Unbeaten Auckland United Dominate CF Waterside Karori in Grand Final

Auckland United have solidified their status as Aotearoa New Zealand’s premier women’s football team with a commanding 3-1 victory over first-time finalists CF Waterside Karori in the National League Championship Grand Final. The match, played under rainy skies at North Harbour Stadium, marked the culmination of a historic season for the Mt Roskill-based side, who finished 2024 unbeaten and with an unprecedented four major titles.

Auckland United’s Perfect Campaign

United’s triumph in the National League Championship adds to an already glittering haul of trophies, including the Kate Sheppard Cup, the OFC Women’s Champions League, and the NRFL Women’s Premiership. Their remarkable season underscores a level of domestic dominance rarely seen in New Zealand football.

CF Waterside Karori entered the final with a notable achievement of their own, having earned a draw against United earlier in the season. However, they struggled to recover after conceding two early goals.

A Dream Start for United

Barely two minutes into the game, Pia Vlok showcased her talent with a stunning long-range strike. The Player of the Tournament at September’s OFC U-16 Women’s Championship intercepted a loose pass and launched a shot that slipped past Karori goalkeeper Annie Foote, despite her best efforts.

United doubled their lead just 10 minutes later. Charlotte Roche capitalized on a defensive error, blocking a clearance from Foote before calmly slotting the ball into the net. Roche’s ninth goal of the season cemented her place at the top of the Golden Boot standings.

The Mt Roskill side nearly made it 3-0 before halftime when Rene Wasi’s shot struck the post, keeping Karori’s hopes alive heading into the break.

Second-Half Seals the Deal

The second half saw United extend their dominance. Less than 10 minutes after the restart, Wasi delivered a cross that Foote parried away, only for Roche to pounce on the rebound and hammer it into the roof of the net.

Karori responded almost immediately, showing resilience through Nikki Furukawa’s stunning effort. Clearing a corner kick to the edge of the box, Furukawa controlled the ball on her chest before unleashing a perfectly placed half-volley into the top corner.

Despite Karori’s determination to stage a comeback, United’s defense held firm, and the match ended 3-1. The victory cemented Auckland United’s domestic supremacy and capped off an extraordinary year.

Star Performers Shine

Pia Vlok, whose early goal set the tone for United’s triumph, was named Player of the Match. Her standout performance was emblematic of a team effort that saw Auckland United achieve an unbeaten season and set new standards for excellence in New Zealand women’s football.

Final Score:

Auckland United – 3
(2’ Pia Vlok, 12’ & 54’ Charlotte Roche)
CF Waterside Karori – 1
(55’ Nikki Furukawa)