Auckland City FC have lifted the ASB Premiership season opener, the Charity Cup, the champions posting a comfortable 3-0 win over Team Wellington at Kiwitea Street.
Auckland City FC celebrate their Charity Cup victory over Team Wellington Photo: Phototek
A goal for Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi and brace for fellow debutant Micah Lea'alafa were enough to give the home side their third Charity Cup title in five years and a trophy they last won in 2013.
The Navy Blues' first goal came on the half hour mark when Hudson-Wihongi got clear of the Team Wellington midfield to fire a low right foot shot beyond Scott Basalaj.
The Aucklanders doubled their lead when Lea'alafa finished from close range with Basalaj helpless on the ground after dealing with an Emiliano Tade effort.
In an open second half, City climbed into the ascendancy and finally added their third when De Vries drew another save from the in-form Basalaj, only for Lea'alafa to score from a tight angle.
