Character got us through - Rogers

Words: ACFC Media

Tuesday 16 October 2018

Picture: Phototek

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Alfie Rogers has praised goalkeeper Enaut Zubikarai after his late save from Mario Barcia saw the Navy Blues snare a thrilling 4-3 win over Team Wellington.

Barica had earlier given Team Wellington the lead with a beautiful long range dipping volley and looked set to repeat the effort from further out as the Oceania champions chased a goal to take the Charity Cup clash to a penalty shoot-out.

Fortunately for Rogers and his Navy Blues team-mates, Zubikarai showed the class that made him the top goalkeeper in the Oceania region with a fingertip save that tipped Barcia's raking effort onto the face of the crossbar.

"When Barcia hit that one at the end I thought it was in all the way but Zubi just got a finger tip to it and it was a real heart in the mouth moment.

"Zubi is a class goalkeeper and he did just enough to save it and keep us in the lead," Rogers told www.aucklandcityfc.com

Had Barcia's shot gone in the match would've been tied up 4-4 and a penalty shoot-out would've been needed to separate the two teams reminscent of the 2014 Charity Cup final at Kiwitea Street won by Team Wellington from the penalty mark.

Rogers said the character of the Navy Blues played a key role in their latest trophy victory.

"It was a good opener for us but we started slowly and they got two early goals which made it tough.

"We know they're a good side and it's always a hard game against Team Wellington but luckily we did enough to get over the line.

"This result showed we have character and belief to come back no matter what situation we find ourselves in.

You have to keep believing you can get a result in situations like we were in and fortunately we did enough to win," he added.

Team Wellington and Auckland City FC produced three draws and a win each last season illustrating clearly how close the rivalry has been and Rogers sees this as an important element in making the fixtures intense.

"There's a rivalry between the two clubs - the players all know each other and want to get one over each other and that provides a big part of that rivalry but away from football everyone is mates," he said.

Rogers made his 36th appearance for Auckland City FC and turned in a solid performance as the Navy Blues tinkered with their usual tactical approach.

Modestly, the left sided defender deflected personal accolades to acclaim the broader performance as a whole.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS - Auckland City FC 4-3 Team Wellington

"My main focus was to do well for all the boys - I think everyone had a good game and we showed that as a team and that's what got us the victory in the end and we're all delighted with the performance.

"Tasman United is a much different challenge we've got be ready and prepare well for that match and hopefully get a repeat performance and result."

The Navy Blues take on Tasman United at Kiwitea Street on Sunday 21 October 2018 at 2pm NZST.

Ends

Match Details
ISPS Handa Premiership
Sunday 21 October 2018
Auckland City FC v Tasman United
Kiwitea Street
Kick-off: 2pm NZST
#ACvTU

 

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