Tampa Bay Online: Rowdies’ Christie proud to represent New Zealand

This time promises to be different. In fact, soccer may be as big as it has ever been in both New Zealand and Australia, thanks to the Australian A-League, a similar-level league to Major League Soccer, and the Wellington Phoenix, based in New Zealand’s capital. Christie made 27 appearances in three seasons for the Phoenix under All Whites coach Ricki Herbert prior to joining the Rowdies before this season.

“I think the Wellington Phoenix has been massive,” Christie said. “The fact that they qualified for the finals and were one game away from the grand final this year, that alongside the All Whites qualifying for the World Cup really sent football into a different level in New Zealand.

Christie came on in the 77th minute in New Zealand’s 1-1 draw against Slovakia yesterday. New Zealand got a dramatic last-gasp equalizer in the 93rd minute.

The Aztex have faced Tampa Bay twice so far this year, both draws. Christie notched one of the Rowdies goals in the game in Tampa on May 8. The team will face Austin two more times this season: at home on Aug. 7, and in Tampa on Sep. 16.