City Look to Bounce Back

Words: ACFC Media

Friday 8 November 2024

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Auckland City FC will aim to rebound from last weekend’s dramatic 2-1 defeat to Western Springs when they host Wellington Phoenix in a Round 7 National League clash at Kiwitea Street.

Despite the setback, City enters Sunday’s match still top of the table, ahead of second-placed Birkenhead United on goal difference.

Albert Riera’s squad has amassed 13 points from the previous six matches, with five wins, one draw, and one loss.

The youthful and energetic Nix recorded a 2-0 win over Western Suburbs in the previous round, keeping their faint hopes of a Top Two finish alive.

Heading into the final three rounds, Chris Greenacre’s team sit on seven points, following two victories, three defeats, and a single draw.

The last encounter between these two sides in September 2023 saw City secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory, courtesy of a headed goal by Mario Ilich in the New Zealand capital.

The City captain, who is set to make his 150th appearance for the club, will be hoping to lead his side to another crucial win in their National League title quest.

“We need to bounce back, hree points is just what we need to focus on. We’re going to take these last three games as one final at a time because, yeah, if we want to make the grand final, then, yeah, we need to keep winning games,” said Ilich.

The skipper is also excited to mark major personal milestone.

"Yeah, pretty cool moment for me this weekend and for my family. I mean, I've played at Central United and Auckland City basically my whole life, so to get 150 games would be a massive day for me and my family”.

And you can watch it Live and Free on FIFA+ HERE

MATCH DETAILS
National League R7
Sunday 10 November
Auckland City FC vs Wellington Phoenix Res
Kiwitea St, Sandringham
Kick-off: 2:00pm

AC SQUAD: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY 5. Marco LORENZ 6. Kailan GOULD 7. Myer BEVAN 8. Gerard GARRIGA 9. Angus KILKOLLY 10. Dylan MANICKUM 11. Ryan DE VRIES 12. Regont MURATI 13. Nathan LOBO 14. Kentaro OZAKI 15. Aston BURNS 16. Joe LEE 17. Jerson LAGOS 18. Areya PRASAD (GK) 19. Yuki AIZU 20. Derek TIEKU 21. Adam BELL 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS 24. Nathan GARROW (GK) 25. Michael DEN HEIJER 26. Rayan TAYEB 27. Stipe UKICH 28. Luka VICELICH 29. Jesse GAGE 30. Matt MATANYAYIRE

COACH: Albert RIERA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
GK COACH: Enaut ZUBIKARAI
TECHNICAL: Adria CASALS
LOGISTICS: Keith COTON
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE