Kiwitea Street hosts U-20 women's international

Words: ACFC Media

Thursday 16 June 2022

Picture: Phototek

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC and Central United FC were both proud to have Kiwitea Street play host to the recent U-20 women's international match between Australia and New Zealand.

New Zealand's Junior Football Ferns scored a rare, character-laden, come-from-behind 2-1 victory over the Young Matildas at Kiwitea Street on June 12 to give their preparations for August's FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Finals in Costa Rica a significant boost.

It was the first time the Kiwis had conquered Australia on home turf at any level since the Junior Ferns prevailed by the same scoreline in a behind-closed-doors affair at Seddon Fields in August 2013.

Prior to that, the Young Ferns rolled the Junior Matildas 3-1 in an U-17 duel on the North Harbour Stadium Tigerturf in October 2011, while the last New Zealand male team to score a win on home turf against the old enemy was the All Whites, Ryan Nelsen's goal clinching 1-0 victory in the OFC Nations Cup Final at Mt. Smart Stadium in July 2002.

VIDEO - Kate Taylor scores to give New Zealand U-20 the win

It's also the first time the Junior Ferns have recorded a victory against non-Oceania opposition since Tayla Christensen's goal saw off Ghana at the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Finals in Papua New Guinea. So this result is one which should be savoured by all NZ football fans - this is rare air.

Australia U-20 scored first inside the early minutes when Daniela Galic reacted quickest to a Brianna Edwards parry to stab the ball home. New Zealand U-20 drew level just after the break when Tui Dugan equalised after a great team move. The winner came from the penalty mark after Charlotte Lancaster was taken down in the box which allowed skipper Kate Taylor to send goalkeeper Sally James the wrong way to make it 2-1 and seal a memorable win in front of 1200 supporters.

Ends

Match Result
Friendly International
Sunday 12 June 2022
New Zealand U-20 2 (Tui DUGAN 52', Kate TAYLOR 90'-pen)
Australia U-20 1 (Daniela GALIC 2')
HT: 0-1.

This article published with thanks to Jeremy Ruane and www.ultimatenzsoccer.com

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