City Aim to Secure National League Final Berth

Words: ACFC Media

Friday 22 November 2024

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Auckland City FC are gearing up for Sunday’s crucial National League clash at Kiwitea Street, where they will host Coastal Spirit from Christchurch in the final round of the regular season.

Currently sitting in second place on the ladder, just a point behind Birkenhead United, the task is clear: a victory over Coastal Spirit will secure a top-two finish for City, guaranteeing their spot in the title decider on December 1 at North Harbour Stadium.

Albert Riera’s men had to dig deep last weekend against Napier, with Stipe Ukich’s 90th-minute goal ensuring they kept their destiny in their own hands. Coastal Spirit, however, arrive in Auckland with their title hopes dashed following a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Birkenhead United. Alejandro Steinwascher gave the South Islanders a deserved first-half lead, but Birkenhead’s Monty Patterson scored in the 71st and 90th minutes to snatch all three points.

Despite their defeat, Robbie Stanton’s squad demonstrated plenty of skill and determination, proving they can compete with the best sides in the competition.

Sunday’s match will mark the first-ever meeting between these two sides. Auckland City, desperate for all three points, will need to be at their best against a talented and unburdened Coastal Spirit side eager to upset the reigning Oceania Champions.

Elsewhere, Birkenhead United will travel to Christchurch to face Cashmere Technical in their final match on Saturday. Western Springs, just a point behind Auckland City in third spot, will face Wellington Phoenix Reserves on the same day. Napier City Rovers, in fourth position and still within a chance of a top-two finish if other results go their way, will visit reigning National Champions Wellington Olympic, who are already out of contention.

Let's rally behind City as they fight for a spot in the National League final!

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

MATCH DETAILS
National League R9
Sunday 24 November
Auckland City FC vs Coastal Spirit
Kiwitea Street, 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