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Auckland FC Women (beg, borrow or steal)

48 replies · 2,840 views
21 days ago · edited 14 days ago · History
Auckland aren’t expected to enter the ALW until 27/28, but the announcement of the new National League structure says they’ll have a Women’s Reserves team competing from March 2027.

They’re also pulling together an Invitational XI under coach Jenny Bindon for the upcoming friendly against Chelsea (Saturday 8 August). Full lineup not confirmed yet but partial info here and here.

Let the speculation begin.
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20 days ago
Interesting line up so far. A few out of the box selections with the foreigners.
Particularly if you consider the NZ government is funding this game to some degree.
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20 days ago
Ranix wrote:
Interesting line up so far. A few out of the box selections with the foreigners.
Particularly if you consider the NZ government is funding this game to some degree.
Yeah I was a bit surprised with some of the selections for this as Auckland FC said this on their website when the match was announced:

'bringing together a squad of top local and regional talent, assembled ahead of Auckland FC Women’s historic entry into the A-League Women’s in 2027. This is also likely to include players currently a part of Auckland FC’s Women’s Talent Development Centre, as a recognised Centre of Excellence and delivered in partnership with New Zealand Football.' 

I guess they never said specifically it was only going to be NZers in the squad, but you could be forgiven for thinking that it was going to be with that wording
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20 days ago
I guess if the majority were kiwis from the Nix, everyone would be bitching and moaning however? 

Auckland will rise once more

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Endorsed by
Half a PintPKSimon B
20 days ago
Someone pointed out in another thread that the AFC Men's Reserves are nicknamed the Squires. Does that mean they'll be joined by the Dames and Ladies-in-Waiting next year?

Weak jokes aside, "Ladies-in-Waiting" is sort of appropriate for the Women's Reserves since they basically have seven months to claim a spot in the ALW.
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Endorsed by
brPK
20 days ago
Simon B wrote:
Someone pointed out in another thread that the AFC Men's Reserves are nicknamed the Squires. Does that mean they'll be joined by the Dames and Ladies-in-Waiting next year?

Weak jokes aside, "Ladies-in-Waiting" is sort of appropriate for the Women's Reserves since they basically have seven months to claim a spot in the ALW.
I am going to jump up and cheer with everything I have if the Phoenix win the first ever women's A League NZ derby. Especially if it's here in Wellington. Bring it on! 
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Endorsed by
Simon BWanderingSheep
19 days ago
I’m late to the party but the Nix are hosting AFC for the “U-17 Girls’ Game Series” at NZCIS this weekend: first game kicked off at 6pm tonight (Friday 31st) and second is 11am Sunday 2nd.

Our squad list is pretty much the U18s who contest the WCL, so with an actual WCL game 11am Saturday (home to PN Marist at Fraser Park) it’s going to be a busy weekend for the Nix lasses.
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Endorsed by
Southernix
19 days ago
That’s a good strong squad they’ve assembled, looking forward to this one!
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19 days ago
No Chloe Knott? She still playing for Auckland United.
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Endorsed by
LGPK
19 days ago
coochiee wrote:
No Chloe Knott? She still playing for Auckland United.
Haven't seen her name on there team sheet for a while now.
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Endorsed by
LG
19 days ago
I'm looking forward to seeing AFC in the WAL. About time those other A League sides still without a women's team are forced to enter.
Supporter of the world's best football teams: Waikato..., Kingz FC, NZ Knights, The Nix, The Argyle & of course the All Whites

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Endorsed by
PK
19 days ago
Marto wrote:
I'm looking forward to seeing AFC in the WAL. About time those other A League sides still without a women's team are forced to enter.
Yes. A Macarthur women's team. Got to sell Luke Vickery and Dean Bosnjak to afford to fund creating that, and let go of Callum Talbot/Harry Politidis. 
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18 days ago
Ranix wrote:
 coochiee wrote:
No Chloe Knott? She still playing for Auckland United.
Haven't seen her name on there team sheet for a while now.
She is pregnant so won't be seeing her for a while. I was thinking the same - and was wondering if she would start popping up for the Ferns.
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18 days ago
Full squad – they started training on Thursday

