Emma Vane used to play it with her friends growing up, and one of her truths might surprise people.
"One of my truths would be that I want to move to New Zealand one day," Vane said.
"It’s crazy that it actually happened and I’m walking the streets of New Zealand right now."
Football has brought the Californian to her dream destination, linking up with Southern United in the National League this season.
"My goal had been to play internationally either here or in Australia
"I’ve always just wanted to get out of my country ... and kind of experience something different.
"To actually be able to do that because of where women’s soccer is now has been really, really cool."
The 22-year-old spoke highly of her new surroundings and loved the vibe Dunedin offered.
"I’ve been feeling very welcomed here. I really like the culture.
"I love the meat pies — we don’t have meat pies in America and that’s my favourite part," she laughed.
Vane grew up in San Jose, California, and played division one football at UC Davis from 2021-25, graduating in June.
She was training back home when she was put in touch with Southern United coach Kris Ridley, and within a week of their first chat, Vane was on a flight to New Zealand.
The quick turnaround was made easier when Vane caught wind her former team-mate Mackenzie Rastatter — the two played semi-professionally together in San Francisco a few years ago — was heading to Dunedin as well.
"Moving to a new place is really scary ... so it was nice to have a familiar face," Vane said.
The Southern United squad had been welcoming, which made the transition easier.
"It’s been really awesome.
"The girls are super nice and it’s just been fun to play good soccer and with people that like to have fun."
Vane, who has scored three goals this season, enjoyed the style of football, saying there was more intention to pass instead of forcing the ball to goal.
That will be key for Southern United when they meet Auckland United on the road this afternoon.
Auckland United, who are hunting for a threepeat, are unbeaten this season and sit top of the table.
Vane said Southern United, who are fifth with four wins, one draw and two losses, were up for the challenge.
"We’ve been really focusing on the structure of bringing the ball wide, and making sure we connect, and move to try to get behind their defence," Vane said.
"I think we’ll definitely put up a good fight.
"It’s the game that I’m most excited to play for because I feel like the higher the level you play against, the higher level you play.
"I think we have enough talent, and hard work, on the team that we’ve been putting in all season that I think that we can come up with the result."
West Coast Rangers were playing Eastern Suburbs last night. Petone are home to Canterbury United Pride and Central play Wellington United today, while Phoenix Reserves meet Western Springs tomorrow.
