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Auckland Pride - Make Auckland Great Again

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Posted September 17, 2025 01:37 · last edited September 17, 2025 01:37

I guess they could still sign Max Mata as he is a free agent?

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2025/09/17/auckland-fc-coach-steve-corica-why-we-signed-jake-girdwood-reich/

Head coach Steve Corica says latest signing Jake Girdwood-Reich will help replace All White Tommy Smith at the centre of Auckland FC’s defence.

“We have brought Jake in to play at centre back, but he can also play as a number six or at right-back,” Corica said of the club’s fifth pre-season signing.

“With Tommy’s departure, we needed cover at the back. Jake’s arrival will provide that and strengthen the team. I am looking forward to working with him again.”

Corica was head coach at A-League rivals Sydney when he gave Girdwood-Reich his first team debut in the 2022-23 season. Girdwood-Recih made 45 appearances for Sydney before moving to the United States last year, for a transfer fee reported to exceed NZ$1.45 million.

“Steve has supported me a lot during my career, giving me a chance and trusting me when I was still a teenager,” Girdwood-Reich said.

“Saying that, I realise at 21 I still have a lot to learn, so being back in the A-League and back with Steve at Auckland FC is a great place to do that.”

Australian-born Girdwood-Reich has arrived at Auckland FC on a season-long loan from Major League Soccer franchise St Louis City, who have retained an option to recall him by January 1, 2026.

New Zealand international Tommy Smith (35) left Auckland FC at the end of the last Isuzu UTE A-League season to join English National League club Braintree Town.

Corica said Girdwood-Reich’s arrival will provide Auckland FC with competition across the back line.

“He’s a good passer of the ball; quick, strong and will set a great example to the other young players,” Corica says.


Auckland FC are unlikely to make any more signings ahead of their season opener against Melbourne Victory on Saturday October 25, 2025.

“Jake’s is the last signing we’ll make in this window. The team are looking strong, ready to compete and most importantly, ready to win,” Corica said.

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Unknown editor edited September 17, 2025 01:37
I guess they could still sign Mata as he is a free agent?

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2025/09/17/auckland-fc-coach-steve-corica-why-we-signed-jake-girdwood-reich/

Head coach Steve Corica says latest signing Jake Girdwood-Reich will help replace All White Tommy Smith at the centre of Auckland FC’s defence.

“We have brought Jake in to play at centre back, but he can also play as a number six or at right-back,” Corica said of the club’s fifth pre-season signing.

“With Tommy’s departure, we needed cover at the back. Jake’s arrival will provide that and strengthen the team. I am looking forward to working with him again.”

Corica was head coach at A-League rivals Sydney when he gave Girdwood-Reich his first team debut in the 2022-23 season. Girdwood-Recih made 45 appearances for Sydney before moving to the United States last year, for a transfer fee reported to exceed NZ$1.45 million.

“Steve has supported me a lot during my career, giving me a chance and trusting me when I was still a teenager,” Girdwood-Reich said.

“Saying that, I realise at 21 I still have a lot to learn, so being back in the A-League and back with Steve at Auckland FC is a great place to do that.”

Australian-born Girdwood-Reich has arrived at Auckland FC on a season-long loan from Major League Soccer franchise St Louis City, who have retained an option to recall him by January 1, 2026.

New Zealand international Tommy Smith (35) left Auckland FC at the end of the last Isuzu UTE A-League season to join English National League club Braintree Town.

Corica said Girdwood-Reich’s arrival will provide Auckland FC with competition across the back line.

“He’s a good passer of the ball; quick, strong and will set a great example to the other young players,” Corica says.


Auckland FC are unlikely to make any more signings ahead of their season opener against Melbourne Victory on Saturday October 25, 2025.

“Jake’s is the last signing we’ll make in this window. The team are looking strong, ready to compete and most importantly, ready to win,” Corica said.