Phoenix Women Soar to Historic Heights in A-League Campaign

The Wellington Phoenix Women have made a remarkable impact in the A-League Women this season, currently holding an unprecedented second place halfway through the 23-game regular season. With a total of 26 goals scored and only 10 goals conceded in 12 matches, the Phoenix have demonstrated a strong offensive and defensive performance that stands out in the league.

On Sunday evening, the team celebrated a historic milestone with a commanding 5-1 victory over the Newcastle Jets. This win marked the first time the Phoenix achieved three away victories in a single season, and the match was abandoned in the 88th minute due to a looming thunderstorm. Remarkably, the Phoenix led the match with a stunning 4-0 scoreline just 22 minutes in, culminating in their largest away win in franchise history.

Pia Vlok notably made headlines by scoring the first hat trick for the Phoenix. At just 17 years, four months, and 28 days, she became the second-youngest player to achieve such a feat in A-League history, netting two powerful right-footed goals and a precise left-footed finish.

This season’s success contrasts sharply with the Phoenix’s past performances. In their inaugural seasons during 2021-22 and 2022-23, the team finished at the bottom of the table, winning only five of their 32 matches and scoring a total of 33 goals.

Building a Winning Culture

MacKenzie Barry, the team captain who has been with the Phoenix since their inception, reflects on the challenges the club faced in its early days. “The only thing to do in Wollongong was to drive two hours to Sydney,” she recalls, referring to the team’s time spent in a COVID-19 bubble. “It was a pretty rough start. Most of us had never played professionally. It takes years to build a base of technical and tactical knowledge, a playing depth, culture, and a fan base.”

The Phoenix train at the NZ Campus of Innovation and Sport in Upper Hutt, which offers elite facilities that rival those of other top A-League clubs. The training center also hosts various teams, including the Black Ferns and the Hurricanes.

Emma Humphries, the Phoenix Academy director, oversees the development of the club’s men’s and women’s teams. A former Football Fern, Humphries has extensive coaching experience, including roles in Major League Soccer and the Women’s Super League. She emphasizes the uniqueness of Kiwi players, stating, “This club is always the first club to do everything. They’ve broken down barriers.”

As the Phoenix continue to rise, they are also paving pathways for young talent. The women’s reserves team reached the Kate Sheppard Cup final for the first time last September, finishing as runners-up to Auckland United. Notably, over half of the U19 Football Ferns, who won the OFC championships in Tahiti last year, hail from the Phoenix academy.

Strengthening the Squad

The club has seen a surge in interest from international players, with Macey Fraser signing with the Utah Royals for a record transfer fee in April 2024. Phoenix goalkeeper Victoria Esson has also played professionally in Germany, Norway, and Scotland.

Bev Priestman, the Phoenix’s head coach, is in her first season with the club and brings a wealth of experience, including a stint as assistant coach for England and leading Canada to Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021. Under her guidance, the team has welcomed quality recruits, including English forward Brooke Nunn and Netherlands international Tessel Middag.

Priestman acknowledges the A-League’s evolving landscape, stating, “I feel like the A-League is a transitional league. It’s close, but relatively new, so you’re dealing with the chaos that comes with that.” Despite injuries sidelining key players, Priestman remains focused on building consistency and momentum.

With only one point separating the Phoenix from Perth Glory FC, who sit in eighth place, the competition is fierce. The team has adapted by bringing in new players to fill gaps left by injuries, with Americans Makala Woods and Mackenzie Anthony stepping up to contribute to the squad.

As the season progresses, Barry emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus. “I feel like we’re building momentum all the time. The table is tight; we’re playing well, but we can’t afford to become complacent.”

The Phoenix’s evolving success comes in the wake of a significant boost for women’s football in New Zealand following the FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted in 2023. New Zealand Football reported a 35 percent increase in football and futsal participation since 2022, highlighting the growing popularity of the sport.

As the A-League secures a new collective bargaining agreement and introduces a full home-and-away women’s season, the Phoenix are poised to capitalize on this momentum. “Winning football matches connects people,” Humphries observes, noting the increasing support for the team.

The current season may well be a turning point for the Wellington Phoenix Women, as they strive not only for a top playoff spot but also to solidify their place in the rapidly growing landscape of women’s football in New Zealand.