Auckland City FC Defeat Philadelphia Union II 2-0 in a friendly Mach.

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — June 5, 2025

Auckland City FC launched their U.S. tour with authority, securing a 2-0 victory over Philadelphia Union II at Subaru Park in Thursday’s friendly encounter.

In a sharp contrast to Auckland’s recent winter fixtures, the match was played under clear skies and 28°C heat. Despite the conditions, both teams opened with pace and intensity.

City’s first real chance came in the 13th minute when midfielder David Yoo threaded a neat ball into space for Nathan Lobo. The winger raced into the box but was denied by Union goalkeeper Mike Sheridan, who made a clean low save.

Union replied with their own threat in the 25th minute as Edward Davis unleashed a driven shot, but Conor Tracey was up to the task, comfortably collecting the attempt.

The New Zealand champions gradually took control, with Myer Bevan testing Sheridan from range. The rebound fell to Gerard Garriga, whose follow-up was smothered before it could cross the line.

City’s interim head coach Ivan Vicelich made a string of substitutions at half-time — a tactical decision that paid off almost instantly. Union, likewise, rotated their squad for the second half.

Just six minutes in, striker Ryan De Vries capitalized on a goalkeeping miscue, calmly slotting home the opener. The Kiwis doubled their lead in the 63rd minute when Regont Murati curled a composed strike past substitute keeper Pierce Holbrook.

Angus Kilkolly nearly made it three when he broke through on goal but was held back by a determined Union defense.

Union pushed late for a consolation goal, coming close with a header from a corner that sailed just over. Substitute keeper Nathan Garrow later produced a fine diving stop to deny Markus Anderson’s effort.

The clean sheet capped off a confident performance for Auckland City FC, who now head to Washington DC to face Al Ain FC in a behind-closed-doors clash on June 9.

Match Details:

Prestige Friendly — Thursday, 5 June 2025

Philadelphia Union II 0 – 2 Auckland City FC

Scorers: De Vries (51’), Murati (63’)

HT: 0-0

Venue: Subaru Park, Philadelphia