Above: Central Coast Mariners players celebrate after scoring one of their two goals they scored tonight against the Wellington Phoenix. Photo:via the A-Leagues.
The Central Coast Mariners have picked up an important three points in the race for finals qualification after a shock 2-1 win over the Wellington Phoenix.
The goals took a while to come, but eventually the Mariners found the back of the net thanks to Eliza Familton and Isabel Gomez. Macey Fraser also found the back of the net for the visitors halfway through second half stoppage time, but it was ultimately a case of too little too late.
The win sees the Mariners jump up to fifth on the ladder, while Wellington’s hopes for the minor premierships got a little bit harder.
The first half did not contain any goals, but it did contain some very strong defensive work from both sides.
The action was very free flowing, but neither side could convert or really looked like scoring.
The keepers certainly had plenty to do but they did not have to break a sweat while doing so, whether that be because of the power of the shot or the angle of the shot.
Both sides were trying to use the full width of the field, but well placed defences led by the likes of Taren King up one end and Mackenzie Barry up the other end ensured that the attackers had to find increasingly more intricate ways to get effective shots away. Lucia Leon, Brooke Nunn, Avaani Prakash and Familton were all trying their hardest to generate something for their sides, but just could not quite pickpocket their opponent’s defence to maximum effect.
The half time stats told a very interesting story.
The Phoenix ultimately finished the first half with about six percent more of the possession and got significantly more shots away than their hosts (eight to three), but crucially, they also only had one more shot on target than the Mariners did.
Perhaps keenly aware of the importance of this match not ending in a draw, the goal drought did not extend too long into the second half.
The Mariners scored first through Familton, who had been lively in the first half and was making the most of her starting debut. She found herself perfectly placed to be under the flight of a perfectly curled Peta Trimis cross, and then perfectly headed the ball past Phoenix keeper Victoria Esson and into the back of the net.
The home side doubled their lead just under half an hour later through Gomez, who let a bullet of a banger lose from just outside the top of the box that sailed into the top corner of the net, which Esson had no hope of stopping.
The evening’s offerings of bangers did not stop with Gomez though, as Fraser delivered one of her own a couple of minutes into stoppage time. It was the perfect free kick, taken just further out than where Gomez took her shot from, and it sailed straight past Annalee Grove and into the back of the net.
Bulleen climbed to fourth, Melbourne City enjoyed their first win, and Heidelberg United returned to the winners list in Round Six of the Victorian NPLW.
Melbourne City hosted Keilor Park SC in an interesting clash of styles, and the home team began the game confidently against the side that recently beat Victory in this competition.
City’s devotion to passing out from the back and keeping the ball on the deck is showing improvement week to week, even if the wins have been elusive. Keilor looked to pressure the hosts at every opportunity, hoping to force mistakes or encourage them to sacrifice their plan, but to City’s credit, they continued to try and play through the aggressive press.
As they did last round, Keilor looked to score early, Abby Holmes was their most dangerous player, and tested Dali Gorr-Burchmore in goal, but the Junior Matilda’s goalkeeper was equal to the shots.
City dominated general play, and Mary Brown looked dangerous in the attacking third, but Keilor’s defensive structure held them at bay until the 25th minute. Maia Capitanio was waiting at the far post at a corner kick and struck her half volley perfectly for the only goal of the game and City’s first win in the NPLW.
Spring Hills travelled to play Heidelberg United at The Home of The Matildasand took part in another classic match. Seo Jiyoun opened the scoring for the Warriors. Ayo Sasaki’s long, looping ball forward caused confusion in the Spring Hills defence, and Seo was able to tap into an empty net.
Spring Hills were able to draw level through Rachel Gillies corner kick. Her curling delivery snuck in at the near post. The equaliser had seemed like it was coming, but the method was a surprise.
Seo’s 33rd minute effort put Heidelberg back In the lead, Minori Akiyama combined to Sasaki to play Seo through in on goal and restore the home side’s one-goal advantage.
And absurd goal in the dying seconds of added time gave Heidelberg a two-goal cushion going into the beak. Samantha Curwood-Wanger’s persistence on the wing created the chance, and a deflection off Nali Plant send the ball sailing over everyone but under the crossbar.
🚨🟣 SENOL NPLWVIC GOAL! 48:25: Heidelberg United FC score to make it HUFC 3 : SHFC 1.
Spring Hills are always dangerous though, especially when Aleks Sinclair is allowed to turn and attack. Sinclair dribbled along the byline and cut the ball back for it to be half cleared by Heidelberg, but smashed home by Bella Stringfellow to make it 3-2 in the second half.
