New Zealand U-23 goalkeeper Joe Knowles has signed for Australian club St George City.
Knowles (19) was the first-choice goalkeeper for Auckland National League club Eastern Suburbs for the past two seasons, helping them reach the Chatham Cup final in 2022.
But he’s crossed the Tasman in an effort to prove himself at a higher level in the hope he’ll get the chance to join Auckland’s yet-to-be-named A-League expansion club.
Sydney-based St George City play in the NSW National Premier League, and reached the 2023 finals.
Reserves teams from A-League clubs Sydney FC, Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners play in the 16-team competition.
Knowles, whose previous clubs include Melville United and Bay Olympic, has played for New Zealand at U-17, U-19 and U-23 level, and was a member of the national squad that won the 2023 OFC Men’s Olympic qualifier tournament in Auckland.
Knowles faces a delay in making his debut for his new club as he’s recovering from a hip injury.
His move to St George was helped by the Lee Fratelli agency, based in Auckland/Sydney.
St George signed Auckland goalkeeper Nick Burke last season.
Burke (23) headed to Australia after playing in the United States NCAA Division system at Bradley University, and playing Lotto NRFL first division football with Manurewa.
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