Wellington Phoenix Women Struggle for Goals After Defeat to Glory

The Wellington Phoenix women’s football team faced another disappointing defeat, losing 1-0 to Perth Glory at the Sam Kerr Football Centre early on Saturday, marking their second consecutive loss from a late set-piece goal. Coach Bev Priestman described the defeat as a “kick in the guts,” emphasizing the urgent need for her team to convert chances into goals to avoid further decline in the A-League Women standings.

The match saw the Phoenix dominate possession with nearly 60% and achieve a passing accuracy of 70%. Despite this, they managed only 16 shots, with only two on target. The decisive goal came in the 75th minute when Sarah O’Donoghue was credited with the final touch on an in-swinging corner taken by Susan Phonsongkham. This victory allowed Perth Glory to leapfrog the Phoenix into eighth place, snapping their own four-match losing streak.

Priestman reflected on the match, stating, “Statistically it was a winning performance, but all credit to Perth. It’s tough going back-to-back-to-back losses… I’m very, very frustrated. It feels like a kick in the guts.” The Phoenix’s struggles in front of goal have been evident, as they have yet to score more than one goal in any match this season, now sitting with one win, two draws, and two losses from their first five fixtures.

Star striker Sabitra Bhandari, who has shown flashes of brilliance, has yet to score in the A-League despite several promising moments in the match against Perth. Bhandari, who had previously hobbled off in Melbourne with a leg injury, started against Glory and formed a threatening partnership with Grace Jale. Nevertheless, both squandered first-half opportunities that could have changed the game’s outcome.

The Phoenix had opportunities, including a header from Marissa van der Meer that struck the post and a blocked shot from Lara Wall in the 40th minute. A halftime adjustment saw Priestman introduce teenage attacker Pia Vlok in hopes of revitalizing the attack. Bhandari had a strong shot saved by Glory keeper Teresa Morrisey in the 67th minute, but the Phoenix could not find an equalizer despite continued pressure.

Priestman sought to highlight the positives amid the defeat, stating, “I’d be concerned if we weren’t creating chances. You can dramatize it and then all of a sudden it becomes the story of your season. It can’t be that for us.” The team will now travel back to Wellington, reflecting on their missed chances while preparing for their next match.

Bhandari has received robust support from Nepalese fans throughout the season, which she acknowledged in a post-match interview. “They are incredible. I am so lucky to have them. It feels so great, and I really appreciate it,” she said.

Looking ahead, the Phoenix will host Sydney FC at Porirua Park on October 14, 2023. They will hope to convert their chances into goals and secure a much-needed victory, building on their only win of the season against Melbourne Victory three weeks ago.