Auckland FC have drawn 2-2 in a pre-season friendly against A-League rivals Newcastle Jets at Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval.
All Whites forward Logan Rogerson scored in the first minute when he latched onto a long ball from goalkeeper Michael Woud, firing it into the Jets net from more than 25 metres.
Auckland’s second goal came from an own goal, conceded under pressure from New Zealand international Max Mata.
The Jets fought back in the second half to level the scores.
Auckland FC again included a number of trialists in their squad, including Sydney-based duo Thomas Makko and James Bayliss.
Midfielder Makko (22) has played five seasons for NPL NSW League club Hills United.
Midfielder Bayliss (23), was with Central Coast Mariners for the 2022-23 season, and signed with Marconi Stallions in 2024 for the NPL NSW League season.
Other trialists who also featured in at least one of Auckland FC’s previous friendlies 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.
- Ralph Rutherford (19), winger, currently with Eastern Suburbs.
- Codey Phoenix (19), left back, currently with Auckland United and previously at Birkenhead United and East Coast Bays.
In their previous friendlies, Auckland FC drew 2-2 with Auckland United, and beat East Coast Bays 1-0.
READ MORE: Auckland FC draw 2-2 with Auckland United >>>>
READ MORE: Springs skipper Reid Drake turns out for Auckland FC as trialist against East Coast Bays >>>>
Auckland FC’s next pre-season game is against Western Sydney Wanderers at their training ground on Saturday August 17.
Result
Game played on Tuesday August 13, 2024
Pre-season friendly
Newcastle Jets 2
Auckland FC 2 (Logan Rogerson 1′. own goal)
Line-up
Micheal Woud, Hiroki Sakai (Callum Elliot 60′), Dan Hall, Tommy Smith (captain) (Nikko Boxall (70′), Francis De Vries, Cam Howieson (Thomas Makko 76′), Finn McKenlay, Adama Coulibaly (Jonty Bidois 60′), Logan Rogerson (Ralph Rutherford 70′), Jesse Randall (Codey Phoenix 80′), Max Mata.
Subs not used: Joe Knowles (GK), Scott Galloway, James Bulkeley, James Bayliss.
Trialists: Boxall, Bulkeley, Rutherford, Phoenix, Bayliss, Makko.
Fixture
Game to be played on Saturday August 17, 2024
Pre-season friendly
Western Sydney Wanderers v Auckland FC
WSW Training Ground, Sydney, 1pm (AEST) / 3pm (NZT)
This story was first published on August 14, 2024.
More football stories
