Football Ferns defender Michaela Foster has joined Lotto NRFL Women’s Premiership club Auckland United during the women’s A-League off-season.
The out-of-contract Wellington Phoenix player will be re-united with United head coach Ben Bate who previously coached Foster at Northern Rovers.
Foster (25) was part of Rovers’ Premiership-winning side in 2022, after joining them from Hamilton Wanderers.
At Auckland United, she’ll team up with former Phoenix players Chloe Knott and Saskia Vosper.
Foster has played 38 times for the Phoenix in her two seasons with the women’s A-League club, and she has 18 caps for the full New Zealand team.
She is one of a number of A-League players who have joined clubs in regional competitions to stay active between A-League seasons.
International striker Ruby Nathan (18), who plays A-League for Canberra United, is also playing for Auckland United, where she played her club football before heading to Australia last year.
Midfielder and 133-cap Football Fern Annalie Longo (32) is playing for Cashmere Technical in the Women’s South Island League.
READ MORE: Ferns midfielder Annalie Longo makes return with Cashmere Technical >>>>
Players signed by the Phoenix for the next A-League season are Marisa van der Meer, Mackenzie Barry, Olivia Ingham, Zoe McMeeken, Manaia Elliott, Daisy Brazendale and Rebecca Lake.
Players who have departed the Wellington Phoenix after the expiry of their contracts include Football Ferns Kate Taylor and Grace Wisnewski.
READ MORE: Ferns midfielder Grace Wisnewski signs for United States club Lexington >>>>
American imports Hope Breslin and Hailey Davidson have left, with Davidson signing for hometown club Dallas Trinity who will play in the new USL Super League.
Forward Kelli Brown becomes a free agent after completing her second stint at the Phoenix.
READ MORE: Out-of-contract Kate Taylor and Kelli Brown to leave Wellington Phoenix >>>>
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