Sydney FC has been defeated 3-1 despite a strong showing and fierce fight throughout, but Wellington’s second-half control proved the difference.
Sydney FC 1 (Tallon Henniker 3’, ) def. by Wellington Phoenix 3 (Vlok 12’, Van Der Meer 64’, Nunn 75’)
Moments That Mattered:
3’ | TALLON-HENNIKER GOAL-Tallon-Henniker forces her way into the box and calmly guides the ball into the bottom corner of the net
12’ | VLOK GOAL– A chipped pass curls in behind the Sydney FC defence as Vlok latches onto it before slotting a near post finish
13’ | LUCHTMEIJER CHANCE – Luchtmeijer finds space in behind the Wellington defence and fires an effort towards goal but the keeper saves with her legs
30’ | HINZ SAVE- Wellington find a way through the Sydney FC defence, but Hinz is alert to deny Vlok
40’ | LUCHTMEIJER CHANCE- Sullivan picks out Luchtmeijer with a floated pass in behind and she is denied by the keeper as she tries to round, and Ulkekul’s follow up effort goes wide
54’ | ULKEKUL OPPORTUNITY- Ulkekul creates space on the edge of the box and fires, but her effort goes just over.
58’ | AYSON BLOCK- Vlok looks to shoot from the left side of the box, but Ayson throws herself into the challenge to deny the effort.
64’ | VAN DER MEER GOAL- A well-delivered corner finds Van der Meer, who rises highest to head past Sydney FC.
75’ | NUNN GOAL– Vlok picks out Nunn with a pinpoint switch, and Nunn brings it down before driving her shot past Hinz.
89’ | TUMETH CHALLENGE- Vlok breaks into a one-on-one on the left, but Tumeth stands strong with a brilliant sliding challenge to stop the attack
Match Report:
Sydney FC showed early promise and showed persistent fight throughout but were unable to convert their opportunities, as Wellington’s clinical second-half display ultimately proved the difference.
Sydney FC make key changes ahead of Friday night’s clash with Wellington Phoenix, with Caley Tallon-Henniker, Amelia Cassar and Amber Luchtmeijer all coming into the starting XI following last week’s defeat to Newcastle Jets.
Interim Head Coach James Slaveski has reshuffled his side following the suspensions of Riley Tanner and Willa Pearson.
However, the Sky Blues have received a timely boost on the bench as Shay Hollman is named in the squad for the first time this season alongside Kirsty Fenton. New signing Claudia Valetta also earns her first inclusion, adding depth at a crucial stage of the campaign, as Sydney FC head into the contest with a reshaped lineup looking to bounce back.
The Sky Blues made the perfect start, breaking the deadlock just three minutes in through Caley Tallon-Henniker, who showed great determination to force her way into the box before calmly guiding her finish into the bottom corner.
However, Wellington responded quickly and refused to be rattled, continuing to play with confidence and attacking purpose. Their persistence paid off in the 12th minute, as a chipped pass was curled in behind the Sydney FC defence, allowing Vlok to latch onto it and slot home a near post finish to level the scores.
The contest remained open and fast-paced, with both sides enjoying periods of possession. Wellington looked the more dominant side for large stretches of the half, but the Sky Blues constantly looked threatening on the counter.
Sydney FC continued to find success playing direct, particularly over the top, with Amber Luchtmeijer consistently getting in behind the defence. She came close shortly after the equaliser, firing an effort towards goal but it was saved by the keeper, before later being picked out again by a floated pass from Rubi Sullivan, only to see her attempt drift wide.
Despite absorbing pressure, Sydney FC’s defence held firm before goalkeeper Heather Hinz was called into action, producing a sharp save in the 30th minute to deny Vlok and keep the scores level.
While Wellington enjoyed more control, Sydney FC remained dangerous in attacking phases, Although they couldn’t find the final pass and lacked the composure in front of goal to capitalise on their opportunities.
The closing stages of the half saw Sydney FC grow back into the contest, pushing forward with greater intent during stoppage time, while Wellington’s threat began to slightly fade.
In an entertaining and even first half, both sides head into the break level, with plenty still to play for.
the Sky Blues were dealt an early change at the break, with new signing Claudia Valetta introduced at half-time, less than 24 hours after joining the club.
Wellington came out strongly immediately applying pressure and pinning Sydney FC deep inside their own half. Their attacking intent set the tone for the half, as they controlled territory and dictated the tempo.
Despite the pressure, Sydney FC showed glimpses of quality and began to grow into the contest, looking more composed on the ball. Ulkekul came closest to restoring parity in the 54th minute, creating space on the edge of the box before firing just over the crossbar.
