Auckland FC Wins 3-0 in New Pacific Soccer League Debut

Over 7,400 fans packed Auckland's Eden Park Saturday night to witness history: the first professional soccer league spanning the Pacific islands just kicked off with a bang.

Auckland FC defeated South Island United 3-0 in the opening match of the Oceania Professional League, the region's first-ever professional football competition. The crowd's energy matched the significance of the moment as the Pacific finally got its own pro league.

Swedish-born Kiwi striker Oscar Faulds opened the scoring in the 31st minute, pouncing on a rebound after initially missing two golden chances. His persistence paid off, setting the tone for Auckland's dominant performance.

The match stayed tight until the final minutes when Bailey Ferguson, an Australia-New Zealand dual national, sealed the victory with a smart finish in the 83rd minute. Liam Gillion added a penalty kick in the 88th minute to complete the scoreline.

Captain Tass Mourdoukoutas, a former A-League defender, said the team felt "a massive responsibility" to match their A-League counterparts who won the Premiers' Plate last season. "Wearing this jersey means a lot to myself and everyone else out there," he said.

The Ripple Effect

The new league brings together teams from Vanuatu, Fiji, Tahiti, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Australia, and New Zealand. In Saturday's other match, Vanuatu United and Fiji's Bula FC played to a dramatic 2-2 draw that saw a goalkeeper error produce an equalizer in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

For Pacific island nations that have produced world-class talent but lacked professional opportunities at home, this league represents a game-changer. Young players across the region now have a pathway to professional careers without leaving the Pacific.

Four more teams face off Sunday at Eden Park, with Tahiti United taking on South Melbourne and PNG Hekari facing the Solomon Kings. The tournament continues Tuesday at North Harbour Stadium, giving fans another chance to be part of this historic moment.

A new era of Pacific soccer has arrived, and the islands are ready to play.