AUCKLAND, New Zealand (Interstat) — Cam Howieson scored in the 60th minute Saturday, lifting Auckland FC to a 1-0 victory over Sydney in the A-League opener at Go Media Stadium in Penrose. The goal was the only score as Auckland FC held Sydney scoreless. Auckland FC improved to 1-0 in the competition and across all competitions, while Sydney dropped to 0-1 in both. The match featured six yellow cards: Nando Pijnaker in the 31st minute, Louis Verstraete in the 53rd, Daniel Hall and Sam Cosgrove in the 56th, Callan Elliot in the 58th and Campuzano in the 76th. Auckland FC’s defense limited Sydney’s chances and secured the clean sheet. Saturday’s match was the season opener for both sides. The win gave Auckland FC three points in the early standings, while Sydney faces an uphill battle after a disappointing start.