Stipe Ukich earns move to Croatia
AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Stipe Ukich has joined Croatian side Istra 1961 on a three-year contract.
The youngster made his breakthrough at Auckland City FC last season and played 44 first team matches scoring 11 goals.
Ukich also earned New Zealand age-group international caps at U-17 level during his time at Kiwitea Street.
His high point with the Navy Blues came when he helped the club win the OFC Champions League in 2024, the Northern League and National League Championship.
Ukich scored a crucial goal in City's National League Championship campaign in a 1-0 away win at Napier City Rovers that all but ensured qualification for the final last December.
VIDEO - Stipe Ukich scores winner against Napier City Rovers
He also made a telling contribution in the club's brief stay in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Al Ain last year.
Ukich won the Jack Batty Memorial Trophy for his performance in the Chatham Cup final defeat to Wellington Olympic at North Harbour Stadium last September.
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| Position | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | BU | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 23 | 16 | 20 |
| 2 |  | AC | 9 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 20 | 10 | 19 |
| 3 |  | WS | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 25 | 16 | 18 |
| 4 |  | NC | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 21 | 14 | 17 |
| 5 |  | WP | 9 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 16 | 19 | 13 |
| 6 |  | WO | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 15 | 11 |
| 7 |  | CS | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 18 | 20 | 11 |
| 8 |  | CT | 9 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 16 | 18 | 9 |
| 9 |  | ES | 9 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 17 | 5 |
| 10 |  | WE | 9 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 9 | 28 | 4 |
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