Auckland FC’s saviour in Sydney has said the team are ready to “fight and defend Auckland” before their Elimination Final against Melbourne City.

Guillermo May scored twice in the Black Knights’ last regular season match against Sydney FC to come from behind and earn a 2-2 draw, but the failure to win meant the New Zealand-based side failed to lock in second place and automatic entry to the semi-finals.

That result meant Auckland FC have gone almost seven weeks without a victory, which last came in mid-March against table toppers the Newcastle Jets.

Despite the winless streak, the Black Knights have been able to produce comebacks and secure three draws in their last five games, something Uruguayan May said is part of the club’s DNA.

“I think since the beginning of the club, they gave us that as something compulsory, we are to fight and defend Auckland,“ he said.

“We are the main team of the country, I don’t know how to say it in English, in Spanish we say don’t hold down your arms, we have to keep fighting every time and that’s it.”

Guillermo May has issued a rallying cry before Auckland FC's Elimination Final against Melbourne City. Photo / Photosport

He said once they saw Adelaide United had finished second on the ladder, the mindset in the team quickly shifted with focus pointed toward the Melbourne City game.

“We were at the hotel in Sydney and we were watching the [Adelaide United] game last minute.

“After that we have a chat all together, Steve said that we have to prepare, we are playing on Saturday against Melbourne City, and the mindset changed 10 minutes after.

“Instead of having two weeks of rest, we had to push a bit more, go into the sauna, ice bath, recover a bit faster and be fresh for the week.”

Sam Cosgrove and Jesse Randall face a race against time to be fit for Auckland FC's Elimination Final. Photo / Photosport

May said he’s starting to find his rhythm after a concussion sidelined him earlier this month, and is ready to take on big games such as the upcoming Elimination Final.

“I’m the type of player that came here to play this type of game, so I’m prepared, I’m feeling good, that’s the most important thing.”

However, some of the team’s top players face a race against time to be fit for the weekend after coach Steve Corica confirmed top-scorer Sam Cosgrove will be forced out of the starting lineup after the striker had ruptured ligaments in his ankle.

All White and Auckland FC’s Players’ Player of the Season Jesse Randall also missed training with a tight groin.