PENROSE, New Zealand (March 20, 2026) (Interstat) — Macarthur opened its A-League season with a 2-1 road victory over Auckland FC at Go Media Stadium on Friday, defying pregame projections.

The visitors took a commanding lead with first-half goals from Rafa Durán in the 11th minute and Tomislav Uskok in the 44th. Auckland FC’s Jake Girdwood-Reich scored a consolation goal in the third minute of second-half stoppage time. Macarthur’s Mitch Duke received a yellow card in the 20th minute and assisted on a goal.

The result was an upset, as statistical models heavily favored the home side. Macarthur begins the campaign 1-0-0, while Auckland FC starts 0-1-0.