PREVIEW | ACFC vs West Coast Rangers

Words: ACFC Media

Sunday 16 March 2025

Picture: Phototek

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Defending National League champions Auckland City FC are set to host West Coast Rangers this Tuesday night at the Croatian Club in Te Atatu South, with a 7:30 pm kick-off.

Just three days after a thrilling season opener against Tauranga City FC, the Navy Blues will look to carry forward their momentum in what promises to be another captivating fixture.

Paul Posa’s charges kicked off their 2025 campaign in dramatic fashion on Saturday with a 2-1 win against Tauranga City FC. The match had everything—goals, red cards, and a last-gasp winner. Despite playing the entire second half with nine men following red cards for Adam Mitchell and Tong Zhou, City showed resilience and determination to snatch victory deep into added time.

Former All Whites striker Myer Bevan was the hero of the day, finding the net in the 99th minute after his initial effort hit the post. Earlier, skipper Mario Ilich had leveled the score with a well-timed header from a corner after Tauranga City took a surprising early lead.

Head coach Paul Posa, making his second debut with the club, praised his team's character, saying, "To win under such circumstances speaks volumes about our resilience. It was a special day for the club."

Tuesday's clash comes quickly after the exhausting opener, testing Auckland City's squad depth and recovery. Adding to the challenge is the fact that West Coast Rangers will be fresh, playing their first game of the season after graciously agreeing to reschedule and accommodate Auckland City's packed calendar.

With their upcoming participation in the OFC Champions League in the Solomon Islands from March 26 to April 14, squad rotation might be on the cards as Auckland City balances domestic and international commitments.

The Navy Blues will need to dig deep and leverage their experience to maintain their perfect start to the season.

MATCH DETAILS
Northern League R2
Tuesday, 18 March 2025
Auckland City FC vs. West Coast Rangers
Croatian Cultural Society
Kick-off: 7:30pm

AC SQUAD: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nikko BOXALL 6. Marco LORENZ, 7. Myer BEVAN 8. Gerard GARRIGA 9. Angus KILKOLLY 10. Dylan MANICKUM 11. Ryan DE VRIES 12. Regont MURATI 13. Nathan LOBO 14. Jordan VALE, 15. Jackson MANUEL, 16. Joe LEE 17. Jerson LAGOS 18. Areya PRASAD (GK) 19. Dylan CONNOLY, 20. Matt ELLIS, 21. Adam BELL 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Otto INGHAM, 24. Nathan GARROW (GK) 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. David YOO, 27. Haris ZEB, 28. Alfie ROGERS, 29. Kentaro OZAKI, 30. Kailan GOULD, 31. Jeremy FOO, 32. Ryan ELLIS, 33. Paris DOMFEH

COACH: Paul POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
GK COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
TECHNICAL: Adria CASALS
LOGISTICS: Keith COTON
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE