Wellington Phoenix Held to 1-1 Draw by Western United in Season Opener

Late equalizer from Angus Thurgate denies Phoenix full points in their A-League opener

In their first match of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season, Wellington Phoenix were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Western United, despite leading at halftime. Kosta Barbarouses’ stoppage-time goal gave the Phoenix an edge, but Western United’s Angus Thurgate leveled the score in the 77th minute at Wellington’s Sky Stadium.

Barbarouses Break the Deadlock
The Phoenix took the lead just before the halftime whistle, with veteran forward Kosta Barbarouses slotting home from close range after Isaac Hughes nodded down a free-kick. The goal marked a bright start for Wellington’s reigning Player of the Year, who looked lively throughout the match. He came close to doubling his tally with several second-half chances, including an overhead kick that went just over the bar.

Western United Fight Back
Despite Phoenix’s control for much of the match, the momentum shifted as both teams introduced fresh legs in the second half. Western United started to apply pressure, and their persistence paid off when midfielder Angus Thurgate found the back of the net in the 77th minute, capitalizing on a loose ball just outside the box.

Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano expressed frustration at the result. “We controlled the game until about the 60th minute. Both teams made subs, and they just had more legs in the end,” Italiano said post-match. “The goal we conceded was avoidable, but I can’t fault the boys for their effort.”

Missed Opportunities for Phoenix
Phoenix had several chances to extend their lead, with Barbarouses at the heart of most attacking moves. He narrowly missed a lobbed effort after breaking through the Western defence, and a collision with United goalkeeper Matthew Sutton went unpunished by the referee.

Alex Rufer had an opportunity to restore the Phoenix lead five minutes after Thurgate’s equalizer, but the Phoenix captain’s effort sailed high and wide.

Italiano is optimistic about the team’s future performance, saying, “If we were a bit braver, we could have created more chances. Give us a few more games to gel, and we’ll be very difficult to play against.”

Debuts and New Faces
Phoenix introduced several new faces, including goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi, and Japanese midfielders Hideki Ishige and Kazuki Nagasawa, who made their first starts. Reserves forward Nathan Walker also featured, while scholarship players Corban Piper and Jayden Smith were named on the bench. Smith made his A-League debut late in the match.

Despite the disappointment of not taking all three points, Phoenix fans can take heart from a solid performance in the first half and the debut of promising new signings.

Looking Ahead
Wellington Phoenix will now prepare for their next challenge as they travel to Perth to face the Glory in Round Two of the A-League on Saturday night.

Match Summary
Goals:

• Kosta Barbarouses (Wellington Phoenix) – 45+2’
• Angus Thurgate (Western United) – 77’

Teams:
Wellington Phoenix: Josh Oluwayemi (gk), Scott Wootton, Fin Roa Conchie (Mohamed Al-Taay 67’), Tim Payne, Kosta Barbarouses, Hideki Ishige (David Ball 72’), Alex Rufer (c), Isaac Hughes, Kazuki Nagasawa, Matt Sheridan (Jayden Smith 87’), Nathan Walker.
Unused subs: Alby Kelly-Heald (gk), Corban Piper, Oskar Van Hattum, Xuan Loke.

Western United: Matthew Sutton (gk), James Donachie, Oliver Lavale (Jake Najdovski 83’), Timoki Imai (c), Hiroshi Ibusuki (Noah Botic 67’), Matthew Grimaldi, Tate Russell (Dylan Leonard 83’), Sebastian Pasquali (Rhys Bozinovski 71’), Charbel Shamoon, Angus Thurgate, Riku Danzaki (Abel Walatee 71’).
Unused subs: Thomas Heward-Belle (gk), Luke Vickery.

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Tags:
Wellington Phoenix, Western United, A-League, Kosta Barbarouses, Angus Thurgate, Giancarlo Italiano, Sky Stadium