PORTLAND, Oregon – Timbers defender Finn Surman has been called up to the New Zealand men’s national team for the September FIFA international season, New Zealand Football announced today.
The All Whites will play two friendlies in the United States, first against Mexico (September 7), followed by a meeting with the USMNT (September 10). Furman will join the New Zealand men’s national team after the Timbers’ home game against Seattle Sounders FC on August 31, and return ahead of the club’s away game against the Colorado Rapids on September 14.
Surman, 20, recently started all three matches for New Zealand’s under-23 team at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The defender has scored one goal in five appearances since making his senior debut in a friendly against Greece on November 17, 2023. Notably, Surman made four appearances (all starts) as New Zealand won the 2024 OFC Nations Cup.
The Christchurch, New Zealand native arrived in Portland in July after playing three seasons (2021-24) with Wellington Phoenix’s A-League side, the top team in Australia and New Zealand, where he scored one goal in 51 appearances. Notably, Surman started all 27 games of the team’s 2023-24 season, as well as both semifinal matches of the A-League Men’s Playoff series. The young defender has yet to make his MLS debut for the Timbers.
