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Scoop
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
Al Ain Friendly Ramps Up Preparations
WASHINGTON, D.C., USA – Auckland City FC's journey to the FIFA Club World Cup continues with an international friendly against Al Ain FC on Monday, June 9 at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia. This encounter pits New Zealand's champions against the 2023/24 AFC Champions League winner, a team that boasts experience at the highest level, including a memorable run to the final of the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup. Al Ain and Auckland City FC are no strangers to each other. They last met in September 2024 in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup qualifier, where Al Ain secured a 6-2 victory in Abu Dhabi. This time, however, Auckland City FC arrives better prepared, with a week of training in the United States under their belt. This fixture offers the Navy Blues an opportunity to fine-tune their approach ahead of their tournament opener against Bayern Munich on. With training in the United States progressing well, the squad will aim to maximise their final warm-up before heading to Chattanooga. Assistant coach Adria Casals emphasised the importance of adapting to a different style of play: 'We're making the right adjustments and want the boys to show what they're capable of with the ball—because that's the DNA of this club,' Casals said. Meanwhile, right-back Nathan Lobo acknowledged the significance of maintaining momentum: 'Getting off to a winning start helps the boys believe in what we're building. This match will be a strong test before the Club World Cup,' Lobo stated. While Al Ain bring experience at the highest level, Auckland City is focused on building momentum and sharpening their play before taking on elite opposition in the Club World Cup. A competitive challenge awaits, and both sides will be eager to make the most of the occasion. MATCH DETAILS International Friendly Al Ain FC vs Auckland City FC Monday, 9 June 2025 Episcopal High School, Alexandria, VA KO: 4:00pm (Local Time) AC SQUAD: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nikko BOXALL, 6. Jackson MANUEL 7. Myer BEVAN 8. Gerard GARRIGA 9. Angus KILKOLLY 10. Dylan MANICKUM 11. Ryan DE VRIES 12. Regont MURATI 13. Nathan LOBO 14. Jordan VALE, 15. Jeremy FOO, 16. Joe LEE 17. Jerson LAGOS 18. Sebastian CIGANDA (GK) 19. Dylan CONNOLLY, 20. Matt ELLIS, 21. Adam KANUI BELL 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS, 24. Nathan GARROW (GK) 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. David YOO, 27. Haris ZEB. Interim Head Coach: Ivan VICELICH Assistant Coach: Adria CASALS Assistant Coach : Daewook KIM GK Coach: Jonas HOFFMANN Analyst: Malte THESENVITZ Physiotherapist: Matt PAYNE Physiotherapist: Zara ELLIS Team Doctor: Craig PANTHER Team Manager: Keith COTON ABOUT AUCKLAND CITY FC: Auckland City FC plays in the New Zealand domestic football competition (Northern League, National League Championship and Chatham Cup) and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions League from its whenua at Kiwitea Street in Sandringham, Auckland and was founded in 2004.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
Auckland City FC Receive Diplomatic Welcome
Washington, D.C.,USA, 8 June 2025 — Auckland City FC's football adventure received a diplomatic boost, as the only amateur team at the FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025 was officially welcomed to the United States by the New Zealand Embassy in Washington, D.C. The visit formed part of the team's wider tour of the U.S., with the club currently preparing for their next international friendly against UAE champions Al Ain FC on Monday. Players and staff were greeted by members of the members of the NZ Embassy in the US, who offered warm hospitality and words of encouragement ahead of Auckland City's historic Club World Cup appearance later this month. Club President Ivan Vuksich, General Manager Gordon Watson, and Interim Head Coach Ivan Vicelich were in attendance, along with the full playing squad and support team. The visit provided an opportunity to reflect on Auckland City FC's role as a global representative of New Zealand — not just on the pitch, but as cultural ambassadors off it. The team presented Embassy officials with an official FIFA Club World Cup pennant, a manaia, and a koru — symbols of protection, leadership, and unity — values the club carries into every international engagement. Speaking at the Embassy, Vuksich said the moment was 'a privilege for the club and a reminder of the deep connection between the people of New Zealand and their love of sport.' 'We are proud to fly the flag for New Zealand football on the world stage, and it means a great deal to receive this welcome from the New Zealand Embassy here in Washington,' he said. Auckland City FC now continue preparations for their next fixture, their relocation to Team Base Camp Chattanooga in Tennessee, and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, where they will face global heavyweights Benfica, Boca Juniors, and Bayern Munich in Group C. About Auckland City FC: Auckland City FC plays in the New Zealand domestic football competition (Northern League, National League Championship and Chatham Cup) and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions League from its whenua at Kiwitea Street in Sandringham, Auckland and was founded in 2004.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mets Announce Francisco Lindor Move After Dodgers Game