Spring Hills regained momentum and searched for what might have been a deserved equaliser, but Heidelberg were in an unforgiving mood and made it 4-2 through Sasaki’s penalty to seal their first win of the season so far.
The Preston Lions hosted Alamein FC on Friday night and after a close loss last week, they were eager to make amends.
It was not to be, with Alamein continuing their strong start to the season. Zoe Houghton scored the opening goal, but it was made by the surging run through midfield by Anna Liacopoulos who created space for her teammates, then found Savanna Anastasopoulos out wide. The cross was dangerous and Houghton was first to meet it, scoring in the 37th minute.
Houghton turned provider for the second goal. Preston had gained some control of the game, and were knocking the ball about purposefully, but a turnover resulted in a Houghton’s cross and Anastasopoulos eventually finishing after Emma Runnals kept the chance alive.
Runnalls capped off the win, meeting Summer Laskey’s ball with a leaping header that left Preston with a scoreline that may not have reflected the whole game, but did reflect how clinical Alamein were when they went forward.
🚨🟣 SENOL NPLWVIC GOAL! 79:15: Alamein FC score to make it PLFC 0 : AFC 3.
Friday’s other game saw Box Hill United jump into first place after a win over Melbourne Victory’s U23’s.
Several key players from Victory were unavailable. With Sienna Saveska and Sienna Techera injured, and others with the senior A-League Women squad. Box Hill had the result effectively secured by half time, even with star forward Erin Keyt on the bench, they had no trouble finding the net. Maho Murakami scored in the 5th minute after a wonderful combination with Juri Kawano.
Kiara Bercelli’s strike from the corner of the penalty box doubled the lead in the 18th minute and Grace Norbury made it three almost immediately after with a long range goal.
A long ball forward found Kawano almost unmarked in attack and she was able to lift the ball over the approaching Natalie Picak to make it 4-0 before the break.
Emily Rutkowski pulled on back for Victory in the 76th minute with a low cross/shot from the left flank, but there was not enough time for Victory to fight their way back into this one.
Essendon Royals provided the slight shock result of the round with a 3-1 win over Avondale FC. Played out in Tarneit, Essendon were away from their traditional base, but still looked right at home. The Royals were the stronger team, and forced some excellent saves out of Brooke Bennett.
Back in the lineup, Kelli McGroarty eventually broke the deadlock in the 34th minute, and then Isabella Sewards added her second of the season in the 36th.
Hannah Wilkinson was fairly isolated in the first half, but her 68th minute finish gave Avondale a lifeline.
McGroarty converted a late penalty to bury any chance of a comeback by the more fancied visitors. Although the star striker delivered again for Essendon, they won this game in midfield, with Ayano Koizumi outstanding in a box-to-box role.
That result meant that Bulleen Lions had a chance to jump into the top four with a win against bottom placed Bentleigh Greens. Bulleen were at home, looking for their fourth win in a row, building form, so the visitors were facing a tough test.
Bentleigh did not shy away from the challenge, and tested Alyssa Dall Oste’ with some good early attempts on goal. But when the first goal went in, Bulleen only became more confident and dynamic.
Tiffany Eliadis got things started finishing off a cleverly worked free-kick routine, then Sarah Cain scored with a slightly fortunate attempt that dropped down from up high and seemed to disorientate the goalkeeper.
Maja Markovski scored from the penalty spot, and then again after meeting a deep cross by Catherine Renehan to bring up her fourth consecutive brace this season.
Markovski completed her hatrick with a powerful free-kick, and substitute Nia Salleh scored one of the best goals of the night with a direct solo run and excellent finish at pace.
🚨🟣 SENOL NPLWVIC GOAL! 79:46: FC Bulleen Lions score to make it FCBL 6 : BGFC 0.
Markovski’s left foot drive across the goalkeeper made it 7-0 in the 89th minute and that finally ended the scoring on a night where Bulleen boosted their goal difference and Bentleigh’s took another big hit.
It was the Markovski show on the highlights reel, but Bulleen played a very complete game. The midfield duo of Cain and Olivia Bomford were excellent. They moved the ball forward quickly or ran in into attack themselves, playing at a pace that Bentleigh could not match. Alana Cortellino was uncontainable out wide and Claudia Mihocic provided a strong defensive presence that allowed the home side to attack with confidence.
Next Saturday, Bulleen will host Preston at The Veneto Club as they look to secure their position at the top end of the table.
In appreciation of… Ayano Koizumi.
Who doesn’t love a quick, tough, skilful and slightly diminutive midfielder that can still boss a game?
Koizumi was in excellent form against Avondale, and her performance could help kick-start Essendon’s season. Avondale were most neutral’s favourites for this fixture, and even without Elise Kellond-Knight or Beattie Goad in the squad, they still had a very accomplished lineup.
Koizumi was essential for this win, she was able to retain possession under pressure, snap into tackles and keep the ball moving forward where Kelli McGroarty was lurking dangerously.
It was her best performance of this season, and vindicates the faith that Essendon have shown in the Japanese midfielder.
Koizumi has been with the club since the 2023 season where they were seeking promotion from the VPLW. Essendon won the premiership that year, with Koizumi crucial to their success.
Koizumi did not get to enjoy much of Essendon’s first NPLW campaign in 2024. A serious knee injury ended her season after eight games and what followed was a long road back to now.
She spent last season in the VPLW, regaining fitness and returned to The Royals for 2026 where she has started every game with the exception of Round One.
There is a lot of talent at Essendon, and plenty of X-Factor in attack. Koizumi gives them control, and it looks as though she is getting back to her best. If she can continue to develop her midfield partnership with Bella Sewards, it looks like pairing that could propel Essendon back into trophy contention.
But results aside, it is a pleasure to see Ayano Koizumi playing like she did on the weekend.
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Above:Melbourne City celebrate a goal against Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Melbourne City
Melbourne City have taken another step towards the premiership with a solid win at Wanderers Football Park. Leticia McKenna and Bryleeh Henry scored for the visitors, who managed to win despite being on the receiving end of a red card and a Talia Younis wonder-strike.
Melbourne City arrived in Sydney needing a win. They had lost to Adelaide United mid-week and the chasing pack have games in hand on the defending premiers. Holly McNamara came straight back into the squad the day after completing Matildas duty. Aideen Keane started on the bench with the front three consisting of Danella Butrus, Bryleeh Henry and Chinaza Uchendu.
Western Sydney have only pride to play for at this point of the season, but have looked good of late. A close loss to Melbourne Victory last week was a reminder that even though they sit near the bottom of the table, they are not a team to be taken lightly. City rotated, but did not rest the big guns.
The first major incident of the game was a surprising one. Uchendu was involved in a behind play incident with two Wanderers defenders, and was shown a straight red card. Before exiting the field she made her feelings clear to the taunting home fans and it looked to be advantage Wanderers.
If City considered this a setback, they did not show it. With almost the next attack, they took the lead. Leticia McKenna finishing well from inside the box after Dan Turner’s long cross eventually fell to her.
City doubled their lead before half time. McKenna was involved once again. Her cutback was met by the aggressive run of Henry who forced the ball home despite the presence of multiple Wanderers defenders.
Michael Matricciani managed the red cared well, pushing McKenna into a slightly more advanced role, to let her significant attacking abilities keep Wanderers on the back foot.
Aideen Keane was brought on at half time, her engine seen as an alternative to Butrus’s artistry.
Western Sydney eventually found a way back into the game, but it took something special. Talia Younis shot from 30 yards out to beat Melina Mieres with a spectacular, swerving drive. It will be a contender for goal of the year, and further solidifies the 17-year-old’s reputation as a rising star.
McKenna’s corner almost meant that City’s two-goal cushion was restored, but in the end, it was not needed, City held on for a crucial win that also qualifies them for next season’s Asian Champions League.
City end the round in top spot on the ladder, six points clear of Wellington and seven clear of Canberra United and Adelaide United. However, the story is far from over. The chasing pack still have games in hand, enough to catch them if they stumble in their final game against Newcastle Jets in a fortnight.
Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-3-3): Khamis, Cerne, Harrison, Hooks, Bennett, Chessari, Buchanan, Matos, Younis, Harada, Collins. Substitutes: Wang, Yuan, Ng Saad, Zumaya, Fazzari, Edwards.
Above: Emma Hawkins (7) celebrates after scoring Canberra United’s third goal today. Photo: Canberra United.
Adelaide United’s hopes of going straight into the second week of Finals by finishing in the top two suffered a set-back with this defeat to Canberra United at McKellar Park in the battle of third v fourth.
It’s been a tough recent schedule on the road for the South Australians, who held leaders Melbourne City to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday before this trip to Canberra to face an opponent who were competition’s fourth placed side going into the round.
The Reds made one change to their starting line-up from the game at City, with Paige Zois coming in for Melissa Taranto.
Canberra’s form had been up-and-down coming into this encounter, with two wins and two losses. Head coach Antoni Jagarinec made one change to his starting line-up from their previous match, a 3-1 defeat at Melbourne City last weekend, with Darcy Malone coming in for Sasha Grove.
The home side hit the front on the 10 minute mark after Nanako Sasaki played a perfectly weighted pass from the edge of the centre-circle that dissected the her former side’s midfield, and found a closely marked Emma Hawkins.
The attacker turned Zoe Tolland brilliantly and played the ball through for Bethany Gordon to run through from just outside the area and slot calmly past Ilona Melegh to give Canberra the lead.
Just four minutes later, Josie Aulicino broke through to the left of centre in acres of space and squared a pass for Sasaki to hit a powerful drive from the edge of the ‘D’ which Melegh did well to get a hand to. Gordon’s attempt on the follow up at the right hand post was dealt with by the visiting keeper.
Shortly before the half-hour mark, Adelaide drew level.
A free kick inside their own half found Erin Healy along the left. She was able to beat Tegan Bertolissio and bend her run to cut along the byline before finding Chelsie Dawber who in turn laid a pass for Sarah Morgan behind her to take a touch and dispatch the ball into the back of the net from around eight yards.
Canberra responded, and eight minutes before the break came close as Grove’s curling cross shot bent viciously in from the corner of the 18-yard box on the left and came off the crossbar with Melegh beaten.
The hosts regained their lead with 20 minutes remaining as the result of a calamity at the back for Adelaide.
Gordon played a long ball forward along the right hand flank, and there was no immediate danger when Matilda McNamara gathered possession, and turned a pass back to Melegh who was on the edge of her area. However, the goalkeeper miscontrolled the ball and could only race back in vein as it trickled over the line.
It got worse for Adelaide eight minutes later as Canberra sealed an important three points.
Bertolissio’s throw just inside the Adelaide half found Aulicino who spotted the run of Gordon to play a clever pass out to an empty right hand channel.
Gordon had all the time in the world to advance onto the ball and play a low cross from the right hand post which came back off Tolland. McNamara couldn’t quite get her feet set to clear, allowing Hawkins to fire a powerful shot into the top right-hand corner of the net from 10 yards.
The visitors set up a potentially dramatic conclusion when they got a second goal back early in the six minutes of stoppage time with Sian Dewey’s drive from 20 yards after Dawber played the ball back to her from Tolland’s cross.
Adelaide couldn’t quite create another real opportunity in the remaining minutes. Indeed, Gordon could have added another for the hosts, but her effort was blocked by Tolland.
Canberra’s win sees them leap-frog Adelaide into third place, just a point behind Wellington Phoenix in second, albeit having played a game more. Adelaide were second just a week ago, and now find themselves fourth on the same number of points as Canberra. The Reds next host Newcastle Jets, with Canberra travelling to Central Coast Mariners in the penultimate round of the home and away season.
Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (4-4-2): James, Grove, Taylor-Young, Robers, Christopherson, Gordon, Sasaki, Anton, Bertolissio, Aulicino, Hawkins. Substitutes: De Domizio, Majstorovic, Malone, Skelly, Stanic-Floody, Wardlow.
Scorers: Gordon 10′, Melegh (OG) 69′, Hawkins 77′.
Above: Maika Hamano (second from right) celebrates with team mates after scoring the match winning goal of the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup final. Photo:via AFC.
Japan are the champions of Asia for 2026, after defeating Australia 1-0 in tonight’s final.
While Maika Hamano’s first half goal was what ultimately made the difference on the scoreboard, it was a strong and disciplined defensive performance from the Nadeshiko that ultimately made the difference, really constricting Australia’s attackers while they were trying to do their job.
The start from the tournament hosts was a lively one, and Sam Kerr almost got the game off to a perfect start for the Australians inside the first two minutes but did not get enough power on her shot.
Australia was also dominating possession, but a well positioned Japanese defence meant that shots – particularly ones on target – were hard to come by. Not only was Japan getting plenty of numbers behind the ball but was also giving the Matildas’ attackers very little room to manoeuvre.
However it was the Japanese who scored first, with Hamano letting a powerful shot rip from outside the box that perfectly curled away from Mackenzie Arnold and into the back of the net.
That goal really showed the class of Japan, and showed that a side as good as Japan only needs one moment to make all the difference.
Caitlin Foord did pick up a good steal and opportunity to score with about 1o minutes left in the first half, but unfortunately for the home fans she could not quite work the angles in her favour.
Despite the Matildas’ inability to navigate past a very strong Japanese defence, the score at half time was still only 1-0 so the tournament hosts were still very much in the match at the break.
Australia continued to dominate possession, but just could not navigate a well disciplined Japanese defence, in much the same way that plagued them in the first half.
Ellie Carpenter and Kaitlyn Torpey both had prime chances in the first half of the second half, but just could not make them count for one reason or another.
