Auckland FC beat Jets, Phoenix women win
- 24 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Three-from-three for New Zealand teams in the A-Leagues with the Wellington Phoenix men winning the early game followed by the clubs women's side and then Auckland FC.
An away win for Auckland moved them to one point behind A-League men's leaders the Jets with a 2-1 victory in Newcastle.
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It was a victory of strength as the Aucklanders try retain the Premier's Plate they won last year but also take the title crown in just their second year of operation.
It was the first time the Jets have been beaten in 2026, ending their 10-win run, while Auckland FC won after a diffident January to be unbeaten in their last six matches.
Sam Cosgrove has turned into a goal-scoring machine for the Aucklanders, with the Englishman nailing opportunities in the 15th and 52nd minutes to give him 10 goals for the season, while Clayton Taylor scored for the Jets in the 28th minute.
Cosgrove on to a cross from Jesse Randell for Auckland's first goal, while he headed in a cross from Francis de Vries for his second.
There are five matches left in the regular season, with Macarthur the next opponents in Auckland on Saturday.
Meanwhile Wellington Phoenix moved into third place on the A-League women's ladder with a comprehensive 3-0 home win over Brisbane Roar.
The result completed a great day for football in the capital, following the Phoenix men's 2-0 over Perth Glory in the earlier match.
The home side controlled their match, creating far more scoring opportunities than the Queensland side, as they started their drive towards the premiership and playoffs after a three-week break.
Manaia Elliott soared over two rivals to head in a superb Brooke Nunn cross in the 10th minute, while Emma Pijnenburg tapped in a half-volley, after some messy Brisbane defence six minutes later.
The Phoenix led 2-0 at halftime and Makala Woods, who blew two golden opportunities for goal in the first half, finally found the scoreboard in the 73rd minute, with the decisive shot, after a melee near the Roar net.
Brisbane's best three chances were stoppedby brilliant saves from 'Nix keeper Victoria Esson.
The Phoenix are now two points behind competition leaders Melbourne City, with Adelaide United separating them.
Macey Fraser was a welcome return for Wellington in the second half.
