United managed a consolation goal via captain and defender Bill Robertson in added time.
What went wrong for United who now fill third spot and have to face Team Wellington, a team that has the wood on them, in a home and away playoff starting on Sunday? The answer is simple. United showed Auckland too much respect. Forming a guard of honour as Auckland ran on to the field might be a good sporting gesture but psychologically it removed the mongrel in them. They were mesmerised by Auckland's reputation.
Auckland dictated and were superior in all departments. They were slick in their execution playing the diamond form of possession whereas United relied too much on long balls.
De Vries and Joao Moneira, their Portuguese import, were extremely dominant and controlled the midfield. In fairness it must be stated United's Sean Morris took the field suffering from food poisoning. It came as no surprise when this pocket dynamo was replaced by Matt Hastings shortly after the start of the second half with the temperature an oppressive 33 degrees. However, by that stage the damage was done.
Overall there can be no denying Auckland were worthy winners, which was acknowledged by United coach Chris Greatholder who, when away from soccer, manages a bank. He exploded the myth bank managers are dour and poker faced.
Time and again he loudly, and quite rightly so, protested and voiced an opinion. This led to admonishment from the fourth official, Mick Conger. In fact Greatholder tested the official's patience and was lucky not to have been shown a red card.
At the end of the game United went into a huddle with Greatholder. Asked what was said, he gave a wry smile.
"We have drawn a line in the sand. This was a poor performance A performance well below our expectations and ability," he said. "But we are still in the mix."
United sure are in the mix and all is not lost. But it will be a hard slog. They have to win the playoffs to qualify for the OFC Champions League. Auckland have already qualified by winning the minor championship. Should they also win the playoff - the top four teams are in the playoff - New Zealand will have only one representative challenging for the OFC title. Should United finish on top then they will join Auckland in the OFC.
What is so important about winning the OFC? For the uninitiated, winning the OFC title gives them entry into the Fifa Club World Cup and potentially millions of dollars.
"There is a lot at stake now," said Greatholder.
"We will do better. I hope we will get the fan support we need and appreciate for our game against Wellington."