GK: Zoe Doughty, Lindsey Harris, Maddie Iro
DF: Liz Anton, Nya Baccelli, Mackenzie Barry, Abby Erceg, Talisha Green, Aimee Medwin, Saskia Vosper
MF: Olivia Chance, Alain Granger, Momo Hayashi, Olivia Ingham, Deven Jackson, Aniela Jensen, Avaani Prakash, Piper O’Neill, Claire Winter
FW: Laura Bennett, Maggie Jenkins, Charlotte Lancaster, Ruby Nathan, Peta Trimis
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Endorsed by
Simon B
17 days ago
I caught the second U-17 game at NZCIS, which ended 3-0 to Auckland (a better result for us than Friday’s game, by the sound of things).

I haven’t seen the actual lineups but apparently Auckland stacked their team with eight Young Ferns - I have to admit they looked sharp on the field, so our girls put up a good fight all things considered. Not sure how many from this age group will feature in their Reserves next year but it gives an idea of what we’ll be up against in the NL.
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16 days ago
Marto wrote:
I'm looking forward to seeing AFC in the WAL. About time those other A League sides still without a women's team are forced to enter.
It's the APL who are not allowing AFC to enter - to keep costs down while they try and make the wages fair for existing players.
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Endorsed by
Southernix
16 days ago
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2026/08/03/chelsea-name-star-studded-touring-squad-for-auckland-football-festival/

England internationals Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh and Lauren James headline the touring party. They are joined by Scotland captain Erin Cuthbert, United States defender Naomi Girma and Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe.

Australian defender Ellie Carpenter will enjoy a homecoming after joining Chelsea from Lyon during the European summer. United States winger Alyssa Thompson is another recent signing included for the Oceania tour.

Auckland FC plan to join the women’s A-League for the 2027-28 season. Their entry to the competition was delayed two years after the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) sought to address economic factors and review the competition.

The Chelsea squad boasts a wealth of international experience.

Canada’s Kadeisha Buchanan is their most capped player with more than 170 appearances, followed by England defender Lucy Bronze with more than 140.

Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe has made more than 110 appearances, while Australia’s Carpenter and England midfielder Walsh have each played more than 90 senior internationals.

Chelsea’s midfield again underlines the club’s strength in depth.

Walsh, Cuthbert, Wieke Kaptein and Germany international Sjoeke Nüsken are all included, while Italy midfielder Giulia Dragoni continues her development after arriving from Barcelona.

The attack features James alongside Colombia striker Mayra Ramírez, France internationals Melvine Malard and Sandy Baltimore, Japan’s Maika Hamano and England forward Aggie Beever-Jones.

The touring party also includes several emerging players expected to gain valuable senior experience. Goalkeeper Katie Cox, defenders Chloe Sarwie and Nelly Las, and midfielders Lola Brown and Lexi Potter are among the younger members of the squad.


Chelsea squad
Player, age, nationality
Goalkeepers
Hannah Hampton, 25, England
Livia Peng, 24, Switzerland
Becky Spencer, 35, Jamaica
Katie Cox, 20, England

Defenders
Ellie Carpenter, 26, Australia
Naomi Girma, 26, United States
Veerle Buurman, 20, Netherlands
Nelly Las, 21, France
Lucy Bronze, 34, England
Kadeisha Buchanan, 30, Canada
Chloe Sarwie, 17, England
Katie McCabe, 30, Republic of Ireland

Midfielders
Sjoeke Nüsken, 25, Germany
Erin Cuthbert, 28, Scotland
Wieke Kaptein, 20, Netherlands
Keira Walsh, 29, England
Lola Brown, 18, England
Lexi Potter, 19, England
Giulia Dragoni, 19, Italy

Forwards
Mayra Ramírez, 27, Colombia
Melvine Malard, 26, France
Lauren James, 24, England
Sandy Baltimore, 26, France
Alyssa Thompson, 21, United States
Maika Hamano, 22, Japan
Aggie Beever-Jones, 23, England

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16 days ago
It will be a great experience, moment for both the players (including Barry) who are in the squad and women’s football here generally, which I’m absolutely all for. Also hope for a good turnout. Unfortunately, I just can’t bring myself to cheer them on for this as I will never support anything that is associated with Perfect FC.

