Four trialists were in Auckland FC’s matchday squad for the new A-League club’s first pre-season friendly, a 2-2 draw with Northern League side Auckland United.
Included on the bench for Auckland FC, and listed as trialists, were:
- Nikko Boxall (32), defender, six caps for the All Whites, has played professionally in Germany, Finland, Denmark and the United States, played for the Wellington Phoenix in 2023. Currently signed to Eastern Suburbs.
- James Bulkeley (19), defender, member of the New Zealand side that won the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship this month. Currently signed to Fleetwood United, in the United Arab Emirates.
- Dejaun Naidoo (17) midfielder, currently with Eastern Suburbs and previously at Auckland United.
- Ralph Rutherford (19), winger, currently with Eastern Suburbs.
The starting line-up for Auckland FC at Keith Hay Park was: Micheal Woud, Tommy Smith (captain), Cam Howieson, Luis Toomey, Max Mata, Joey Champness, Francis De Vries, Callan Elliot, Finn McKenlay, Dan Hall, Logan Rogerson.
Subs: Joe Knowles (gk), Jonty Bidois, Adama Coulibaly, Nikko Boxall, James Bulkeley, Dejaun Naidoo, Ralph Rutherford.
The match was drawn 2-2, with Auckland United taking the lead twice.
New Zealand international Max Mata scored Auckland FC’s first-ever goal, levelling the scores at 1-1 after 27 minutes, while Luis Toomey tied the game up with a goal 10 minutes from the final whistle.
After the match, Auckland FC Steve Corica said he was happy with the team’s performance but it was obvious fitness levels needed to improve.
“There’s a lot to take out of that game,” he said.
“We created a good amount of chances, (and) probably should have scored more goals.
He said coming back from behind twice showed character.
“Never give in, never give up,” he said.
“For the first hit out, it’s what’s to be expected at the moment.”
Auckland FC have 20 players under contract, including nine All Whites.
READ MORE: All White Logan Rogerson becomes 20th signing for A-League’s Auckland FC >>>>
Main photo: The starting line-up for new club Auckland FC. Photo credit: Auckland FC.
Result
Game played on Wednesday July 31, 2024
Pre-season friendly
Auckland United 2 (scorers to come)
Auckland FC 2 (Max Mata 27′, Luis Toomey 80′)
This story was first published on July 31, 2024.
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