As the minutes ticked down, Australia was running out of time to fix its issues in attack and find that equalising goal.
What was not helping Australia’s case was that coach Joe Montemurro was not really changing anything in terms of formation or personnel on the field. Hayley Raso was the only player brought on by Montemurro in the second half before the 80th minute mark.
Australia kept pushing hard in the last 10 minutes to try and find that equaliser, but as hard as the Matildas tried they just could not find what they were looking for.
Above: Millie Farrow (left) competes for possession with Mischa Anderson. Photo: Perth Glory
The reigning champions still sit outside the finals race as points are shared with Perth Glory in a tense affair at Sam Kerr Football Centre. Mischa Anderson starred defensively in the scoreless draw.
The match started at a frantic pace, both teams trying to create chances quickly with direct passes and runs forward.
The best of Perth’s attack came from smart balls forward from Georgia Cassidy during the first 15 minutes while energetic runs forward from Peta Trimis and Avaani Prakash generated the most positive play for the visiting Mariners.
Millie Farrow almost opened the scoring at 20 minutes after a strong piece of physical play from Tamar Levin on the byline. Levin sent a low cross through the six-yard box and Farrow just missed out on tapping the ball in.
Perth Glory had a good opportunity a couple of minutes later after winning the ball high up the pitch. Gabriella Hollar intercepted possession and played the ball across to Rola Badawiya who forced a solid save from Annalee Grove.
Badawiya looked the most dangerous of the players on the field, driving a few long-ranged efforts throughout the first half.
Levin struck a long-ranged effort in the 38thminute and she hit it well enough to force a good save out of Teresa Morrissey who stretched out to get two hands on it and collected the second time of asking.
In the 43rd minute, Isobel Dalton took a long freekick and curled it over the wall to the right of Grove’s goal. Grove did well to get across and make the save, meaning the first half ended scoreless.
In the second half, an early Mariners corner from Levin found Elizabeth Barwick-Grey who drove the ball just over the bar with a powerful header.
The competition between the drinks break in the second half was tense, with much of the battle being fought in midfield. Neither team was able to create any significant chances through the middle portion of the second half.
In the 71st minute, the dangerous Levin struck a long-ranged curled shot from outside the box which forced a great save out of Morrissey.
Morrissey had a good game in goal, and her defence were able to scramble away several efforts at goal from the resulting corner. Charli Wainwright managed to clear one of the shots off the goal-line.
In the 85th minute, Sarah O’Donoghue had the best chance of the game as the ball bobbled to her after a scramble in the Mariners’ box. She drove a shot at goal but the Mariners were able to recover to block the shot away from goal and keep it scoreless.
Despite a late free-kick in added time for both teams, neither were able to take the lead and the game ended as it started.
Central Coast still have a game in hand heading into Round 21, remaining a point behind Perth Glory who are in the seventh spot on the ladder.
Above:Brisbane Roar hat-trick hero Daisy Brown (fourth right, back to camera) celebrates after one of her hugely important strikes last night. Photo: A-Leagues.
It was a heated end-to-end battle at Spencer Park this Friday evening, where a second-half goal-fest made up for a quiet opening 45 minutes and ended in a massive 4-1 victory to Roar, sending the hosts to sixth on the ladder.
Brisbane dominated the attacking half in the early moments of the game, with Momo Hayashi breaking through a scrambling Jets defence, but was unable to convert in front of goal.
Claudia Cicco played a crucial role in the Jets’ defence, intercepting in dangerous areas, preventing an early goal as the Roar eased their way through the midfield.
Josie Allan gave Newcastle their first chance of the match with a bursting run, which was challenged by Seidl, who was shown a yellow card for the interception, awarding the Jets a free kick, which got dangerously close to an opening goal, but was ultimately halted by Roar keeper Talia Franco.
An issue with Tash Prior’s boot momentarily left a gap in the Jets’ backline, just as Brisbane’s front line put pressure on the visitors. Despite being down a defender, Newcastle was able to scrabble the ball away as the hosts got close to putting the ball over the line, before Priori made her way back to the pitch.
An expert save from Georgia Ritchie saved the Jets from conceding in the 19th minute, after Hayashia headed the ball of a fantastic Tish Woods long ball.
In an almost identical scramble in the box at the other end, Melina Ayres got gravely close to opening the scoring for Newcastle twice in extremely close succession. Both attempts were wonderfully saved by Franco.
A Hayashi free kick in the 31st minute could have given Roar the opening goal; however, the ball sliced over the crossbar.
While the hosts came onto the pitch as the more dominant attacking side, Newcastle quickly responded and turned the game around, taking the better of a slew of end-to-end chances in the first half. After a minute of added time and strong efforts across the pitch, the match remained goalless at half-time.
