Auckland FC completes its inaugural squad ahead of A-League debut against Brisbane Roar

It has taken several months, but the A-League’s newest club has finally completed its playing roster just days out from debuting in the competition.

Auckland FC coach Steve Corica says the A-League newcomers finally “feel like a team” after completing their inaugural squad with the signing of Colombian Neyder Moreno.

The 27-year-old attacking midfielder is the 26th and final member of the Black Knights squad, with confirmation of his signing coming less than a week before the club makes its A-League debut on Saturday against Brisbane Roar at Go Media Stadium.

“This is a great team that is hungry to achieve,” former Sydney FC mentor Corica said.

“It’s great to finally have the full squad together. We really feel like a team now and there is a lot of excitement ahead of the game against the Roar.”

Corica predicted Moreno, who joins fellow South Americans Guillermo May and Luis Felipe Gallegos on Auckland’s books, would be a handful for opponents.

“Neyder is a very fast, technical player that loves to dribble one-v-one against defenders,” Corica said.

“He is going to cause a lot of problems for the opposition.”

019: Neyder Moreno⁰ ⁰Auckland FC welcomes Neyder to the club 👏⁰ ⁰Get your ticket to our FIRST EVER game THIS COMING SATURDAY (October 19th) now! pic.twitter.com/HEBsjJjNmb

— Auckland FC (@fc_auckland) October 13, 2024

Moreno, whose most recent club was Colombian top-flight outfit Atletico Nacional, said the move to Auckland was a “big opportunity” for him.

“It is a chance to experience a new country, a new team and a new league,” he said.

“The team and the club have so far made me feel very welcome. I’m eager to get to know the team better and start playing some football.”

Auckland chief executive officer Nick Becker was confident of attracting a sellout crowd on Saturday.

“I’m pleased to say we’re getting very close,” Becker said.

Brisbane Roar captain Jay O’Shea said his side would be largely stepping into the unknown this weekend.

“We know their coach and a few players who went there from other teams, but we won’t know really what to expect,” the Irish midfielder admitted.

“There’ll be a lot of excitement at their stadium. their first ever home game in the A-League, so it’s going to be a tough game but one that we’re really looking forward to.”