Adrian Segecic scored two first-half goals to take an equal-lead in the Golden Boot race but Sydney FC couldn't hold onto their two-goal lead as Auckland surged home to take a share of the points.
Lucía León scored two high-calibre goals as Adelaide cruised to a 3-1 win that left Western United in danger of finishing the regular season outside the top four.
Nikos Vergos' magnificent solo goal helped Melbourne Victory fend off Wellington's relentless comeback effort and secure three valuable points in their hunt for a top-four finish.
Outgoing Adelaide United head coach Carl Veart didn't rule out pursuing a job at a rival Isuzu UTE A-League club as he expressed his pride in serving as Reds boss for five years - the longest of any manager at the club.
Having failed to progress to the knockouts of the Under-17 Asian Cup, the Joeys have also missed out on a spot at the Under-17 World Cup scheduled for November, 2025.