Adelaide United 0-2 Wellington Phoenix
By Emma Burke 6/11/26
Above: Emma Taylor-Main and Holly Murray Photo: Adelaide United
Wellington Phoenix have won their first game of the season, defeating Adelaide United 2-0 at ServiceFM Stadium, scoring early and late to do so.
It was long-time Matilda Tameka Yallop who found the back of the net early, her first goal in her new colours since moving to Wellington Phoenix this season.
The home side had two great opportunities to find an equaliser. Lara Gooch, who joined Adelaide this season from Newcastle, played two incredible through balls that broke open Wellington’s defence, but both players on the end of each pass, Kiera Meyers and Chelsea Dawber, sent their shots straight into the arms of Nix keeper Brooke Neary.
It was Neary’s first start for Wellington and her side’s first clean sheet for the season. The 19-year-old Kiwi keeper, who was promoted over their usual keeper Victoria Esson, who conceded five goals in the last three games.
Both sides failed to make the most of a multitude of chances over the course of the second half, with the Reds hitting the post twice, and Phoenix striker Makala Woods skying some well placed crosses.
Just before regular time expired, Indiah-Paige Riley sealed the win for Wellington. Her right-footed shot from the middle of the box had Adelaide’s Ilona Melegh beaten for the second time this evening.
Adelaide will now travel to face Melbourne Victory for round five, while Wellington finally head home to host Sydney FC for their respective round five fixture.
Adelaide United (4-2-3-1): Melegh, Cicco, Murray, Harris, Hodgson, M. Taranto, Zois, Gooch, A. Taranto, Meyers, Dawber Substitutes: Salvestrin 57′, Yakel 67′, Breier 67′, Rossi 80′, Nicholas 80′
Wellington Phoenix (4-4-2): Neary, Pickett, Erceg, van der Meer, Walker, Vlok, Yallop, Jale, Nunn, Woods, Clegg Substitutes: Elliot 46′, Riley 46′, Taylor-Main 46′, Wall 90+2′
Scorers: Yallop 15′, Riley 87′
Referee: Isabella Mossin