Mets Announce Francisco Lindor Move After Dodgers Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers are playing the rubber match of their three-game series on Thursday. These two teams met in the 2024 National League Championship series, with LA securing a six-game win, but the Mets have responded by taking the 2025 season series. Advertisement In Wednesday night's 6-1 victory, New York received an encouraging performance from the middle of its lineup. Juan Soto walked three times, and Pete Alonso homered twice behind him, tallying five RBIs. Atop the order, shortstop Francisco Lindor went hitless in four at-bats, and seemed to be dealing with some foot discomfort after being hit by a pitch in the first. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12)© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images While he stayed in the game and played all nine innings, Lindor looked to be nursing some discomfort in that foot. Perhaps in response to this, the Mets have made the move to sit their star shortstop in the series finale, marking just his second missed game all season (assuming he does not pinch-hit). Advertisement "A day after taking a painful-looking HBP off his foot but staying in the game (and gutting through some apparent discomfort), Francisco Lindor is out of the Mets' starting lineup against the Dodgers," Anthony DiComo of wrote on X. The Mets made this move official when they announced their starting lineup on X. Luisangel Acuna will take Lindor's spot at shortstop, while Brandon Nimmo takes over the leadoff duties. Shortly after the news that Lindor was not starting on Thursday, he spoke with reporters and revealed he has a broken pinkie toe, but plans to play through it (via SNY). As they look to take the series from LA, the Mets will have to do so with their star shortstop on the bench. Advertisement Related: Mets React to Major Edwin Diaz News After Dodgers Game Related: Mets Star Pete Alonso Had Strong Words After Dodgers Game This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Scoop
7 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Kilkolly Ready For City's Global Challenge
Press Release – Auckland City FC PHILADELPHIA, USA – As Auckland City Football Club prepares to face Bayern Munich, Benfica and Boca Juniors on its historic FIFA Club World Cup ™ journey in the United States, one name stands out among the ranks, Angus Kilkolly, the club's tireless frontman and instinctive finisher. Since joining the club in 2021, Kilkolly has carved out a legacy, becoming Auckland City's third-highest all-time scorer with an impressive 71 goals in 138 games. His hold-up play, off-ball movement, and knack for finding the net in tight spaces make him one of the most reliable forwards in domestic football. But for Kilkolly, it's more than just goals, it's about etching his name into the club's rich history. 'You look around in the club room and see photos of all the previous winners, and you kind of want to put yourself in that history,' Kilkolly reflects. 'When people come through in 20 years and look at the photos, you want to be part of that story.' His passion for football is matched only by his love for Auckland itself. Once an outsider to the city, he quickly fell for its stunning beaches, vibrant bays, and welcoming community—an ideal place to settle. 'Auckland has a reputation, but once you're here, you realise how great it is,' he says. As Kilkolly and his teammates set their sights on the global stage, the striker understands the significance of representing New Zealand against the world's best. 'It's still surreal that we'll be playing on the biggest stage against some of the biggest stars,' he admits. 'It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to express ourselves and show our personalities.' With Auckland City FC ready to take on international giants, and Kilkolly leading the charge, the club's quest for glory is more than just a challenge, it's an opportunity to showcase the spirit of Auckland and its footballing passion to the world. ABOUT AUCKLAND CITY FC: Auckland City FC plays in the New Zealand domestic football competition (Northern League, National League Championship and Chatham Cup) and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions League from its whenua at Kiwitea Street in Sandringham, Auckland and was founded in 2004.
Scoop
7 days ago
- General
- Scoop
Kilkolly Ready For City's Global Challenge
PHILADELPHIA, USA - As Auckland City Football Club prepares to face Bayern Munich, Benfica and Boca Juniors on its historic FIFA Club World Cup ™ journey in the United States, one name stands out among the ranks, Angus Kilkolly, the club's tireless frontman and instinctive finisher. Since joining the club in 2021, Kilkolly has carved out a legacy, becoming Auckland City's third-highest all-time scorer with an impressive 71 goals in 138 games. His hold-up play, off-ball movement, and knack for finding the net in tight spaces make him one of the most reliable forwards in domestic football. But for Kilkolly, it's more than just goals, it's about etching his name into the club's rich history. 'You look around in the club room and see photos of all the previous winners, and you kind of want to put yourself in that history,' Kilkolly reflects. 'When people come through in 20 years and look at the photos, you want to be part of that story.' His passion for football is matched only by his love for Auckland itself. Once an outsider to the city, he quickly fell for its stunning beaches, vibrant bays, and welcoming community—an ideal place to settle. 'Auckland has a reputation, but once you're here, you realise how great it is,' he says. As Kilkolly and his teammates set their sights on the global stage, the striker understands the significance of representing New Zealand against the world's best. 'It's still surreal that we'll be playing on the biggest stage against some of the biggest stars,' he admits. 'It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to express ourselves and show our personalities.' With Auckland City FC ready to take on international giants, and Kilkolly leading the charge, the club's quest for glory is more than just a challenge, it's an opportunity to showcase the spirit of Auckland and its footballing passion to the world. ABOUT AUCKLAND CITY FC: Auckland City FC plays in the New Zealand domestic football competition (Northern League, National League Championship and Chatham Cup) and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions League from its whenua at Kiwitea Street in Sandringham, Auckland and was founded in 2004.
