CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — Auckland City FC produced a stirring second-half comeback to earn a 2–2 draw against Christchurch United in Round 6 of the National League, with David Yoo marking his return to his former club with a crucial goal.
1 November 2025
The Navy Blues found themselves trailing 2–0 at the break after Jackson Cole capitalised on a defensive lapse and Ben Stroud’s wind-assisted corner flew directly into the net.
Despite a bright start that saw Dylan Manickum force a reflex save from Steven Van Dijk, Auckland City struggled to find rhythm in the first half.
But the visitors returned with renewed purpose. Jerson Lagos, celebrating his 23rd birthday and 50th appearance, delivered a wicked cross that Yoo met with a clinical header to spark the fightback.
Gerard Garriga then levelled the scores with a composed finish inside the box, setting up a tense finale.
“We started really poorly,” Yoo admitted post-match. “We regrouped at half-time and came out with a different intensity and mentality. I think we competed to the end and were unlucky not to get the last goal.”
Auckland City piled on the pressure in the closing stages. Ryan De Vries and Regont Murati were both denied by Van Dijk’s brilliance, while Angus Kilkolly went inches wide and Yoo nearly snatched a dramatic winner in stoppage time.
“It’s a weird feeling scoring against my old club,” Yoo said. “It was good to be back and see familiar faces. On another day, we would’ve scored the winner.”
Despite the draw, the Navy Blues remain in contention for a place in the grand final, but Yoo knows the margin for error is shrinking.
“We know we need to start picking up wins,” he added. “We’re still in a good place, but there’s not many games left. We have to push for points now.”
Ends
Match Result
National League R6
Saturday, 1 November
United Sports Centre, Christchurch
Christchurch United: 2 (Jackson COLE 13’Ben STROUD 37)’
Auckland City FC: 2 (David YOO 56’Gerard GARRIGA 82’)
HT: 2-0
AC: 24. Nathan GARROW GK), 2. Mario ILICH (CP), 3. Adam MITCHELL, 4. Christian GRAY, 7. Myer BEVAN (9. Angus KILKOLLY 70’), 10. Dylan MANICKUM (11. Ryan DE VRIES 46’), 12.Regont MURATI (16. Joe LEE 80’), 17. Jerson LAGOS (15. Jeremy FOO 90+6’), 23. Riley DALZIELL, 26. David YOO
SUBS NOT USED: 18. Seb CIGANDA,
HEAD COACH: Paul POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
GK COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
PHYSIOTHERAPIST: Matt PAYNE
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
