The Phoenix Brief - 30th Dec 2023

Who likes Sydney anyway?

Author

Ralph Highnam
December 30, 2023

So, we leave 2023 with two losses away at Sydney but very much with heads held high…..

The Weekend Past

The Phoenix Men endured an all out assault for the first half as Sydney went all out to stop any play from the keeper (I think it was 6 Sydney yellow cards), but got to half-time only 1-0 down and with having had some good chances themselves on the break - Ben Old again starring. Second half the game was far more balanced, chances for both teams, before Kostas Barbarouses equalized in the 81st minute, but then two late goals made it 3-1 to Sydney. We go into 2024 still top of the table, which is an incredible start to the season:

The Phoenix Women came back well after a rocky first half but failed to take their chances away going down 1-0 to a late goal to the defending champions. They are now 3rd in the table after 10 games, 5 points inside the play-off zone, 7 points from 1st, and in an excellent position for the second half of the season with some of their recent arrivals such as Isabel Cox looking very promising:

Also:

Games Next Weekend

Thursday 4th Jan 9.45pm, Adelaide United v Phoenix Men

Sunday 7th Jan, 8pm, Brisbane Roar v Phoenix Women

For Your Diary - Wellington Games

Friday 19th Jan, 7pm, Sky Stadium: Phoenix Men v Melbourne Victory

 Sunday 28th Jan, 5pm, Porirua: Phoenix Women v Canberra United

Phoenix games are on Sky Sports

Buy Phoenix tickets at Sky Stadium (top tip: keep it simple, just buy a Silver Ticket and move around when you get there, ~$32 for an adult - it’s cheaper if you pay in advance)