Wellington Phoenix 1-3 Adelaide United
By Isabelle Campbell 2/3/25
Above: Lucia Leon celebrates a goal. Photo Adelaide United
Adelaide United extended their unbeaten run with a 3-1 victory over Wellington Phoenix at Porirua Park. Lucia León’s brace and Ella Tonkin’s early header were enough to seal the win despite a strong fight from the Phoenix.
Adelaide United made the trip to Porirua Park to face Wellington Phoenix in a Ninja A-League showdown, determined to build on their strong form following a short international break. Adelaide came into the match following a 1-1 draw with Canberra United at Coopers Stadium, extending their unbeaten streak to nine games. In contrast, Wellington Phoenix were searching for a response after a 2-1 defeat to Perth Glory at Sam Kerr Football Centre, which left them without a win in their last four outings.
Adelaide United posed a significant attacking threat, with their front three having a combined 21 goals this season so far. However, Wellington Phoenix started strong, immediately pressing forward in search of an early breakthrough. Despite this start, the hosts fell behind in only the fourth minute when Dylan Holmes delivered a pinpoint corner that found captain Ella Tonkin, who guided a header into the net. It marked Tonkin’s first goal since 2023 and only her second-ever A-League goal.
Adelaide continued to push forward, with Chelsie Dawber testing Wellington’s defense, but Mackenzie Barry made a crucial block to deny her. Barry was then penalized for a foul on Fiona Worts, handing Adelaide a free kick in a dangerous position. However, Carolina Vilão was alert to make a smart save and keep her side in the game. Dawber tried her luck again but failed to find the target.
Wellington earned a corner, and while Annalie Longo delivered a promising ball into the box, they were unable to capitalize. At the other end, Alivia Kelly committed a foul on Worts, earning her fourth yellow card of the season and giving away a free kick. Vilão remained sharp in goal, once again denying Adelaide from extending their lead.
Dawber nearly doubled Adelaide’s advantage with a bold effort that chipped the keeper, only to see it rattle the crossbar. Wellington quickly seized the opportunity to counterattack but struggled to break through Adelaide’s defense. The visitors then won a series of corners but failed to convert their chances.
In the final minutes of the first half, Wellington found their breakthrough. Olivia Fergusson made a darting run through Adelaide’s backline and, with Claudia Jenkins well off her line, calmly slotted the ball into an open net to level the score. As the halftime whistle blew, both sides headed into the dressing rooms with everything still to play for.
The second half got off to a lively start, with Lucia León earning a yellow card just a few minutes in for a foul. Wellington Phoenix came out looking the more aggressive side, continuing to press forward in search of the lead. However, in the 56th minute, it was Adelaide who regained the advantage. León made amends for her earlier booking with a stunning long-range strike that found the bottom left corner, putting the Reds ahead 2-1.
Wellington didn’t back down, though, as they pushed for another equaliser. Worts unleashed a powerful strike toward goal, but once again, Carolina Vilão was up to the task, punching it away comfortably. As the match wore on, tensions began to rise on both sides, with both teams growing increasingly frustrated as the final whistle drew nearer.
Longo came close to leveling the score for Wellington, but her shot lacked power, allowing Jenkins to make an easy collection. Nanako Sasaki, having been subbed on earlier in the half, made her presence known with a powerful long-range attempt, but Vilão was quick to react and saved it.
Wellington continued to press, and McNamara’s shot from inside the box struck Vilão’s glove and hit the crossbar, only for the rebound to be cleared from danger.
In a frightening moment, Dawber was struck in the face by a high boot in the box and had to be substituted off. Tiana Jaber was shown a yellow card for the foul, and Adelaide were awarded a penalty. Worts stepped up to take it, but once again, Vilão proved her worth, standing firm and denying Worts with a crucial save.
The Reds kept up the pressure, and a corner delivery from Sasaki fell perfectly to León, who got her toe to the ball and extended Adelaide’s lead to 3-1. Despite seven minutes of added time, Wellington Phoenix were unable to find a comeback, and the match ended in favour of the visitors.
Adelaide United took home all three points, continuing their strong unbeaten run, while Wellington were left to reflect on a hard-fought match that ended in disappointment.
Next week in the Ninja A-League will see Adelaide United return to Coopers Stadium to take on the Central Coast Mariners whilst Wellington Phoenix will look to earn some needed points against the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-4-2): Vilão, McMeeken, Jaber, Barry, Kelly, McCutcheon, Fergusson, Whinham, Longo, Main, Wall. Substitutes: Danieli, Abbott, Elliott, Tanaka, Brazendale.
Goals: Fergusson 41’
ADELAIDE UNITED (3-4-3): Jenkins, E. Hodgson, León, McNamara, Tonkin, Tolland, Holmes, Morgan, Healy, Dawber, Worts. Substitutes: Grove, Karambasis, Sasaki, Kirkby, Panagaris.
Goals: Tonkin 4’, León 56’, 86’.
Referee: Beth Rattray.
Attendance: 754.
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