Auckland City FC were brought back down to earth from their return of FIFA Club World Cup campaign, falling 2–1 to a spirited Tauranga City side at Mt Maunganui’s Links Avenue.
12 July 2025
The Navy Blues began brightly, controlling possession and carving out chances. David Yoo orchestrated the early pressure, linking up with Jackson Manuel, whose early effort trickled just wide.
In the 10th minute, Yoo unleashed a thunderous left-footed drive from distance that soared into the top corner, an absolute stunner that gave Auckland a deserved lead.
Despite being under the pump for the most of the first half, Tauranga City struck back in the 34th minute with their first shot on goal with Morgan Wellsbury rising to nod home from a corner and level the score against the run of play.
Reon Werahiko, making his senior debut, faced further pressure but held firm until Liam Molloy found space on the edge of the area and buried the winner past him in the 67th minute.
Auckland City pushed for an equaliser, with Yoo, Regont Murati, and captain Michael den Heijer all coming close. Caleb Wellsbury kept his cool between the posts to keep the Navy Blues at bay, as the home side held onto all three points.
It wasn’t just the first team feeling the sting, Auckland City’s U23s also went down 2–0 to their Tauranga counterparts, capping off a frustrating day for the club.
Auckland City will be disappointed with the result but can take heart from periods of dominance and flashes of quality.
Tauranga, however, showed clinical finishing and steely determination to claim a memorable win.
Ends
Match Result
Northern League R16
Saturday, 12 July, Links Ave, Mt Maunganui
Tauranga City: 2 (Morgan WELLSBURY 34’ Liam MOLLOY 67’)
Auckland City FC: 1 (David YOO 10’)
HT: 1-1
AC: 24. Reon WERAHIKO, 4. Christian GRAY, 6. Jackson MANUEL, 7. Myer BEVAN, 8. Gerard GARRIGA, 13. Nathan LOBO, (17. Jerson LAGOS 60’) 15. Jeremy FOO, (19. Dylan CONNOLY 76’), 20. Paris DOMFEH, (16. Joe LEE 67’), 25. Michael DEN HEIJER , 26. David YOO 27. Haris ZEB, (12. Regont MURATI 60’)
SUBS NOT USED: 18. Sebastian CIGANDA (GK),
HEAD COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
GK COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
PHYSIOTHERAPIST: Matt PAYNE
