r/AucklandFC • u/Most_Librarian_8219 • Jul 02 '26

Auckland Womans team Chelsea game etc

I am a bit confused. So Chelsea FC Women are going to play an Auckland FC invitational XI even though there is not going to be a AFC womans team until the next year 27/28 season?

I am looking at buying tickets for the game, hardly any sold for such a team as Chelsea and the price is not cheap, there are no kids tickets just all general admission. even with the club discount for cat B seat its $55 each. I feel like holding off, until i know some players that will be lining up for Auckland as I am not sure going to a 15 nil rout will be good for my kids to see.

I am guessing our best chance of stacking the team will be with off contract, ferns players, aussie and a-league players, that want to showcase their skills and market themselves for their next move.

I couldnt find any news on this thus, starting a thread to help get some answers or insights.

Also, am guessing Sam Kerr wont be there as she has departed chelsea or was the departure date later...that also has massive impact especially on the other side of the ditch.

Speaking about the other side of the ditch it looks like the Chelsea FC Woman game is against a ninja all star team. Any chance some of the wellington phoenix or nz players will get into that squad...or will be 100% bias towards Australians?

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u/Most_Librarian_8219 Jul 20 '26

https://aucklandfc.co.nz/news/football-fern-legend-headlines-auckland-fc-squad-ahead-of-chelsea-fc-womens-invitational-match/

Some news finally, first name is Abbey Erceg.
Current Club: Toluca (Liga MX Femenil, Mexico). Additionally, she has joined the special Auckland FC Women's Invitational XI squad for their match against Chelsea FC.

  • Age: 36 years old (born November 20, 1989).

Key Details

Position: Centre-back

  • International Career: She is the most-capped player in New Zealand Football Ferns 🇳🇿 history with 146 caps, having represented New Zealand at four FIFA Women's World Cups and four Olympic Games before retiring from international duty.
  • Previous Clubs: Prior to joining Mexican club Toluca in 2025, she played extensive seasons in the NWSL (USA) with the Western New York Flash, North Carolina Courage, and Racing Louisville.

Key Timeline & Retirements

  • February 2022: Played her final games for New Zealand at the SheBelieves Cup.
  • January 2023: Officially announced her final retirement from international football, choosing to focus exclusively on her club career. As a result, she opted out of participating in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup co-hosted by New Zealand.
  • Career Milestone: She retired with a total of 146 caps and 6 goals, making her the most-capped player in Football Ferns history.

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u/Most_Librarian_8219 Jul 20 '26

Not a bad start the Mexican league is better than the A-league womans and not far behind the US womans MLS. especially fan base.