Southern United
- Leagues Played
- New Zealand Football Championship 97
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- Wikipedia
- Related Teams
- Southern United U20 Southern United Women
Results
Southern United v
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Wikipedia - Southern United FC
Southern United, previously known as Otago United, is an amateur football club based in Dunedin, New Zealand. Founded in 2004, they play their home games at the Logan Park and Forsyth Barr Stadium. It is the southernmost football club playing in a top division league in the world.
History
Southern United was formed in 2004 as Otago United, competing in the New Zealand Football Championship. Based in Dunedin, Southern United, the sole representative from its federation, was one of eight teams competing in the league at the time. The club had 21 feeder clubs and 4 associations from within the geographic area from Timaru south to Invercargill.
Lutz Pfannenstiel, the only player to play professionally on every FIFA continent, once called Otago United home.
In the inaugural season, Otago United finished second from bottom, but improved to finish fifth out of eight in the next season. However, the club went from bad to worse in the 2006–07 season, finishing in dead last and ending the season being humiliated 8–0 by league winners Waitakere United. The following season was slightly better, finishing in seventh ahead of Canterbury United, despite achieving the record for the fewest goals scored in a season.
The shortened 2008-09 season saw the team secure just two wins (both 2–1 over Canterbury United, home and away) and two draws (3–3 at home vs Waikato and 1–1 away vs Team Wellington). Despite the season been seven games shorter, they still managed to score three more goals than the previous season.
After a good start to the 2011–12 season Otago United lost several key players and slumped to a run of one draw and seven defeats. A 3–3 draw with Waikato in the final game of the season earned them sixth spot on the table. The high points of manager Richard Murray's first year in charge were perhaps the blooding of several promising new young players and the selection of captain Tristan Prattley in the New Zealand national under-23 football team.
The loss of Prattley (to Waitakere United) and New Zealand under-20 international representative Joel Stevens to injury midway through the season severely hampered Otago, and they could only finish in 7th place with just two wins – avoiding the wooden spoon only on goal-difference. In 2020 due to financial constraints they did not field a team. In 2021 due to the national league restructure the club no longer exists.
The team's colors are typically represented by a striking combination of blue and yellow, symbolizing the vibrant spirit of the southern region. Southern United plays its home matches at the iconic Forsyth Barr Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility that provides an electric atmosphere for fans and players alike.
Southern United prides itself on its competitive spirit and dedication to excellence, consistently striving to improve its performance on the field. The club emphasizes youth development, nurturing aspiring soccer players through its academy and community programs, ensuring a bright future for the sport in the region.
With a passionate fan base and a commitment to showcasing the best of southern New Zealand, Southern United is not just a soccer team; it is a symbol of pride and unity for the local community. The team aims to inspire future generations and elevate the profile of soccer in New Zealand through hard work, determination, and a love for the game.