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Bevan’s Late Heroics Secure Thrilling Auckland City FC Victory
Despite finishing with nine men, Auckland City FC overcomes adversity to claim a last-minute win against Tauranga City FC.
AUCKLAND, New Zealand – A stunning 99th-minute winner by former All Whites striker Myer Bevan secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for Auckland City FC against Tauranga City FC in the opening round of the Northern League, defying the odds after playing the second half with just nine men.
Auckland City Battles Against the Odds
The match at Kiwitea Street started with an early shock as Tauranga City’s Liam Molloy capitalized on a defensive mix-up, slipping between goalkeeper Nathan Garrow and the backline to slot into an empty net, sending the visitors into an unexpected lead.
Auckland City responded strongly, and captain Mario Ilich equalized in the 59th minute with a well-placed header off a corner at the near post. However, the home side’s resurgence took a hit five minutes later when defender Adam Mitchell saw red for violent conduct. Matters worsened further as substitute Tong Zhou was also dismissed in the 74th minute for serious foul play, reducing the hosts to nine men.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Auckland City refused to back down. Deep into stoppage time, Nathan Lobo delivered a pinpoint cross to Bevan, whose initial effort struck the post. Undeterred, he pounced on the rebound and fired home, sparking wild celebrations and securing a remarkable victory.
Head coach Paul Posa, in his first match back in charge since 2010, lauded his team’s spirit:
“We showed incredible character and resilience to come back after the two red cards. Winning was the most important thing on what was a special day for the club.”
FIFA Club World Cup™ Trophy Bids Farewell to Kiwitea Street
Adding to the significance of the day was the final New Zealand appearance of the FIFA Club World Cup™ Trophy before its departure. The trophy’s three-day tour saw it visit Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei for a pōwhiri, Mount Roskill Intermediate for a whakatau, Sky Tower for a sunrise photoshoot, and a final club dinner at Kiwitea Street.
Auckland City FC chairperson Ivan Vuksich expressed gratitude:
“The FIFA Club World Cup™ Trophy Tour has been an incredible success, and we thank FIFA for trusting us to host it. We also extend our appreciation to our community partners, including Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Mount Roskill Intermediate, and Sky Tower, who helped make this experience unforgettable.”
Player Milestones & Futsal Results
The match also marked key milestones, with Michael Den Heijer making his 100th appearance for Auckland City FC, while Dylan Connolly, Otto Ingham, Haris Zeb, and David Yoo debuted for the club. Matt Ellis and Jordan Vale returned for their second spells, while Nikko Boxall made his third stint.
In futsal action, the Futsal Navy Blues suffered a 0-2 loss to Southern United but bounced back with a thrilling 5-5 draw against Palmerston North Marist, thanks to a last-gasp equalizer from Sam Twigg.
Meanwhile, Tauranga City FC U-23 secured a convincing 3-0 win over Auckland City FC U-23 in coach Daewook Kim’s debut match.
What’s Next?
Auckland City FC now shifts focus to their next Northern League fixture against West Coast Rangers at the Croatian Cultural Society on Tuesday, March 18, with kickoff set for 7:30 PM NZST.
Match Result
Northern League – Saturday, March 15, 2025
Auckland City FC 2 (Mario Ilich 59′, Myer Bevan 90’+9′)
Tauranga City FC 1 (Liam Molloy 2′)
HT: 0-1
Red Cards: Adam Mitchell (AC) 65′, Tong Zhou (AC) 74′
Auckland City FC Lineup:
24. Nathan Garrow (GK), 2. Mario Ilich, 3. Adam Mitchell, 5. Nikko Boxall, 7. Myer Bevan, 13. Nathan Lobo, 17. Jerson Lagos, 19. Dylan Connolly (25. Michael Den Heijer 65′), 21. Matt Ellis (22. Tong Zhou 56′), 23. Otto Ingham (27. Haris Zeb 56′), 26. David Yoo (14. Jordan Vale 84′).
Subs Not Used: 18. Areya Prasad (GK)
Head Coach: Paul Posa
Assistant Coaches: Ivan Vicelich, Adria Casals
Goalkeeper Coach: Jonas Hoffmann
Team Manager: Keith Coton
Physiotherapist: Matt Payne
Analyst: Siyan Niyani
