With the International Break behind us, it is full steam ahead as we go uninterrupted to the end of the Liberty A-League Women’s season and next up for Ante Juric’s side is a trip to New Zealand for the very first time.
With Wellington Phoenix entering the league during the COVID impacted 2021/22 season, they were based in New South Wales and played their home games at a number of venues around the city of Sydney.
This season, for the very first time, the A-League Women’s travelled to the New Zealand capital and Sydney FC will head there this weekend for the first time in their history.
For Ante Juric and the Sky Blues, the return to action couldn’t come quick enough with a shock 2-1 loss in their last outing against Canberra United sending shockwaves across the league. After wasting early chances in front of goal, Sydney were pegged back before Rola Badawiya scored her first professional goal to bring the scores level. It was a former Sydney FC favourite Ellie Brush who nodded home the winner to sink Juric’s team to their third defeat in the campaign so far.
This time around, the Sky Blues will be boosted by the return of Mackenzie Hawkesby after she missed the Canberra fixture due to suspension. Also in the front half of the field, Cortnee Vine has really impressed with the Matildas, scoring a beautiful goal against Spain in the Cup of Nations that had fans across the world marvelling at the technique. With the winger beginning to find her feet in the Liberty A-League once more, Ante Juric will be hoping she can replicate that form in Auckland this weekend.
With a number of the squad also coming off the back of a camp with the Young Matildas, Sydney FC will be looking to hit the ground running against a team they have only met twice previously.
Wellington Phoenix come into this clash against Sydney FC with a number of their players receiving representative honours with the Football Ferns during the recent international window, however their domestic form has left much to be desired.
Sitting at the foot of the table, with only five points to their name, they know this clash against the league heavyweights is going to be tough. However, the Phoenix love to be the underdogs, proven with their shock 5-0 victory over Canberra United on home soil, their first ever win in their own country.
Having only scoring 11 goals so far this season, that 5-0 victory was a true shock to all across the league, however they appear to have turned the corner after coming from behind with a player less against the Roar in a pulsating 3-3 draw.
In the two previous meetings between the two, Sydney FC have won 3-0 and 5-0. The 5-0 match was quite the marvel with the Sky Blues putting five goals past the ‘Nix within the opening 45 minutes.
As the teams line up at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland, we hope that the 90 minutes of on field action will bring goals and entertainment.
Match Details
Wellington Phoenix v Sydney FC
Liberty A-League Round 15
Sunday 26th February 2023
North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, NZ
Kick Off: 11am AEDT (1pm Local)
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ & 10Play
Tickets: Click Here
