sydney at Mount Smart next Sunday.
The Wellington Phoenix kick off their campaign this Sunday afternoon against Western United.
Scorers
Auckland FC 2 (OG, 8', Rogerson, 75')
Brisbane 0
Auckland FC Dan Hall and Brisbane Roar Thomas Waddingham battle it out during the A-League football match between Auckland FC v Brisbane Roar held at Go Media Stadium. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz