Big Pete 65 wrote: No, just Central League: "has joined Wellington United in the women’s Central League."
And announced her arrival by scoring against us in the 2nd minute a couple of weekends ago.
Technically very gifted, and good on both feet. Not sure her lack of minutes was based on ability as much as it was based on personality.
I just had a look. She's still only 18! (she obviously picked up the scholarship contract at a very young age). Like anyone her age, she has things to learn. But I like what I see in terms of her confidence and her ability to take on a player. If she learns to link just a teeny bit more, she'll be away (in my opinion). She is a part of NZ U20 Squad; so that will be interesting to see how she goes on that stage. I wish her all the best.
Long shot but Abbey Erceg just said her goodbyes to Mexico. What are the chances she would like to finish her career back in NZ. Follows both Priestman and Humphries on Insta. At 36 certainly at the twilight of her career, but arguable the best female footballer NZ has ever produced.
This one surprises me. She was injured most of last season. I think she will easily get picked up by another A league club if she is searching for more game time.. Now we need cover in defence. Does this create an opening for Rebecca Lakes return or another overseas kiwi. image.png243.87 KB
Has there been any news on where Abby Erceg is moving, or if she's retiring? Would be an outstanding pickup if there's any possibility.
Jaber put in some good performances and is capable of starting for other teams in the league. May not have fancied another season behind Barry/Walker/VDM
Well Google tells me Erceg is no longer in a relationship with her ex Racing Louisville team mate Carson Pickett. So that's one less reason for her to stay in Nth America? Pickett (born without her left forearm and hand) is now with Denver Summit FC in the NWSL.
They do however get some big crowds in Liga MX Femenil (Mexico), a league that is drawing in alot of young American talent that would otherwise struggle to get playing time in the NWSL. Erceg may just be paid too well to leave there soon, plus the buzz of playing in big stadiums in a proper mad futbol culture.
Could see the Auckland ALW side with Foley's dosh, making a play for Abby E in 2027.
Wages in Liga MX Femenil typically range from $300 to $7,000 USD per month.
In the Mexican city of Monterrey that lives and breathes fútbol, a total of 40,039 fans pack the Estadio Universitario, commonly known as El Volcan ("The Volcano"), for a women's club soccer playoff match on Nov. 20.
"This league is growing super quick," said Reyes to the L.A. Times in February. "What is super special about this team [Tigres] is our fans. And that's something that I didn't really feel when I was in the U.S."
Her social media post commented on above made it clear she was leaving Mexico, not to say a return to NWSL or similar isn't on the cards.
Though at 36 she may not have too many more goes at that level in the legs. At the same time, her relationship with NZF & the Ferns isn't great based on how she retired.
Nelfoos wrote: Her social media post commented on above made it clear she was leaving Mexico, not to say a return to NWSL or similar isn't on the cards.
Though at 36 she may not have too many more goes at that level in the legs. At the same time, her relationship with NZF & the Ferns isn't great based on how she retired.
Was always a long shot. And yes Nelfoos I think theres way more chance she will go back to the NWSL then come here. The transfer window just opened up there, so that might explain the timing of her departure from Mexico.
Missed those comments further up about her leaving Mexico. To be honest Erceg seems very settled in the US.
If at 36 she is going to continue playing Stateside she might try the 2nd tier USL Super League (USLS). Grace Wisnewski was there for a bit.
The USL Super League is transitioning its calendar to a spring-to-fall schedule to align with the NWSL. Instead of a traditional "2026-2027" season, the league will play a standalone 14-match "Fall Season" from August 15 to November 28, 2026, followed by a full Spring-to-Fall season launching in 2027.
Not sure if im right but wernt there issues with her and some of the other players in the Ferns. If so do we really want someone who could upset the balance of what we currently have.
Not sure if Erceg is much abreast of the women's scene in NZ these days.
Saw her on a US football show pre the 2023 WWC, say Erin Nayler was one of the Ferns to watch. When by 2023 Nayler was very much 2nd GK to Esson, and maybe even 3rd to Leat.
There were some rumours during Erceg's reign as captain that the old brigade weren't that friendly to young players coming in, who may threaten their starting spots. Again just rumours.
At the time of her original retirement she cited issues with the professionalism of NZF and their lack of support of women's football. Its hard to argue with that assessment at the time (2017). Some improvement since then, but how much is probably up for debate.
ballane wrote: Not sure if im right but wernt there issues with her and some of the other players in the Ferns. If so do we really want someone who could upset the balance of what we currently have.
“What we currently have” is pretty dire so anything that shakes that up is welcome I’d say
ballane wrote: Not sure if im right but wernt there issues with her and some of the other players in the Ferns. If so do we really want someone who could upset the balance of what we currently have.
“What we currently have” is pretty dire so anything that shakes that up is welcome I’d say
WTF are you on about they got to the Grand Final and having attended every home game and the two finals games in Aussie as well as some training sessions i have never seen any evidence of any disharmony in the team.
Olivia Chance is an interesting one. Is she back playing football. I assume if she is its in Melbourne. I thinks its good that Auck FC are trying to put together a competitive team bringing in high profile players. They are competing of course with the A League all stars team, that also have a number of kiwis now confirmed. Jale, Bunge, Vlok. Stott.
Auckland FC vs Chelsea Women on 8th Aug. A League All Stars vs Chelsea Women is on 12 Aug. Would imagine a lot of rotation in the Chelsea team between these two games being only 4 days apart and in there pre season..
theprof wrote: clearly still an invitational team, pre-season for most players so why not?
While i agree thats what they were calling it intially know it seems to be branded as an AFC team. For that reason it dosnt seem right our players playing under that badge. Or is that just a precursor to whats going to happen when and if they ever get a team.
+2
