We must focus on winning - De Vries

Words: ACFC Media

Thursday 26 October 2017

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Still searching for their first win of the new campaign, Auckland City FC striker Ryan De Vries says the Navy Blues focus is on a Super City derby showdown.

The 26-year-old forward spent four happy and successful years with Waitakere United picking up four domestic titles in a row and scoring 25 goals in just 51 outings with the red and whites.

De Vries is now in his fifth with the Navy Blues and eager to win back a title the club last won two years ago.

But to achieve that aim the Cape Town-born player says its important to leave behind the painful memories of last week's 2-2 draw with Southern United in Dunedin.

"We have to put that result behind us and focus on the Super City derby. Its a big game and we've got to put our heads down and focus on the now, get a good performance, get a win and get the season underway," he said.

Last season, Waitakere United completed an unsavoury double over the Navy Blues beating them at Kiwitea Street in the first game of the campaign 1-0 before grabbing a 4-1 win in an explosive second match earlier this year.

Three Navy Blues players were sent off in an extraordinary match broadcast live on Sky Sport with Darren White, Fabrizio Tavano and Albert Riera dispatched by referee Chris Kerr.

AUDIO - Ryan De Vries

De Vries remembers each game with a wince.

"In the first game we didn't play too badly and their Permin Strasser, their goalkeeper, made some unbelievable saves.

"The second was unfortunate the way it ended and we've got to learn from both experiences which cost us big in the end.

"We need to rectify these results and give 120 percent," he said.

De Vries got his first start of the campaign in last week's draw with Southern United after new signing Kris Bright picked up a niggle.

"It was unfortunate Brighty picked up a knock and I got thrown straight into the mix but when your name is called in th squad you have to do a job and thats what I did," he said.

De Vries has made 104 appearances for the club and scored 43 goals, a figure that includes 27 in the ISPS Handa Premiership, nine in the OFC Champions League, six in prestige friendlies and, of course, that memorable strike against Cruz Azul at the FIFA Club World Cup third place match in December 2014.

Those stats make De Vries the club's sixth highest goalscorer ever behind Emiliano Tade (82), Grant Young (66), Keryn Jordan (62), Paul Urlovic (51) and Manel Exposito (46).

In terms of goals in the ISPS Handa Premiership for the club, De Vries sits fifth.

Grant Young leads that particular race with 58 goals, Tade has 57, Jordan 46, Urlovic 41 and De Vries 27.

GOAL!!! 12'- Ryan De Vries finishes a move hatched by Emiliano Tade #SUvAC 0-1 pic.twitter.com/VBMMLV0oBe
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) October 22, 2017

And he wants to add to that when the Navy Blues take on their old foes.

"Its always fun to play your old club and you do get some stick from supporters because you want to win regardless of whethers its Waitakere United or Hamilton Wanderers you go out there to achieve a positive result," he said.

The match kicks off at 4.35pm NZST at Trusts Arena on Sunday 29 October.

Navy Blues supporters eager to catch their heroes in action can apply for Season Tickets here.

Ends

Match Details
ISPS Handa Premiership
Sunday 29 October 2017
Waitakere United v Auckland City FC
Trusts Arena, Henderson
Kick-off: 4.35pm NZST
#WUvAC
#ISPSHandaPrem
#WhereAllWhitesAreMade

SEASON TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE! #NavyBlues announce availability of season tickets for 2017-18 #ISPSHandaPrem

https://t.co/VDe8gWEKlx pic.twitter.com/RjjRwYoQHP
— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) October 20, 2017