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De Vries reflects on historic mark

Words: ACFC Media

Monday 3 April 2023

Auckland City FC forward Ryan De Vries reached a major milestone in the club’s history by overtaking Navy Blues legend Grant Young to become City’s second highest all-time scorer with 67 strikes to his name in the 5-1 win over Bay Olympic last Saturday.

It was a notable occasion for one of the Kiwitea Street favourites who grew up admiring Young, with whom he also shares a common heritage as both men were born in Cape Town, South Africa.

On a record breaking night De Vries’ strike partner Emiliano Tade set another landmark scoring his 150th goal for the club after both players came on as 65th minute substitutes with the score delicately poised at 2-1.

De Vries got the celebrations underway with a classy touch inside the box just over ten minutes after his introduction, then Tade got in on the act with a superb finish in the final minute of regulation time.

“Breaking the record is something special because I also watched Gran Young growing up and he scored some unbelievable goals, so to have broken his record is special,” said De Vries after the match.

Meanwhile Young, a proud Navy Blues icon, was full of praise for both players.

“I would like to congratulate both Emi and Ryan on setting their new goalscoring records at Auckland City FC.

In Emi’s case 150 goals is a magnificent achievement. He is a great player and that record will take some beating.

Ryan is a player I always kept an eye on as a youngster. It is awesome to see when young footballers make the most of their talent and ability and his career is a great tribute to his hard work and dedication.

Auckland City FC is a club many of us former players hold close to our hearts. We had so many great times together at Kiwitea Street in those formative years.

I know I speak for my old mate the late, great Keryn Jordan and my former teammates when I say it is fantastic to see the club still doing so well.

We are all very proud to have played our part in the club’s early success and help pave the way for others to follow.

As they say, records are made to be broken!

All the very best to everyone for the upcoming season and I look forward to catching up with you all at a few matches this year,” summarised Young.

Ends