U-23s rue slow start against Bay Olympic

Words: ACFC Media

Saturday 1 April 2023

Picture: ACFC Media

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC U-23 lost 2-1 to their Bay Olympic counterparts in Round 2 of the Lotto NRFL U-23 Premier Division at Olympic Park.

City were on the back foot from the start after falling two goals behind in the opening half hour. Arian Ashghari was the hero for the home side scoring both goals.

The young Navy Blues, who lined ups without Ryan Tayeb and Joe Walls both on first team duties, came out with intent after the half-time break and managed to pull one back courtesy of Sam Clegg in the 61st minute, but unlike last week they couldn’t find and equaliser.

City Coach Valerio Raccuglia couldn’t hide his disappointment

“We were slow off the block and conceded two early goals, but the second half we were much better.

"We scored after the break and then we put Olympic under a fair bi of pressure but unfortunately the finishing was lacking and couldn’t find a second to level the match,

“Much better signs in the second half but we can’t afford to start slowly, said the City Coach”

Next week's game is against Birkenhead United on Friday 7 April 2023 at Crum Park 2.

Ends

Match Result
Lotto NRFL U-23 Premier Division
Saturday 1 April 2023
Bay Olympic: 2 (Arian ASGHARI 17’, 30’)
Auckland City: 1(Sam CLEGG 61’)
HT: 2-0

AC: 18. Nic EVANS (GK), 3. Treads NYONZIMA, 4. Karthik KUMAR 6. Jhon Nicholas RODRIGUEZ SOLER, 10. Caleb MOOSBALLY, 11, Samuel CLEGG, 14. Jesse CAGE, 15. Petram HASSANIAN, 16, Woodie WILSON, 19. Neo Noah ECKSTEIN, 22. Takuya IWATA (c) 5. Louie DANIELSON, 8. Ryan REVILL, 12. Jeremy FOO, 20. Ethan FOO

SUB NOT USED: 1. Binath Sanity PERERA (GK).

COACH: Valerio RACCUGLIA
TEAM MANAGER: Dinesh CHAND