Auckland City FC Enjoy Winning Send Off To The USA

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC signed off on home soil with a 4–0 victory over Onehunga-Mangere United in the Chatham Cup, before departing for the FIFA Club World Cup™ 2025 in the United States.

Goals from Jerson Lagos (2), Ryan De Vries, and Matt Ellis sealed the result at Kiwitea Street, while long-serving midfielder Jordan Vale marked his 150th appearance for the club.

The occasion was made even more special by a heartfelt presentation from Mount Roskill Intermediate School, whose principal Kirsten Walsham gifted taonga to Chairperson Ivan Vuksich, Captain Mario Ilich, and General Manager Gordon Watson on behalf of the school community.

“The build-up to the FIFA Club World Cup™ has been intense — 19 matches across three competitions since March,” said Vuksich.

“The support we’ve had from the local community, and especially Mount Roskill Intermediate, has been incredible. The taonga given to us is a powerful gesture, and the players are honoured to carry that spirit with them as they represent the club and the region.”

The squad departs Auckland on Monday 2 June in two groups and will play a warm-up fixture against Philadelphia Union on 5 June before facing UAE giants Al Ain FC in Washington, DC on 9 June.

Auckland City FC will compete in Group C against European champions Bayern Munich, Portuguese giants SL Benfica, and South American powerhouses Boca Juniors, a historic moment for New Zealand football and the Oceania region.

Auckland City will take on European powerhouse Bayern Munich, Portuguese giants SL Benfica, and Argentine heavyweights Boca Juniors in Group C of the FIFA Club World Cup™.

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