AUCKLAND, New Zealand — In a match that had everything, emotion, intensity, and individual brilliance, Auckland City FC emerged 4-2 victors over cross-town rivals Auckland United in the 13th edition of the Dominion Road Derby at Kiwitea Street on Saturday afternoon.
8 November 2025
The win keeps the Navy Blues firmly in control of their destiny with four rounds remaining in the National League.
🕊 A Moment of Reflection
Before kickoff, Kiwitea Street fell silent in tribute to Anuska Laus, a beloved figure and pioneer of women’s football whose deep ties to Central United reflect the shared DNA between our sister clubs.
Players wore black armbands in her honour, and fittingly, the mood shifted from somber to spirited as City launched into a dominant first half.
Auckland City wasted no time asserting themselves. Jeremy Foo and captain Gerard Garriga threatened early, but it was Haris Zeb who broke the deadlock with a dazzling solo run and finish.
United responded through a penalty converted by Daniel Olaoye in the 32nd minute, but Garriga restored City’s lead almost instantly with a thunderous strike off the underside of the crossbar.
Just before halftime, Riley Dalziell marked his debut goal for the club, reacting quickest after Myer Bevan’s effort was parried by United keeper Kai McLean. The Navy Blues went into the break 3-1 up, brimming with confidence.
The second half saw United push back, but Auckland City’s goalkeeper Nathan Garrow, later named Player of the Match, produced two stunning saves to preserve the lead.
Then came the moment of the afternoon: Ryan “De Vries, in his 242nd appearance for the club, equalling Emiliano Tade’s record, latched onto a Zeb through-ball and finished with trademark composure to make it 4-1.
“It was something I wanted to do,” said a visibly emotional De Vries post-match. “To mark the milestone with a goal, and to do it at home, it’s special. I’ve had a lot of memories with Imi [Tade], and to reach this number means a lot.”
Despite conceding a late penalty converted by Hideto Takahashi, De Vries was proud of the team’s overall performance:
“We came out strong, made good challenges, won second balls, and took our chances. That’s important in the National League where every game feels like a final.”
He also praised the collective effort:
“Nathan made some great saves, the boys at the back were solid, and up front everyone chipped in. Harris had a good game, Meyer ran his ass off as usual, and David too. It was a big effort.”
Looking ahead, De Vries emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum:
“It’s in our own hands now. We said at the start of the week it’s best when we control our fate. So we go again next week, fresh start, and hopefully three more points.”
Ends
Match Result
National League R7
Saturday, 8 November
Kiwitea St, Sandringham
Auckland City FC: 4 (Haris ZEB 19’), Gerard GARRIGA 35’, Riley DALZIELL 39’, Ryan DE VRIES 61′)
Auckland Unite dFC : 2 (Daniel Toluwalayo Opeyemi OLAOYE 32’, Hideto TAKAHASHI 90’+2′)
HT: 3-1
AC: 24. Nathan GARROW GK), 4. Christian GRAY, 5. Nikko BOXALL, 7. Myer BEVAN 8.Gerard GARRIGA, 15.Jeremy FOO (22. Tong ZHOU 63’), 16. Joe LEE (11. Ryan DE VRIES 32’), 23. Riley DALZIELL, 25. Michael DEN HEIJER (14. Jordan VALE 71’), 26. David YOO, 27. Haris ZEB (20. Matt ELLIS 63’)
SUBS NOT USED: 18. Areya PRASAD
HEAD COACH: Paul POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
GK COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
PHYSIOTHERAPIST: Matt PAYNE
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
