Lagos and De Vries propel City to dramatic win
Words: ACFC Media
Saturday 3 August 2024
AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Under the floodlights at Olympic Park, Auckland City FC sought redemption against Bay Olympic, the team that handed them an upset defeat in Round 9.
The defending Northern League champions were determined to make amends, but the match proved to be a test of patience and resilience.
From the outset, Auckland City dominated possession, with Angus Kilkolly, Ryan De Vries, and Stipe Ukich all coming close to breaching Bay Olympic’s well-organised defence.
The first half was a keenly contested affair, with Bay Olympic’s Eric Kostandini forcing a save from Conor Tracey, showcasing the hosts’ intent.
The second half saw Kostandini nearly break the deadlock with a thunderous strike that grazed the crossbar. Auckland City intensified their efforts, with Nathan Lobo testing Bay Olympic’s keeper Luca Taylor, and De Vries’ goal-bound shot being blocked by a defender. Ukich also hit the side netting as the Navy Blues turned up the heat.
The pivotal moment arrived in the 80th minute when a handball inside the box awarded Auckland City a penalty. Michael den Heijer stepped up, but Taylor’s heroics kept the score level, denying the visitors a crucial lead.
Just as it seemed the match would end in a stalemate, Jerson Lagos emerged as the hero.
With less than a minute left in regulation time, Lagos kept his composure to slot home a cool finish, breaking the deadlock.
Deep into injury time, Lagos turned provider, setting up De Vries to seal the victory and put the result beyond doubt.
The dramatic 2-0 win propelled Auckland City to the top of the table, two points clear of Birkenhead United, who were held to a scoreless draw by Hamilton Wanderers at home.
The stage is now set for a potential title-deciding clash between Auckland City and Birkenhead United on Wednesday night at Shepherds Park.
Auckland City FC’s late show not only avenged their earlier defeat but also underscored their championship credentials in a thrilling encounter that will be remembered for its dramatic conclusion.
Ends
MATCH DETAILS
Northern League R18
Saturday, 3 August 2024
Bay Olympic FC: 0
Auckland City FC: 2 (Jerson LAGOS 89’, Ryan DE VRIES 90+5)
HT: 0-0
AC: 1. Conor TRACEY, 3. Adam MITCHELL (C), 6. Kailan GOULD, (17. Jerson LAGOS 56’), 9. Angus KILKOLLY, (8. Gerard GARRIGA 76’), 11. Ryan DE VRIES , 13. Nathan LOBO, 16. Joe LEE, (20. Derek TIEKU 83’), 21. Adam BELL, 23. Alfie ROGERS, 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 27. Stipe UKICH
SUBS NOT USED: 18. Areya PRASAD (GK)
COACH: Albert RIERA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
GK COACH: Enaut ZUBIKARAI
TECHNICAL: Adria CASALS
LOGISTICS: Keith COTTON
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
FIFA INTERCONTINENTAL CUP
22 September 2024, v Al Ain, UAE, kick-off: 7.30pm local
Player Profiles
Table
| Position | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | AC | 22 | 16 | 3 | 3 | 53 | 21 | 51 |
| 2 |  | WS | 22 | 14 | 4 | 4 | 52 | 30 | 46 |
| 3 |  | ES | 22 | 14 | 2 | 6 | 38 | 20 | 44 |
| 4 |  | BU | 22 | 13 | 4 | 5 | 54 | 31 | 43 |
| 5 |  | AU | 22 | 12 | 4 | 6 | 39 | 27 | 40 |
| 6 |  | BO | 22 | 9 | 1 | 12 | 39 | 42 | 28 |
| 7 |  | TC | 22 | 7 | 4 | 11 | 38 | 56 | 25 |
| 8 |  | WR | 22 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 28 | 45 | 23 |
| 9 |  | EB | 22 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 29 | 38 | 22 |
| 10 |  | MN | 22 | 5 | 4 | 13 | 41 | 56 | 19 |
| 11 |  | MU | 22 | 6 | 0 | 16 | 29 | 54 | 18 |
| 12 |  | HW | 22 | 2 | 8 | 12 | 28 | 48 | 14 |
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