Daisy Brown opened the scoring for Brisbane Roar in the 46th minute, slotting the ball behind Emma Bates and straight past the hands of Ritchie. Ayres looked to respond and reassert the Jets’ attacking strength with a powerful strike from outside the box, which just flew over the crossbar.
Another strike from Brown extended Queenslanders’ lead, with the 19-year-old earning a brace just minutes after first hitting the back of the net.
The match remained a heated battle, as the second yellow card of the evening was shown to Ashlyn Miller after a scuffle inside the box.
The Jets found a fantastic opportunity to earn a goal, as Lauren Allan’s first touch of the game came in the form of a shot on target, which once again, found the safe hands of Franco.
The 62nd saw Brown compete her hat-trick, earning her seventh goal and first claim of the match ball in her maiden A-League campaign, and finding her place as one of the league’s youngest ever hat-trick heroes.
Just minutes later, Bente Jansen slammed the ball to the back of the net, after an excellent buildup from Medwin and Brown, bringing the scoreline up to 4-0.
It wasn’t long before Jets found a response, with Tash Prior scoring the first of the evening for the visitors, as stoppage time approached.
Tameka Yallop came dangerously close to the line as the Matilda looked for a comeback goal in her second appearance back from injury. The ball was excellently saved by Ritchie, who sent the ball over the crossbar.
The intensity did not slow down in the final minutes of the match, as Copus-Brown was shown a yellow card following a foul on Hayashi.
Sophie Hoban managed to send the ball around Franco, netting the second for the Jets within five minutes of added time.
Despite non-stop efforts at both ends, right up to the final second of play, there were no late goals to be found, leaving Brisbane Roar victorious.
The penultimate round of the home and away season will see Brisbane host fellow top six rivals Perth Glory. Newcastle Jets will head to ServiceFM Stadium to take on Adelaide United.
Above: Wellington Phoenix (group on right) celebrate after scoring one of their three goals tonight against Sydney FC. Photo:via the A-Leagues.
The Wellington Phoenix have come from behind to defeat Sydney FC 3-1 in an important win in the race for finals and the premiership.
Sydney FC initially shocked its more fancied opponents with a goal from Caley Tallon-Henniker before it was quickly cancelled out by a goal from Pia Vlok, then second half goals from Marisa Van der Meer and Brooke Nunn sealed the result for the visitors.
The Sky Blues sent an almost instant shockwave through the Phoenix camp, when Tallon-Henneker curled the ball in from out wide and into the back of the net inside the opening three minutes of the match.
The Phoenix almost equalised a minute and a half later but Van der Meer’s header from a Pia Vlok corner ultimately went a little too wide.
Wellington did not have to wait too much longer to find that equaliser though, when Vlok flicked a powerful shot beyond Sydney keeper Heather Hinz and into the back of the net. She was set up by a brilliant through ball from Nunn, who perfectly curled the ball around several Sydney defenders and through to Vlok.
A large part of the first half was really end to end football from both sides, with both sides being able to work the ball to their attacking end with relative ease but neither side managing to get many particularly dangerous shots away.
For Sydney it was Tallon-Henniker and Amber Luchtmeijer out wide that were looking the most dangerous, whereas for the Phoenix it was usual suspects Vlok and Makala Woods.
But in the end, despite there being 15 shots between the two sides in the first half, the two sides went into the break locked at that one all draw.
The home side came out with some very positive attacking energy early in the second half, and did much of the attacking.
However the Phoenix did eventually start to wrestle back control of the match and started to build up some attacking time of their own.
Zoe Benson almost made an instant impact as a second half substitution after coming on just before the hour mark, but found herself on the wrong side of an offside call.
The Phoenix did not have to wait too much longer to get a legal goal though, after a corner kick from Manaia Elliott perfectly found the head of Van der Meer, who headed the ball perfectly into the back of the net.
The Nix then found a cushioning goal with about 15 minutes to go after Nunn perfectly got a powerful shot away from a tight angle. The goal was funnily enough set up by a perfect switch cross from Vlok, repaying her team mate for setting up her goal earlier in the night in the process.
Wellington Phoenix’s Makala Woods is arguably the biggest impact player of the A-League Women in 2026. The American attacker answers Ben Gilby‘s questions in an exclusive interview for Impetus (19/3/26)
Above: Makala Woods, second white shirt from the right, reacts after scoring Wellington Phoenix’s third goal against Brisbane Roar on Saturday. Photo: Ryan Imray for Impetus.