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Endorsed by
ballanebrWanderingSheep
15 days ago
The Women’s kit carries the same “All Paths Lead Here” story as our home shirt, with every line representing a different journey converging into our iconic stripes. Reimagined in a lighter blue, it reflects the ambition, opportunity and future of women’s football at Auckland FC. 
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15 days ago
what a crock of shit!

Queenslander 3x a year.

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Endorsed by
WanderingSheep
15 days ago
Would be a nice kit, if it didn’t have that gigantic slab of red on the sleeve.

Auckland will rise once more

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15 days ago
Can get free tickets to the AFC Invitational XI vs Chelsea game here
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15 days ago
RR wrote:
Can get free tickets to the AFC Invitational XI vs Chelsea game here 
You'd be gutted to have already paid - those are $89 and $69 tickets they are giving away for free now
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Endorsed by
ballaneSimon B
14 days ago

Irrespective of the result on the scoreboard, Auckland FC's first foray into women's football could be pivotal in the careers of the women invited to take part.

An Auckland FC Invitational XI side made up of international stars, local club footballers, A-League stalwarts and professionals looking for their next contract have come together in unusual circumstances.

With 10 days of preparation, the squad wearing Auckland FC colours will play eight-time WSL champions Chelsea FC Women at Eden Park.

This will be the first time a Women's Super League club has played in New Zealand.

It is an exhibition match that in many ways should not be happening. The A-League club do not have a women's side and will not for a couple of seasons yet. They will be the 'away' side when they take the field.

But for the 20 women selected to represent Auckland's badge for the first time, it is an opportunity that means something different to each of them.
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12 days ago
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2026/08/07/free-entry-for-children-for-eden-park-match-between-auckland-fc-and-chelsea/
How to watch
Click on the link below to watch the game streamed live and free on the TVNZ+ digital platform: 

The match will also be broadcast on free-to-air channel TVNZ 2.

Squads

Auckland FC Invitational
Shirt, name, age, club (where club is based), nationality, Ferns caps
Goalkeepers
1 Zoe Doughty, 24, Fencibles United (New Zealand), United States
23 Lindsey Harris, 32, unattached, United States
20 Maddie Iro, 20, Hills United (Australia), New Zealand, 1 cap

Defenders
3 Liz Anton, 27, Canberra United (Australia), New Zealand, 31 caps
2 Mackenzie Barry, 25, Wellington Phoenix (NZ), New Zealand, 25 caps
5 Abby Erceg, 36, Toluca FC (Mexico), New Zealand, 146 caps
12 Alaina Granger, 22, Auckland United (New Zealand), New Zealand
15 Talisha Green, 25, Auckland United (New Zealand), New Zealand
13 Aimee Medwin, 27, Brisbane Roar (Australia), Australia
6 Saskia Vosper, 27, Auckland United (New Zealand), New Zealand

Midfielders
11 Olivia Chance, 32, unattached, New Zealand, 48 caps
10 Momo Hayashi, 31, Brisbane Roar (Australia), Japan
19 Olivia Ingham, 20, Auckland United (New Zealand), New Zealand
18 Aniela Jensen, 24, Auckland United (New Zealand), New Zealand
21 Piper O’Neill, 18, Auckland United (New Zealand), New Zealand
7 Avaani Prakash, 19, Hills United (Australia), Australia
22 Peta Trimis, 20, Central Coast Mariners (Australia), Australia
16 Claire Winter, 31, Lexington SC (Kentucky), United States