Moments later, Sydney FC were forced into defensive action, with Ayson producing a crucial block to deny Vlok from close range and keep the Sky Blues in the contest.
However, Wellington’s sustained pressure eventually paid off. In the 64th minute, a well-delivered corner found Van der Meer, who rose highest to head home and give the visitors the lead.
From there, Wellington continued to dominate, limiting Sydney FC’s attacking opportunities and maintaining control. The Sky Blues continued to search for a response, but struggled to find rhythm in possession, often resorting to direct balls in behind without reward.
The decisive blow came in the 75th minute, as Vlok delivered a pinpoint switch to find Nunn, who took a touch before driving her effort past Sydney FC to extend the lead.
Sydney FC continued to fight, with Tori Tumeth producing a standout moment late on, making a perfectly timed sliding challenge to deny Vlok in a one-on-one situation.
Ultimately, Sydney FC were left to reflect on a tough evening, as Wellington’s second-half dominance proved decisive.
What They Said: James Slaveski:-
“To be honest, I thought the game should have been over in the first half.”
“We created three or four gilt-edged opportunities and really should have gone into halftime at least four goals up.”
“In the second half, I think we just ran out of legs and the game became stretched, which made it difficult for us to stay close”
“We’re down to the bare bones in terms of personnel.”
“The goal came from one of our first real opportunities, but even before that we had a few half-chances from winning the ball back in midfield.”
“After that, we had at least three or four more chances which, on another day, we take and the game is out of sight.”
“We tried everything to regain control, but unfortunately we couldn’t quite do it.”
“We know what we’re going to get from Claudia she’s an excellent professional, works hard and gives everything she did a job for us, which is exactly why we brought her in”
“I thought she did well overall, and she’ll definitely benefit from the run heading into next week.”
“It’s fantastic for Shay. Everyone’s really pleased for her. She’s had a tough time with injuries and a few other setbacks.”
“I thought she did really well coming into a game like this. Hopefully she can get more minutes in the final two games.”
“It’s simple—we go into every game to win.”
“The first-half performance tonight was, in my opinion, the best since I’ve been in charge. We were excellent both with and without the ball.”
“The first half against Brisbane a couple of weeks ago was very good as well, but tonight we were even better.”
“But overall, the focus now is clear—we take that first-half performance forward and look to finish the season strongly.”
Shay Hollman:-
“Yeah, it is. It’s been a rough year for me with injuries and illness, so I’ve been out for about a year now. I’m really excited to be back and hopefully get a few games in before the end of the season.”
“Everyone’s been great. I think it’s just about leaning on the people around you. My family and friends have been a massive help, and the physios and doctors at the club have put everything into me so I can be where I am now.”
“I think there’s a bit more excitement and energy now. He’s trying to implement new tactics, and the girls are starting to get the hang of it. We’ve been good in periods, but now it’s about maintaining that level for the whole game.”
Sydney FC | 1. Heather HINZ (GK), 2. Madison AYSON, 4. Tori TUMETH, 7. Amelia CASSAR (22. Claudia VALLETTA 46’), 9. Jodi ULKEKUL (6. Shay HOLLMAN 71’), 14. Abbey LEMON, 15. Mackenzie HAWKESBY (Captain), 17. Claire CORBETT, 18. Amber LUCHTMEIJER, 23. Rubi SULLIVAN (5. Kirsty FENTON 84’), 24. Caley TALLON-HENNIKER (19. Skye HALMARICK 65’)
Unused Subs | 29. Alyse OPPEDISANO (GK), 30. Tiahna ROBERTSON (GK)
Head Coach | James Slaveski
Yellow Cards |
Red Cards | N/A
Wellington Phoenix | 1. Victoria ESSON (GK), 4. Mackenzie BARRY (Captain), 5. Ellie WALKER, 7. Grace JALE, 11. Manaia ELLIOTT (3. Tiana JABER 78’), 14. Lucia LEON (27. Zoe BENSON 59’) , 16. Marisa VAN DER MEER, 23. Brooke NUNN, 24. Pia VLOK, 31. Makala WOODS (30. Mackenzie ANTHONY 59’), 32. Emma PIJNENBURG (15. Daisy BRAZENDALE 68’)
Unused Subs | 22. Aimee FEINBERG-DANIELI (GK), 28. Grace BARTLETT
Head Coach | Bev Priestman
Yellow Cards |
Red Cards | N/A
Venue | Leichhardt Oval
Referee | Mikayla Ryan
Attendance | 939
