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- The Phoenix Brief – 21st January 2025
Football moves fast and a lot can happen in a week.
David Ball and Mo Al-Taay were released on mutual agreements
Alby Lukas-Heald (19) made his debut in the A-League, pushing Visa keeper to the bench
Both Nix teams found themselves down at half time, but made heroic comebacks
The Weekend Past
The Phoenix Men…
Played at home against Sydney on Wednesday night. Up against former coach Ufuk Talay in his first return to Sky Stadium since departing. The men showed some promise in the build-up play and would be very happy to take away a point from recent performances. A 0-0 draw with a very inexperienced Phoenix side.
A quick turnaround saw the men play last night against Macarthur FC. Notably Alby retained his starting spot in goal, and after a Man of the Match performance, was easily the difference between a big loss and the three points. Both Nix goals were noteworthy, with the first coming from an outrageous backheel assits from Ishige, and the winner marks 100 goals for Kosta. The first Kiwi to hit the milestone and only 4th A-League player to do so.
The Phoenix Women…
Return home to the Porirua Park Fortress, and retain their winning form, 4 wins in the last 4 home games. Heading into the break 2-0 down, the streak looked all but over. Some key changes at half-time quickly altered the fortunes. Longo orchestrating the comeback with the assist and equaliser. And it looked as if the points would be shared heading into the 98th minute at 2-2, if it wasn’t for Elliott scoring directly from the corner to claim all 3 points. Enjoy these highlights!
Games This Week
Saturday 25th January, 5pm, Orangetheory Stadium*, Phoenix Men (9th) v Central Coast Mariners (10th)
*This is a home game in Christchurch
Sunday 26th January, 7pm, Porirua Park, Central Coast Mariners (6th) v Phoenix Women (5th)
For Your Diary - Future Wellington Games
Thursday 6th February, 5pm, Sky Stadium, Phoenix Men v Brisbane Roar
Saturday 8th February, 4pm, Porirua Park, Phoenix Women v Melbourne Victory
Kiwi Classico – Away
Saturday 22nd February, 5pm, Go Media Stadium: Auckland FC v Phoenix Men
Useful Links
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.