Auckland United have firmly established themselves as the top women’s side in Aotearoa New Zealand, securing a 3-1 victory over first-time qualifiers CF Waterside Karori in the National League Championship Grand Final to end 2024 with four titles in a completely unbeaten season.

The win at a wet North Harbour Stadium saw United claim the championship, adding to their triumphs in the Kate Sheppard Cup, OFC Women’s Champions League, and NRFL Women’s Premiership, completing an unprecedented campaign for the Mt Roskill-based side.

 

Karori were one of the few teams to take points off United this year, earning a 1-1 draw in Wellington to kick off the National League Championship season, but they struggled to recover after conceding an early goal.

Just two minutes into the game, Pia Vlok, who was voted Player of the Tournament at September’s OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, intercepted a pass and fired a long-range shot that keeper Annie Foote managed to get a hand on, but could not prevent from dropping into the Karori net.

10 minutes later, United extended their lead. Charlotte Roche blocked a clearance from the Karori keeper, and the ball rebounded towards goal, allowing Roche to tap it in for her ninth goal of the season, putting her clear at the top of the Golden Boot race.

At the 25-minute mark, United were inches away from making it 3-0, but Rene Wasi’s shot hit the post, keeping the score at 2-0 at halftime.

Less than 10 minutes into the second half, United did make it 3-0. A cross from Rene Wasi was palmed away by Foote, but the ball fell to Charlotte Roche, who sent it into the roof of the net from close range, giving the Karori keeper no chance.

A minute later, Karori pulled one back. A corner kick was cleared to Nikki Furukawa, who controlled the ball on her chest before placing it into the top corner with a half-volley.

Karori continued to search for a way back into the game, but they could not find the breakthrough, and the match ended 3-1 to United, extending their domestic dominance in 2024.

Pia Vlok, scorer of the opening goal, was named Player of the Match. 

Article added: Sunday 01 December 2024