At the turn of the year Makala Woods received a phone call from New Zealand offering her an injury-replacement contract with Wellington Phoenix. Little did she know at the time, that a move to the other side of the world would result in her becoming one of the A-League Women’s most impactful players.
Now, after being named Impetus’ A-League Women player of the month for February, scoring four goals, and armed with a new contract for the whole of 2026/27, the 23-year-old looked back on the events that let to an incredible first two and a half months in Wellington.
“I ended my Iceland season in October, which was an odd time to end the season. At one point I was just going to stay home and keep training until the (European) summer (transfer) window, which is a bigger window, and it’s easier (to get a move), but the Nix unfortunately had some injuries, and called up my agent. So I got on a plane and came here!”
Woods’ career has been a long and winding one, despite being relatively young still. It’s one that’s taken her, literally, all across the world.
“I started young, at three, four, five years-old,” she said, “My whole family’s athletic – my little sister, my Dad played in college, my mum played at college, so it was a sort of no-brainer. I honed in on it, locked in on it, kept with it, and I was 12 when I thought ‘I’m kinda good at this’, so I went full for it.
“I honed in on it, locked in on it, and I went on a travel team, when you travel round the States and play different players. My team was really, really good with a lot of really great players.
“I then committed to the University of Illinois and went there for four years. It wasn’t exactly how I thought my college career would go. I sat on the bench for my freshman’s and sophomore year. I came off the bench my junior year and the start of my senior year.
“After my senior year, COVID happened, so we all got an extra year of eligibility. I was like ‘I still feel like I have more to give’, so I went into the transfer portal and went to the University of Kentucky.
Above: Makala Woods during her time with the University of Kentucky. Photo: South-East Conference.
“I had a great time (there), a great season…I scored a lot more and got some nice accolades, so I don’t think I would be able to play pro if it wasn’t for Kentucky.”
“I then went to Iceland and played for a team called Tindastóll. I got some form and scored some good goals and then came here to Wellington.”
Woods puts the impact that she’s had at the Phoenix down to the fact that it’s a type of football that she is very familiar with.
“I feel that the A-League is very similar to college soccer in America with that physicality and transitional type of play – it’s not new to me. I thrive in an environment like that, so that was really easy…it’s very aggressive, it can get very snippy at times…sometimes it’s not the prettiest of football, but sometimes it’s just the grit and that is very similar to what I am used to (from America). Every day you’ve got to bring it!”
That familiarity has meant she’s felt overwhelmingly positive about the move to New Zealand.
“I play my best on the pitch when I’m happy off the pitch. Where I’m at, who I’m with, surrounded with – even hobbies – reminding myself that this is not the end all or be all, because I’m more than just an athlete. There is a Makala outside of the football, so when I’m very strong and grounded in who I am as a person, I think it allows me to be so much more free on the field, so now it’s not as dire if I mess up, or if we lose.
“I have this mindset that there’s nothing really to lose, all I’m trying to do is experience something. So when I go to another country or another club, I’m getting a new experience.”
That experience has been boosted by developing an extremely strong bond with both her team-mates in such a short space of time.
“I have a great team of girls behind me. They make my life really, really easy! They’ve all set me up so well. I think forwards get a lot of credit for the work that they do. I think we’re just the end product of their hard work. When they set me up with these balls, I kind of have no choice but to put it in the back of the net. The girls have set me up for success so well.”
The American is also full of praise for Wellington head coach Bev Priestman who she believes is having such a powerful influence over her.
Above: Makala Woods (yellow shirt) battles away with Perth Glory’s Tijan McKenna. Photo: Ryan Imray for Impetus.
“She’s so sweet! I love Bev, I think she’s great. She’s the perfect balance of ‘this is serious, this is a professional environment, we want to win, we have standards,’ but also ‘I care about you as a human being.'”
“She’ll hold us accountable, but also make sure we’re OK off the pitch. Out of all the coaches I’ve ever had I think that’s what you’d want in someone. She’s not going to sugar coat it, she’s not going to beat around the bush, but she’s very caring – she cares deeply about every single one of us. That’s so special, and she’s really, really smart.
“I think her soccer knowledge is so cool. She’s a high level coach, and I’ve never been coached by someone that esteemed. Her vision of the game, and how she sees things, it’s really awesome.”
Those strong bonds with team-mates and coaches have proved to be particularly important due to the added challenge of extremely long journeys to play away matches. It was something that took a bit of adjusting to initially for Woods.
“At first it was so cool, I was, like ‘Oh my God! I’m going to Australia, it’s really cool’, but it’s been tough. It’s rough. It’s really hard. Flying like that, being on a plane, it does all add up at some point, and it is something that you don’t understand unless you live it and are doing it every week.
