Auckland FC complete off-season signings, with loan deal for MLS defender

Auckland FC signing Jake Girdwood-Reich.

Auckland FC have solved their centre back conundrum.

They have signed Australian under-23 representative and former Sydney FC defender Jake Girdwood-Reich in a loan deal. The 21-year-old has spent the past season with St Louis City in Major League Soccer, after scoring a move to the United States following the 2023/24 A League season.

It’s a vital signing for Auckland FC. With the off-season departure of Tommy Smith and the injury to Nando Pijnaker, it was a position where they lacked depth. Initially the club were content to promote from within to cover Smith, whose exit was a surprise.

But Pijnaker’s ankle injury – which required surgery and will see him miss at least the first four matches of the season – meant that strategy became too risky. Captain Hiroki Sakai is capable of filling in as a central defender but it’s not ideal and doesn’t utilise his strengths.

Auckland FC have also learnt from last season, where they lost Dan Hall for three months.

Girdwood-Reich looks a smart acquisition. He’s also well known to coach Steve Corica, who gave him his A-League debut at Sydney during the 2022/2023 campaign.

He made 11 appearances – all but two off the bench – before becoming a regular the next season with 23 starts. His time at St Louis has been fragmented, not helped by a mid-season injury which ruled him out for almost two months.

He started seven matches – five in the second half of the season – and was used as a substitute in another 18 games, so the loan opportunity suits both parties.

“When Corica calls, you answer,” said Girdwood-Reich.

“Steve has supported me a lot during my career, giving me a chance and trusting me when I was still a teenager.

“Saying that, I realise at 21 I still have a lot to learn, so being back in the A-League and back with Steve at Auckland FC is a great place to do that.”

Girdwood-Reich also adds versatility, having made more than half his professional appearances in central midfield.

“We have brough Jake in to play at centre back, but he can also play as a number six or at right-back,” said Corica.

“He’s a good passer of the ball; quick, strong and will set a great example to the other young players.

“With Tommy’s departure, we needed cover at the back. Jake’s arrival will provide that and strengthen the team.”

Girdwood-Reich is the fifth off-season signing at Auckland FC, following the arrivals of Oli Sail, Lachlan Brook and Sam Cosgrove. Goalkeeper Scott Morris was picked up early in the transfer window but was forced to retire following advice from medical specialists.

Five weeks out from the start of the season, Corica said it was unlikely the club would be adding anyone else to the roster.

Auckland FC will open their campaign with a trip to face Melbourne Victory (October 18), before their first home match against Western Sydney Wanderers on October 25.

Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.