Auckland FC have won their first A-League Men championship title after defeating all-time record-holders Sydney FC 1-0 in front of a record crowd in Auckland on Saturday night. Auckland's first signing, Cameron Howieson, scored the winning goal in the 60th minute. This is Auckland's second trophy in two seasons, and they became the first New Zealand club to host an A-Leagues grand final. The sell-out crowd of 28,374 fans created an electric atmosphere at Go Media Stadium. Auckland's physical press and duel domination neutralised Sydney's possession-dominant style, and they struggled to string more than two passes together in attacking phases. Auckland's breakout star Jesse Randall regularly got the better of Sydney captain Rhyan Grant down the left wing, but was met by goalkeeper Harrison Devenish-Meares. The A-Leagues goalkeeper of the year entered half-time as the highest-rated player by the broadcaster's own index. Auckland came out of the sheds with fire in their lungs in the second half, earning two quick yellow cards within the opening 15 minutes. The most dangerous, a stomp by Dan Hall on 17-year-old Akol Akon, saw Sydney win a free kick near the top of Auckland's penalty area. But the Sky Blues couldn't capitalise as Ben Garuccio sent his shot over the crossbar. Auckland's buffeting attacking energy finally paid off, and they won their first A-League Men championship title.