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Wellington Phoenix Dominate with Goals from Whinham, Kelly, and Main
The Wellington Phoenix showcased their finest performance of the season, surging to fourth place in the Ninja A-League standings with a commanding 3-0 victory over the Western Sydney Wanderers at Wanderers Football Park in Sydney.
Alyssa Whinham’s Stunner Sets the Tone
The match began with high intensity, and Alyssa Whinham delivered a moment of magic less than 10 seconds into the second half, unleashing a breathtaking 30-meter strike to break the deadlock. The 20-year-old midfielder’s effort marked her first goal of the season and underscored the Phoenix’s attacking prowess.
Phoenix head coach Paul Temple expressed his pride in the team’s performance:
“It was a really good performance, probably our best of the season. Even before the red card, we looked confident and dangerous. This was a clinical display.”
A Match Defined by Dominance
The Phoenix dominated possession and created an astounding 42 shots on goal compared to just four from the Wanderers. The game took a decisive turn in the 34th minute when Wanderers goalkeeper Shamiran Khamis was sent off for a foul outside the penalty area, leaving her team to play with 10 players for the majority of the match.
Wellington capitalized on the numerical advantage, with American defender Alivia Kelly scoring her maiden A-League goal in the 59th minute, converting a rebound from a Maya McCutcheon shot. Emma Main sealed the victory in the 83rd minute, slotting home a perfectly placed ball from Grace Jale.
Stellar Defense and Midfield Precision
Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage, Western Sydney’s substitute goalkeeper Keely Segavcic made a series of crucial saves to keep the scoreline respectable. Meanwhile, the Phoenix defense, led by Carolina Vilão, remained composed, limiting the Wanderers’ opportunities and maintaining their second consecutive clean sheet.
Temple reserved special praise for Whinham:
“Alyssa has been working hard to add long-range shots to her game. That goal was a fantastic reward for her dedication.”
Looking Ahead
With momentum on their side, the Wellington Phoenix will now prepare for a crucial away fixture against Adelaide United on Sunday evening, aiming to solidify their position in the top four.
Match Summary
Wellington Phoenix: Carolina Vilão (gk), Tiana Jaber, Mackenzie Barry, Alivia Kelly, Maya McCutcheon, Grace Jale, Olivia Fergusson, Alyssa Whinham, Mebae Tanaka, Annalie Longo (c), Lara Wall.
Substitutes Used: Zoe McMeeken, Manaia Elliott, Emma Main.
Goals: Whinham (46’), Kelly (59’), Main (83’).
Western Sydney Wanderers: Shamiran Khamis (gk), Gemma Ferris, Amelia Bennett, Amy Chessari, Amy Harrison (c), Sophie Harding, Sienna Saveska, Danika Matos, Cushla Rue, Talia Younis, Ena Harada.
Substitutes Used: Keely Segavcic (gk), Ella Buchanan, Talia Kapetanellis, Olivia Price.
Red Card: Khamis (34’).
