Wellington Phoenix 1-1 Western United
By Kieran Yap 20/4/25
Above: Isabel Dehakiz for Western United. Photo: Western United
An Emma Main equaliser and the crossbar have denied Western United what would have been a vital win. Wellington Phoenix held the finals bound side to a 1-1 draw in Paul Temple’s final game in charge.
Western United arrived in Wellington in need of a win. Kat Smith’s side had guaranteed themselves finals for a third successive season, but a win here would grant them a home final. Wellington had only pride to play for and the desire to send their departing manager (and perhaps Annalie Longo) off on a high note.
It was a tight first half with few clear chances. Sasha Grove looked the most dangerous player on the pitch early on. Her overlapping runs and combinations with Catherine Zimmerman on the left had Wellington’s defence on alert repeatedly.
Chloe Berryhill looked to have opened the scoring with a clinical header but the offside flag was up in a reprieve for the home side.
The second half was characterised by rain, goals and chaos as the match opened up. Following an injury concern to Berryhill, Zimmerman moved central in attack and Aimee Medwin came to the left flank.
Zimmerman’s mobility and willingness to scrap in attack created chances for herself and teammates, but either poor finishing or the official’s flag denied them an opening goal.
Wellington almost took a shock lead when Mebae Tanaka’s cross was directed back across goal, but Grace Jale could not make contact at point blank range.
Western eventually took the lead through the deadly set piece delivery of Grace Maher. Her perfectly struck corner was placed right on the head of Sara Eggesvik. The Philippines international nodded the ball back across goal to leave Carolina Vilao with no chance.
With Wellington now looking to restore parity, Alyssa Whinham’s influence grew. The substitute was dangerous or creative at every opportunity and her ability to beat players with inventive skill was a delight to watch as always.
The goal eventually arrived through the desperation of Main. She slid in at the near post to force the ball beyond Alyssa Dall Oste in the Western goal. The Wellington players paid tribute to a fan in their celebrations.
Western introduced Kiara De Domizio into the match and the super sub almost re-took the lead with a first time effort from range. Unfortunately her shot missed the target.
The final minutes could have seen either side snatch a winner. Wellington thought that they had a goal when a close range effort crashed off the bar, then the home crowd yelled for a handball when Claudia Mihocic appeared to punch the ball clear off the line.
To the disappointment of the Wellington faithful, the whistle had already blown for a foul on the goalkeeper and despite the chaos, the scores remained level.
Western’s last chance came through the right foot of Adriana Taranto. The midfielder’s free kick looked destined to be a spectacular winner but crashed off the woodwork and while Western will play finals, it means they will travel to face Adelaide United.
This match ends Wellington’s season. It was one marked by highs such as Whinham’s goal of the season contender and some encouraging performances but will once again feel like potential wasted. This team feels like one that has to rebuild every season due to player departures or coaching changes and next season will bring the same hopes but provide the same challenges.
Whoever replaces Temple will need to contend with a brutal travel schedule, and need to be creative signing players. Retaining the likes of Whinham, Main and Mackenzie Barry will be important, but so too will replacing Longo if this was her final match.
For the neutrals, this was a fun season to watch The Phoenix, but for fans it might have been understandably frustrating. Still they are a competitive club and will likely be so again in 2025/26.
Teams: Wellington Phoenix 4-4-2: Vilao, Kelly, Jaber, Barry, Wall, Longo, McCutcheon, Jale, Elliot, Main, Ferguson. Substitutes: Whinham, Neary, Tanaka, Brazendale, Ingham.
Goals: Main 80’
Western United 4-1-4-1: Dall Oste, Grove, Mihocic, Maher, Sardo, A Taranto, M Taranto, Eggesvik, Zimmerman, Dehakiz, Logarzo. Substitutes: Medwin, Lincoln, De Domizio, Hieda, Ibargüen.
Goals: Eggesvik 75’
Referee: Beth Rattray
Attendance: 608.
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