PHILADELPHIA, USA - Auckland City FC’s preparations for the FIFA Club World Cup take a significant step forward as they gear up for an international friendly against Philadelphia Union II on Thursday, June 5, at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.
5 June 2025
As the only amateur club set to compete on the global stage, the Navy Blues are keen to make the most of this crucial warm-up match.
Speaking ahead of the match, Auckland City’s interim head coach, Ivan Vicelich, reflected on the team’s journey and early training sessions in the United States.
“A long journey here, but the guys are in good spirits and have trained really well,” Vicelich said. “We’ve had a couple of sessions now, and today was a bit hotter, giving the players a chance to feel that heat. Training went really well, and the guys are off on a positive note. Now, our first hit-out tomorrow against Philadelphia Union.”
The match against Philadelphia Union presents an opportunity for Auckland City to adjust to the physical and high-intensity style of North American football, which could prove invaluable as they prepare for the Club World Cup.
For Vicelich, the priority in this first match of the tour is about minutes, adaptation, and building momentum.
“Good to get on the ground early and get a match under our legs,” he explained. “It’s really important for the guys to get off with some good minutes. It’s going to be a difficult game, Philadelphia Union are a top team, but we’re here to kick off the process, be positive, and do our best.”
This fixture marks the first of two friendly matches before Auckland City FC embarks on their FIFA Club World Cup campaign. They will next face Al Ain, one of the UAE Pro League’s most accomplished sides, before diving into the tournament’s competitive waters.
With Auckland City set to meet European giants Bayern Munich, Portuguese powerhouse Benfica, and Argentine club Boca Juniors in Group C of the FIFA Club World Cup, every moment of preparation counts.
Competing in the FIFA Club World Cup is a historic achievement for Auckland City and New Zealand football. Their journey in the United States is about more than just playing matches, it’s about representing Oceania, proving their ability on the global stage, and inspiring the next generation of footballers.
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MATCH DETAILS
International Friendly
Philadelphia Union II vs Auckland City FC
Thursday, 5 June 2025
Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
KO: 1:00pm (Local Time)
AC SQUAD: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nikko BOXALL, 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. Areya PRASAD (GK) 19. Dylan CONNOLLY, 20. Matt ELLIS, 21. Adam BELL 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS, 24. Nathan GARROW (GK) 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. David YOO, 27. Haris ZEB, 30. Jackson MANUEL, 31. Ryan ELLIS, 32. Paris DOMFEH
Head Coach: Paul Posa
Interim Head Coach: Ivan Vicelich
Assistant Coach: Adria Casals
Assistant Coach : Daewook Kim
GK Coach: Jonas Hoffmann
Analyst: Malte Thesenvitz
Physiotherapist: Matt Payne
Team Manager: Keith Coton
