U-23 - Four goal thriller for youngsters

Words: ACFC Media

Saturday 25 March 2023

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC U-23 season started with a four goal thriller with Western Springs U-23 at Seddon Fields today.

Springs opened the scoring in the 2-2 draw through Will McKee on the hour mark only for Rayan Tayeb to equalise within two minutes. Substitute and debutant Neo Eckstein nudged City ahead ten minutes later only for Springs to be awarded a penalty kick.

Another debutant for City - this time goalkeeper Nic Evanas - came to the fore when he saved McKee's spot kick only for Springs to snatch an equaliser with just six minutes left via Josh Clemas.

Coach Valerio Raccuglia handed five debuts to Mario Yugovich, Caleb Moosbally, Tom Rokuroda, Trsor Niyonzima and Evans, with only two players who started the last game of last season's dramatic final day title win in the starting eleven - Tayeb and Ilham Hameedi.

Raccuglia was happy with the performance and the intent shown by his young team.

Warm ups underway at Seddon Fields a beautiful day on a beautiful surface kick off here is at midday. #ACvWS #NavyBlues #StrengthInUnity pic.twitter.com/vF0Gu2TdxA
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) March 24, 2023

"We both teams wanted to win the game and a draw is a fair result we both created chances but couldn't take the three points.

"I'm happy with the performance and with the young kids who made their debut today.

"I thought once we were down 1-0 we started raising the tempo a little bit higher.

"We controlled the ball and scored two goals in quick succession which is what we wanted.

"Nick Evans saving a penalty against his old club was special for him.

"It's a shame we allowed them to score with just a few minutes to go.

"We have to take the positives from today and build on that and be ready for Bay Olympic next week," he said.

Next week's game is against Bay Olympic on Saturday 1 April 2023 at Crum Park 2.

Ends

Match Result
Lotto NRFL U-23 Premier Division
Saturday 25 March 2023
Western Springs 2 (Will McKEE 61', Josh CLEMAS 84')
Auckland City FC 2 (Rayan TAYEB 63', Neo ECKSTEIN 73')
HT: 0-0

AC: 1. Nic EVANS (GK), 4. Mario YUGOVICH, 5. Rayan TAYEB, 7. Caleb MOOSBALLY (16. Woodie WILSON 56'), 8. Tom ROKURODA (20. Ethan FOO 75'), 10. Sam CLEGG, 11. Jeremiah RUAWHARE, 12. Tresor NIYONZIMA (19. Neo ECKSTEIN 70'), 14. Ilham HAMEEDI, 17. Oscar DUFFY, 22. Takuya IWATA (c)(15. Petram HASSANIAN 75').

SUB NOT USED: 18. Lucas DUNCAN (GK).

COACH: Valerio RACCUGLIA
TEAM MANAGER: Dinesh CHAND