“It is really difficult but we have beautiful facilities here (in Wellington), we have so much to help us recover. We have an amazing team that make sure we’re always on it and doing what we need to do. So it is tough, and it is hard, but I think we are equipped for it.
“I also think it’s what makes the team so special – we know how to be so uncomfortable but still be successful…”
Whilst Nix’s number 31 is having the time of her footballing life, she admits that being so far away from her family is incredibly tough.
“I think the hardest part is that you can feel very lonely in the sense that everyone back home – the time difference is so different – there are times when I can’t talk to my mum, my dad, and my sister depending on how busy I am here, and with them, because we’re 17 hours ahead.
“My family is such a huge part of my support system, but they stay up until 2am to watch our games and I still get that call from my dad afterwards with him giving me his opinion although it’s not asked for! I know I am supported, but I miss them a lot.”
Above: Makala Woods celebrates with her Wellington Phoenix team mates after scoring against Brisbane Roar on Saturday. Photo: Ryan Imray for Impetus.
Despite that powerful support network being so far away, the 23-year-old is incredibly happy to be with the Phoenix. She is simply in awe of the players she takes to the field with each week.
“I admire the crap out of Pia (Vlok). I think she has handled all of the press, all of the media, all of the hype so well with all of the grace and all of the wisdom of someone a lot older than her. I mean, she’s 17 and she has the world at her feet. She is so cool, calm, and collected at all moments, no matter what.
“I wish I had that now! I mean, if I had that at 17…! I still need that now! I respect the hell out of her, she is just quality. When I think of her, I think of quality. Just good, true football. Driving at people one-v-ones, the balls, wow, it’s insane.”
“Then I have Lu (Lucía León) next to me and she’s tiki-taka-ing it around three people, and I’m like ‘Oh my God! I’m just out of my league here! These girls are just a whole new level! It’s just fun. Just quality players all around. It’s super, super cool.”
The impact of Woods, and the talented group of players around her, has meant that Wellington Phoenix stand on the brink of their first ever qualification for Finals football in their fifth season in the competition. They realistically could only need four points to make it – but more than that should secure a first ever A-League Women Finals match being played in New Zealand.
For the American, the success comes down to the playing group’s desire to do the hard yards, and put the good of the team ahead of any personal ambition. The Nix are fighters, as Woods concluded the conversation.
“Everyone is on the page of ‘I don’t care who gets it done as long as it gets done.’ We just want to win, and I don’t think whether anyone is on the bench, off the bench, injured, not injured, we just want to win for the club. We just want to win for each other.
“It’s just an unselfish, selfless group of girls.”
A group of girls who are propelling themselves towards A-League Women history.
Above: Karly Roestbakken (blue uniform front) battles it out with Erin Healy (red uniform front) during this afternoon’s clash between Melbourne City and Adelaide United. Photo:via the A-Leagues.
Melbourne City and Adelaide United have played out a potentially very consequential 0 all draw in a mid week top of the table catch up game. It was a fiery game at times – with plenty of physical aggression from both sides – but despite the lack of goals both sides came away from the match with plenty to think about.
This result keeps the race for the minor premiership well and truly alive, with Adelaide now only four points behind its rivals in the title race with a game in hand.
In the first half both sides chose to use very different methods to try and get to goal but both ran into problems.
Melbourne City found themselves with a problem of an outnumbered Bryleeh Henry on more than one occasion, while Adelaide was getting some dangerous crosses in, but just could not get the ball on the heads of their tall targets like it normally would. Emily Condon and Karly Roestbakken were also proving very helpful – albeit playing very different roles – in their respective sides’ pushes into attack.
What was not helping Adelaide was that one of those usual targets in Erin Healy was doing a lot more defensive work than usual, and so was not in the usual prominent positions on the field in attacking play like she normally would be.
Interestingly though Adelaide did dominate possession (62% to 38%) and final third entries (43 to 19) but both sides only managed to get two shots away in the first half, and no one got a shot on target.
City did lift in the second half – evening out possession, getting plenty of shots away and actually getting some shots on target unlike their visitors – but at times they struggled to get close get meaningful shots away. Henry and Aideen Keane continued to try and really get things going for the home side, but the very experienced centre back pair from Adelaide – Ella Tonkin and Matilda McNamara – never let the rising pressure get to them, and defended well to not concede.
ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Melegh, Tolland, McNamara, Tonkin, E. Hodgson, Morgan, Condon, M. Taranto, A. Taranto, Healy, Dawber. Substitutes: Holmes, I. Hodgson, Jenkins, Rossi, Zois, Gooch.
Referee: Caitlin Williams.
Attendance: TBC.
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