Auckland City Ready for Philadelphia Union Test in Crucial World Cup Warm-Up

CHESTER, Pa. (AP) — Auckland City interim coach Ivan Vicelich says his squad is prepared for Friday’s friendly against Major League Soccer leaders Philadelphia Union, calling it an ideal warm-up ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup campaign.

The New Zealand champions, the only amateur club in the 32-team global tournament, face the Eastern Conference leaders at Subaru Park before meeting UAE’s Al Ain next Tuesday in Washington D.C.

“It’s been a long journey but the players are in good spirits and have trained well,” Vicelich told reporters after training in the Pennsylvania heat. “This match gives us the chance to adjust to North American conditions and style before the World Cup.”

The Navy Blues will be without head coach Paul Posa for the initial tournament stage, putting added responsibility on Vicelich, the club legend who made 88 appearances for New Zealand.

“Getting quality minutes against a top MLS side like Philadelphia is exactly what we need,” Vicelich said. “They’ll present physical and tactical challenges that will help our preparation.”

Philadelphia Union enter the match leading MLS with 35 points from 18 games, while Auckland City recently completed their domestic season with a 10th National League title.

Vicelich emphasized the friendly’s importance for squad rotation and adaptation: “We’re here to start our process positively. The result matters less than the experience we gain against high-level opposition.”

The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET Friday at Subaru Park.