Auckland FC has announced the final names that will make up its OFC Pro League squad.
With the first game at Eden Park less than a week away, the club has confirmed the additions of Aidan Carey, 24, Jonathan Robinson, 24, Oscar Faulds, 24, and Aston Burns, 19.
And in line with OFC regulations allowing the inclusion of under-23 players from the A-League squad, Auckland FC is pleased announce the inclusion of Liam Gillion and Luka Vicelich as part of the OFC Pro League squad.
Gillion has been a part of the club since its founding, and both players will bring valuable A-League training and experience to the playing group.
Auckland FC OFC Pro League head coach, Luke Casserly was delighted with the new additions.
“I think with the names we’ve announced today, as well as the inclusion of the some of the A-League boys, we’re demonstrating our commitment to this tournament and our desire to win it,’ says Casserly.
“I’m excited, the boys are excited, and after all the talk we can’t wait to get started and play some competitive football. The mix of players, from the highly experienced to those who have been around the club since the start, is going to be a real advantage when it comes to playing the sort of exciting, attacking football Auckland FC in known for.
Auckland FC v South Island United will kick-off at 7pm at Eden Park on Saturday, January 17. Tickets to the game are buy one get one free here.
The club has also announced that Tass Mourdoukoutas will be club captain. Mourdoukoutas was awarded the captaincy by AFC A-League campaign Hiroki
“The OFC Pro League is going to be great for the club, and great for football in this country. It is a pathway to professionalism that will provide opportunities to talented players to succeed,” added Casserly.
Oscar Faulds
Position: Centre Forward
Age: 24
Nationality: New Zealand/Sweden
Swedish-born, New Zealand-raised Oscar Faulds joins as a centre forward having spent many years playing football in Sweden, Luxembourg and a stint a Napier City back in the 23/24 season. Faulds played 26 games for City, scoring 29 goals, including scoring four in a 6-1 away win against Wellington Phoenix Reserves.
Aidan Carey
Position: Centre Forward
Age: 24
Nationality: New Zealand
Aidan Carey joins Auckland FC with a significant amount of National League and OFC Champions League experience. The defender has played more than 100 games, most recently for Western Springs. Prior to that he was twice an OFC Champions League winner with Auckland City.
Jonathan Robinson
Position: Left Back
Age: 24
Nationality: United States of America
Jonathan Robinson arrives from Western Suburbs, in Porirua. Born in Illinois, the American previously played for MLS Next Pro club, Sporting Kansas City II. Despite playing at the back, Robinson has an eye for goal. In 23 games for Western Suburbs, he scored five goals.
Aston Burns
Position: Forward
Age: 19
Nationality: New Zealand
Aston Burns is name familiar to any keen followers of the AFC Reserves. The forward played 10 times for the Auckland FC Reserves in the Dettol National League last season, scoring two goals. He joins to replace Ralph Rutherford, who is set to miss the OFC Pro League due to injury.
