Well he came from the MLS and before that 4 years at College so it didn't surprise me. Maybe because we have only been seeing him for a limited time and so hasn't seemed like he has been around long.
I remember him playing at Kiwitea St - and that seems about 15 years ago!
Edit: checked. Was 2006/7, first for Central (young player of the year) then 6 games for Auck City.