Soccer: Tough ask for depleted Waitakere

Chris Palmer of Waitakere United. Photo / Richard Robinson

Two things could be coming to a close as the ASB Premiership kicks off this weekend - Waitakere United's stranglehold on the trophy and the Auckland club's long-running duopoly.

Amid an off-season filled with change, featuring two clubs rebranding and a third being replaced, Waitakere may have taken the biggest turn.

Winners of the last four grand finals, Waitakere have their work cut out for them chasing a fifth straight title. The west Auckland club have lost key attacking trio Roy Krishna, Ryan de Vries and Allan Pearce.

Krishna and de Vries have moved to cross-town rivals Auckland City while Pearce has retired. That leaves new recruits Australian Richard Cardozo, an attacking midfielder who represented Waitakere in 2005, and Scottish pair Sam French and Jordan Lowdon to step into the breach.

Waitakere, who face the newly named Southern United away, are further hindered by the loss of Aaron Scott, while captain Jake Butler has been called up to the All Whites.

The off-season disruption showed during a 4-1 loss to Auckland City in last weekend's Charity Cup, Waitakere producing a disjointed effort under new co-coaches Paul Temple and Brian Shelley.

Auckland play their first away game against Wellington, a tough prospect considering Ivan Vicelich and Tamati Williams are headed to Mexico on international duty.

Wellington will be eager to make a statement against the powerhouse of the competition, with the capital side set to be the beneficiaries should Waitakere experience a swoon. The beaten finalists in 2012, Wellington endured a difficult campaign, but they have been boosted by some clever recruiting. James Musa has returned after a brief spell with Fulham and Cole Peverley is another set for a second stint with the club.

All Whites No2 Jacob Spoonley has moved south from Auckland City, while Solomon Islands striker Henry Fa'arodo will lead the attack. The rebranded WaiBOP United face Canterbury in the weekend's other match, while Hawkes Bay United host Wanderers SC on Thursday. APNZ