Wellington Phoenix 1 – 0 Melbourne Victory
by Isabelle Campbell (23/11/25)
Above: Wellington Phoenix players celebrate after scoring against Melbourne Victory. Photo: via A-Leagues
Wellington Phoenix claimed a 1-0 win over Melbourne Victory at Porirua Park this afternoon, with 17-year-old Pia Vlok scoring her first Ninja A-League goal to help the hosts secure their first ever win over Victory.
The match marked a notable reunion, as former Wellington defender Zoe McMeeken lined up against her old club for the first time since signing with Victory.
Phoenix also entered the match managing some early-season challenges in the squad, after having announced during the week that midfielders Tessa Middag and Alyssa Whinham have both sustained ACL injuries.
The match opened with early intent from both sides, and Melbourne Victory nearly struck first when Rachel Lowe unleashed a sharp effort on goal but Phoenix goalkeeper Victoria Esson reacted superbly, palming the strike away to keep the scores level.
Both teams pushed for an opener, but clear chances were limited until the 14th minute, when Phoenix’s Vlok tried her luck from the right-hand side of the box. Her shot, however, failed to find the target. Victory goalkeeper Courtney Newbon then produced an outstanding save of her own, denying Manaia Elliott’s powerful effort as Wellington began to build momentum.
The Phoenix maintained pressure throughout the half but struggled to convert their final chances. Play was briefly halted twice as Esson and teammate Emma Main went down with injuries, though both returned after receiving treatment.
Wellington then finally broke through in the 38th minute.
Elliott delivered a dangerous ball across the face of goal, finding Vlok who calmly slotted home the goal to put the hosts ahead.
Deep into stoppage time, the Phoenix came close to doubling their lead, but Victory’s defence scrambled to avert the danger before the play was ultimately ruled offside.
The second half began with Wellington immediately testing Victory’s defence again, as Main fired a shot on target only for Newbon to gather it safely. Victory responded by pressing hard in search of an equaliser. They earned a free kick in a dangerous position, which Alana Jančevski struck low, but Esson was equal to the task.
For the majority of the half, Victory appeared the stronger side, creating the better chances. The most notable attempt came in the 65th minute when defender Claudia Bunge unleashed a powerful strike, but it sailed just over the crossbar.
Well into extra time, Victory dominated possession and continued to push for a goal to level the scores and take home a point, but were unable to convert any of their opportunities.
Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (3-4-1-2): Esson, Bott, Barry, Walker, Jale, Elliott, Van der Meer, Main, Wall, Nunn, Vlok. Substitutes: Danieli, McMillan, D. Brazendale, Ingham, L. Brazendale, Bartlett.
Goals: Vlok 38’.
MELBOURNE VICTORY (5-3-2): Newbon, Jančevski, Morrison, Maher, Bunge, McMeeken, Lowe, Pollicina, Sakalis, White, Furphy. Substitutes: O’Grady, Pickett, Curtis, Techera, Young, Woodward.
Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley
Attendance: 772.
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