Six months after departing Galway United to move to the Cambodian Premier League, Moses Dyer reflects on his time in Ireland and outlines his target of reaching the 2026 World Cup.
The New Zealand international joined the Tribesmen from Vancouver FC in December 2024. Having played in North America for four years, Dyer was keen to return to Europe after a previous spell in Norway.
“When you play in Europe, no matter the level, you get the real football feel,” Dyer explained. “I had the opportunity to come back to Europe and I took it.”
European football did not come without its challenges. Dyer made it clear that the Premier Division was a step up from the Canadian Premier League, but he also felt he was the right profile of player for Irish football. “I also feel it suited me more. It can be old school at times.”
Galway United’s game plan was simple and never a secret. A long ball to the head of 6’6″ Patrick Hickey would be knocked down to Dyer. The 28-year-old described himself as very direct and said the style of football John Caulfield played suited his abilities.
“You look at Shamrock Rovers. I couldn’t believe it when we played against them at their home,” Dyer said. “The first couple of times they tried to play out from the back, but they could not do it, so they just smacked it long, and this is the team that is supposed to be the best on the ball in the league.”
Irish football was to the liking of Dyer, and Dyer was certainly to the liking of Irish football, as it did not take long for him to become a star. The game that put him on the domestic map was at Dalymount Park, where he scored his second and third goals of the season.
“I remember that one so clearly,” he reflected. Dyer had a chance from distance in the latter stages of the first half. He opted not to shoot and instead turned, only to lose the ball. At halftime, goalkeeper Brendan Clarke said just three words: “Just shoot man.” When Dyer had a similar chance in the second half, he followed his goalkeeper’s advice.
“I could not believe it. The same chance popped up for me, so I smacked it in,” he said, looking back fondly on the goal that would be viewed millions of times on social media and later nominated for Goal of the Season. Dyer admitted he voted for himself, although it was not enough to stop Owen Elding from winning the award.
Sitting comfortably at the top of the goalscoring table was the name Moses Dyer. Galway United had struggled to find the back of the net in the 2024 Premier Division campaign, but in 2025 the solution had been found, although it would quickly be lost.
“My priority was not to stay in Ireland,” Dyer revealed. “It was either going to be trying to step up and go to England or go to Asia.”
At 28 years of age, Dyer felt it was time either to make the step up or move closer to home, giving both him and his wife easier access to their families. While there was an offer to join Derry City, Phnom Penh Crown was the logical choice.
“I fell in love with Galway while I was there, but it was always a stepping stone for me,” he said. “I was never going to stay even though I loved Galway.”
The Kiwi loved both the people and, surprisingly, the weather, claiming it was an upgrade on the much harsher Canadian conditions. He drew comparisons between New Zealand and Ireland and made it clear he loved his short-lived spell living in the West.
Since moving to Cambodia, Dyer has scored eleven goals in all competitions and has set his sights on making the New Zealand squad for next summer’s World Cup.
“I think that is everyone’s goal in and around my level,” he said. “If I don’t go, I am praying and hoping Max Mata goes.”
When discussing New Zealand’s group with Belgium, Egypt and Iran, Dyer was quick to make it clear that there are no easy games. When I suggested they would stand a better chance with him in the squad, he quickly replied, “Ya, just knock it long.”