Forwards
14 Nya Bacelli, 22, unattached, United States
24 Laura Bennett, 17, Melville United (New Zealand), New Zealand
8 Deven Jackson, 28, Melbourne City (Australia), New Zealand, 11 caps
17 Maggie Jenkins, 25, Perth Glory (Australia), New Zealand, 3 caps
4 Charlotte Lancaster, 22, unattached, New Zealand, 4 caps
9 Ruby Nathan, 20, Sydney Olympic (Australia), New Zealand, 5 caps

Coaches
Head coach: Jenny Bindon
Assistant coach: Kirsty Yallop

Chelsea
Player, age, nationality
Goalkeepers
Hannah Hampton, 25, England
Livia Peng, 24, Switzerland
Becky Spencer, 35, Jamaica
Katie Cox, 20, England

Defenders
Ellie Carpenter, 26, Australia
Naomi Girma, 26, United States
Veerle Buurman, 20, Netherlands
Nelly Las, 21, France
Lucy Bronze, 34, England
Kadeisha Buchanan, 30, Canada
Chloe Sarwie, 17, England
Katie McCabe, 30, Republic of Ireland

Midfielders
Sjoeke Nüsken, 25, Germany
Erin Cuthbert, 28, Scotland
Wieke Kaptein, 20, Netherlands
Keira Walsh, 29, England
Lola Brown, 18, England
Lexi Potter, 19, England
Giulia Dragoni, 19, Italy

Forwards
Mayra Ramírez, 27, Colombia
Melvine Malard, 26, France
Lauren James, 24, England
Sandy Baltimore, 26, France
Alyssa Thompson, 21, United States
Maika Hamano, 22, Japan
Aggie Beever-Jones, 23, England

Head coach
Sonia Bompastor
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11 days ago
Be interesting to see if Liv Chance gets much game time.
She must be on the comeback and could potentially be talking to Bev.
Anelia Jensen is another to watch that the Nix should probably be talking to as we are a bit thin at CDM with Brazendale not re-signed atm.
Would really like to see Maggie Jenkins do well and keep up her goal scoring ways for the sake of the Footbal Ferns.
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11 days ago
The uniformed glazing of Chelsea is a bit much. Calm down, calm down. 
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11 days ago · edited 11 days ago · History
Hattrick from a Chelsea player...not even 25 mins in (I think from same player)
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11 days ago
Erceg-Barry needs a fair bit of cooking before it’s game-ready. Far out
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11 days ago · edited 11 days ago · History
Even more of a mis-match then what I expected. Though pretty hard to make judgements of the local players thrown together mid off season. Would have been interesting how the Nix might have approached a game like this considering season training doesn't even start for another three weeks. 
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11 days ago
Watch them refer to it as The Invitational team after this.😁😉

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

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Endorsed by
brHalf a PintLGmartinb+3
11 days ago
And it ends 7-0 to Chelsea 
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Endorsed by
PKWanderingSheep
11 days ago · edited 11 days ago · History
Did anyone catch the attendance? I didn’t hear them announce it at the game.

Edit: 15,441 according to Stuff. The article also had this nugget which was news to me:

The invitational team they fielded on Saturday came into being once another English club being pursued to face Chelsea decided they were unable to take part, due to the global fuel situation stemming from the Iran war.
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11 days ago
Simon B wrote:
Did anyone catch the attendance? I didn’t hear them announce it at the game.

Edit: 15,441 according to Stuff. The article also had this nugget which was news to me:

The invitational team they fielded on Saturday came into being once another English club being pursued to face Chelsea decided they were unable to take part, due to the global fuel situation stemming from the Iran war. 
Oh wow. Didn't know that! Interesting
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11 days ago
ballane wrote:
Watch them refer to it as The Invitational team after this.😁😉
I'm calling it the AUCKLAND FC biggest ever loss!
Have that, 0:7 💥🥅
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Endorsed by
LGOi Oi EdgecumbeWanderingSheep
11 days ago
brookem wrote:
And it ends 7-0 to Chelsea 

I stopped not longer after it was 4-0. I'm surprised it finished only 7-0.
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Endorsed by
br
11 days ago
mrsmiis wrote:
Erceg-Barry needs a fair bit of cooking before it’s game-ready. Far out
We're they bad? Didn't see the game
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