Experience key ahead of SC Sagamihara clash

Words: ACFC Media

Thursday 1 December 2016

Picture: Phototek

YOKOHAMA, Japan – Defender Darren White says Auckland City FC are in great shape ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan starting next Thursday.

White, a veteran of the Oceania champions romantic run to a bronze medal finish two years ago, was a stand out in Auckland City FC's 4-1 win over Hong Kong Rangers on Tuesday, a result that came on the back of a 1-0 win over Hawke's Bay United on Saturday.

Auckland City FC now face a second friendly match when they take on J.League 3 outfit SC Sagamihara in Yokohama on Friday at 2pm local time (6pm NZST) and White is raring to go.

“We've got a few more players who have experienced these types of games before,” White said.

“Especially the likes of Albert Riera who has the type of experience that can help us for whats coming up.

"Playing in these games is a huge motivator to perform at your best because its what you've always dreamed of doing.

"The chance to play in front of teams like this and crowds to match don't come along very often so its important to make the most of the opportunity."

AUDIO - Darren White 

SC Sagamihara enjoyed a strong start to their domestic season but ran out of steam to finish 11th in the 16-team competition.

Coach Ramon Tribulietx gave 19 players of his 23-man squad a run out in the win over Hong Kong Rangers with only assistant coach Ivan Vicelich, goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley and Harshae Raniga missing out, Raniga due to arrive in Japan the day of the match after staying in New Zealand for work reasons.

With the squad likely to be rotated further for this second friendly, Navy Blues right back White says the future is bright for Auckland City FC.

“We've got a few more experienced heads this year. Myself and a few other boys have been around a while and you can really sense with this squad that it’s got the depth and youth you want in a squad.

"We've worked on a few things we've been doing for the past six weeks so its good to be out there and build up some momentum going into the game on December whoever it may be."

Auckland City FC open their campaign next Thursday against the J.League winners at Yokohama International Stadium. The identity of Auckland City FC's opponents won't be decided until December 3 when Urawa Red Diamonds face Kashima Antlers in the second leg of the J.League final. Urawa defeated Kashima 1-0 away in the first leg.

The winner of the FIFA Club World Cup playoff meets African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarter-finals in Osaka on December 11.

Chapecoense and Liam Cradock

As a mark of respect for those lost in the Chapecoense tragedy in Brazil and to recognise the life of the late Mount Albert Grammar student Liam Cradock who passed away as the result of a motor vehicle accident, Auckland City FC and SC Sagamihara will wear black armbands and observe a minute's silence before the match.

Clayton Lewis said the Chapecoense incident was deeply confronting for a team travelling the world to play sport.

"I am deeply saddened by the tragedy that has occurred. As a travelling team to the Club World Cup this year, we all want to get home safely to our family and friends.

"Everybody connected with the Navy Blues sends our condolences and prayers to everyone at Chapecoense."

The match with SC Sagamihara kicks off at 2pm local time.

Extra Information

FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2016

Auckland City FC: 1. Enaut Zubikarai (GK), 3. Takuya Iwata, 4. Mario Bilen, 5. Angel Berlanga (c), 7. Reid Drake, 8. Albert Riera, 9. Darren White, 10. Ryan De Vries, 11. Fabrizio Tavano, 12. Nicolai Berry, 13. Alfie Rogers, 14. Clayton Lewis, 15. Ivan Vicelich, 16. Dae Wook Kim, 17. Joao Moreira, 18. Danyon Drake (GK), 19. Micah Lea'alafa, 20. Emiliano Tade, 21. Harry Edge, 23. Marko Dordevic, 24. Jacob Spoonley (GK), 29. Sean Cooper.

Unavailable: 6. Harshae Raniga

Injured: Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi (knee injury), Yousif Al-Khalisy (lower leg injury)

Coach: Ramon Tribulietx

Match Details

Friendly Match
Friday 2 December, 2016
SC Sagamihara v Auckland City FC
Hadogoya Stadium, Japan
Kick-off: 2pm local time

FIFA Club World Cup - Playoff
Thursday 8 December, 2016
J.League Winner v Auckland City FC
Yokohama International Stadium, Japan
Kick-off: 7.45pm local time

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