The Phoenix Brief – 21st April 2025

The Temple Run is Over

Author

Hayden King
April 21, 2025

The Women played their final game of the season in classic Wellington weather, while the Men have a few more games to go – dictating whether they play in Darwin or not.

The Weekend Past

The Phoenix Men…

(I could copy and paste this line each week) conceded an early goal, followed quickly by another. 2-0 down in the opening 15mins – dire. However, Barbarouses, one of the few shining spots this season halved the deficit before Hughes equalised 2-2. The Nix were largely out played, the only two shots on target, and very little possession, made for a difficult game. A point looked to be a miracle before Adelaide took the winner in the 89th minute.

From here:
The bottom 4 clubs will play off for a spot in the Australia Cup, as it stands this includes Brisbane, Perth and Central Coast. Wellington will likely be the fourth team, unless they win the next two games and Newcastle lose the next two games.

The Phoenix Women…

Battled in perfect Wellington conditions (wind and rain) against a side looking for a win to earn a home final. It was a tight first half with few clear chances, however things opened up in the second. It was Western who scored first, and just 30seconds after Longo was subbed the Nix equalised, setting up a frantic closing to the game. The game ending 1-1.

Bittersweet as Annalie Longo signalled this would be her last game for the Phoenix, departing alongside Coach Paul Temple.

Games This Week

Saturday 26th April, 5pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Roar (12) v Phoenix Men (11)

For Your Diary - Future Wellington Games

Friday 2nd May, 7:30pm, Sky Stadium, Phoenix Men v Perth Glory*

*last game of the regular season

Phoenix games are on Sky Sports in NZ

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)

Buy Phoenix women tickets in Porirua ($15 for an adult)
Note: every Women’s home game this season will be at Porirua Park at 4pm.