Phoenix Women miss A-League playoffs
- Dave Worsley
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
The Wellington Phoenix Women's team have had their A-League final hopes ended by Canberra for the second straight year with a 1-0 loss at McKellar Park to secure the sixth and final playoff berth.
The result leaves the Nix ninth on the ladder and seven points outside the top six with a round to play.
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It was Wellington’s 10th one goal defeat of the campaign and Temple felt the match summed up their season.
The big moment at McKellar Park came midway through the first half when Canberra scored what turned out to be the match-winner.
Paul Temple made just one change to the XI which started their defeat to Melbourne City before the international break with midfielder Daisy Brazendale replacing American defender Alivia Kelly, who moved to the bench.
Canberra had the first shot at goal just over 60 seconds into the match, but a big block from Phoenix centre back Mackenzie Barry snuffed out the opportunity.
The Nix came close to opening the scoring half a dozen minutes later when a looping free kick from captain Annalie Longo landed on the crossbar.
Wellington had two shots in quick succession in the 20th minute but neither was able to test Sally James in Canberra’s goal.
Phoenix goalkeeper Carolina Vilão made a great save down the other end shortly after to deny Michelle Heyman in her 200th A-League match after Heyman pounced on an overhit back pass and ran through on goal.
Unfortunately for Vilão, Canberra took the lead from the resulting corner with American defender Madison Ayson tapping home at the back post after the Nix were unable to clear the initial left-wing delivery.
Wellington continued to dominate possession after falling behind but struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities before halftime.
They were given a let-off deep in first half stoppage time. Vilão made a sharp save to deny Aideen Keane but the ball feel to Heyman who inexplicably shot wide from a couple of yards out.
The Matildas forward almost made amends seconds into the second half when she was picked out by Maja Markovski, but her volley sailed over the bar.
Vilão kept the Phoenix in the game four minutes later when she made a great reflex save to keep out a powerful volley from Ayson, who got on the end of a long-range free kick.
The save seemed to inspire the Nix, who had their best spell of the match for the next half a dozen minutes.
James made two fine saves to deny Olivia Fergusson, who got on the end of threatening crosses from first Lara Wall and then Manaia Elliott.
Fergusson also struck the right-hand post with a header in between her two goal-bound shots, but the flag was eventually raised by the assistant referee so it wouldn’t have counted if it was on target.
Wellington continued to press for an equaliser for the remaining half an hour plus stoppage time, but were unfortunately unable to threaten James’ goal.
Grace Jale came closest. She shot straight at Canberra’s goalkeeper from a free kick in the 64th minute, dragged a long-range effort wide of goal soon after and headed a right-wing corner into the ground and then into James’ arms with 10 minutes remaining.
Forward Emma Main ensured the hosts didn’t double their lead in the 85th minute when she produced an incredible goal-line clearance to prevent Canberra scoring direct from another left-wing corner.
The Phoenix had a chance to secure a draw with the last kick of the game but Barry’s snap shot from a long ball forward was again comfortably saved by James.
The Wellington Phoenix will finish their season at Porirua Park on Easter Sunday against finals-bound Western United.
