The stage is set for another massive Finals night, and according to Airton Andrioli and captain Craig Goodwin, the Reds are arriving in Auckland with belief, confidence and one clear intention. To win.
After securing second place and earning a week off, United begin their Semi-Final campaign against Auckland FC on Saturday, carrying momentum from a ten-match unbeaten run into one of the biggest matches of the season.
Standing at Go Media Stadium on the eve of the clash, Goodwin said the squad was embracing the occasion.
“We’ve put ourselves in a great position,” he said.
“We’ve had that extra week to prepare, and we’re excited to be here and looking for a performance tomorrow.”
While the week off has allowed the Reds to refresh physically, Goodwin admitted Finals football ultimately comes down to mentality and execution.
“Yes and no, it’s an advantage,” he said.
“It depends on how we approach it and the mentality of the group. But our mentality is in a really good spot.”
For Andrioli, the focus across the last fortnight has been simple – preparation, clarity and belief.
“We’re extremely proud of what we’ve achieved this year,” Andrioli said. “But that’s behind us now. It’s about what we do next.”
The Reds know exactly what challenge awaits. Auckland have built their success around physicality, structure and dominance from set pieces, but Goodwin believes United’s preparation has left nothing to chance.
“They’re a very good team,” he said. “We know they’re strong from set pieces and physically, but there’s more to their game than that. We’ve done the work and we’ll be prepared.”
Finals football, Goodwin says, is often decided by the smallest moments.
“The little things are what cost you in Finals,” he explained.
“Switching off, not tracking your man, small mistakes – you get punished for those things in Finals football.”
Despite Auckland entering the Semi Finals after a tougher path through the Elimination Final, Andrioli insisted form and circumstances mean little once Finals begin.
“You can’t control those things,” he said. “For us, it’s about focusing completely on ourselves and making sure we execute our game plan.”
And while the Reds will be without suspended striker Luka Jovanović for the first leg, the coach remains confident in the depth of the squad.
“He scored two important goals, but now he misses this game. But we focus on what’s in front of us, and we have players ready to step in and do the job.”
One player expected to have a major role is Ryan White, fresh off claiming the Aurelio Vidmar Medal earlier this week.
Andrioli praised the young midfielder’s consistency, while also highlighting the growth of the entire group this season.
“He’s done extremely well,” Andrioli said. “But honestly, there are a few players who could have won that award. These young boys have grown a lot this year.”
The Semi Final First Leg also marks a rare opportunity for the Reds to train at the venue the day before the match – something Goodwin says helps sharpen the focus and anticipation around the occasion.
“It gives you that little taste of the vibe,” he said. “It gives you those goosebump feelings to be ready to go tomorrow.”
And while the Reds know the tie will ultimately be decided over two legs, neither Goodwin nor Andrioli are interested in approaching Saturday cautiously. United haven’t travelled to Auckland to limit damage.
“We’re here to win,” Goodwin declared. “We believe we’re a good side, we believe we can win here, and we have full confidence.”
For supporters back home preparing to pack out Coopers Stadium next week, Andrioli delivered one final message.
“We’re going to give everything,” he said. “We want to come away from here with a positive result and then play in front of our supporters. That’s what we want to reward them with.”