Wellington Phoenix women have made history, reaching the A-League Women’s grand final for the first time after a dramatic extra-time win over Brisbane Roar at Porirua Park.
The Phoenix won the second leg of their semi-final 2-0, going through 3-2 on aggregate in front of a crowd of nearly 6000 fans.
American striker Makala Woods was the hero of the night, scoring both goals in the tense contest. Her first came in the 42nd minute, when teenage teammate Pia Vlok curled a brilliant ball forward and Woods burst through the middle to level the tie at 2-2 on aggregate. Woods then scored again in the first period of extra-time to put Wellington ahead for good.
The home crowd reached fever pitch as the Phoenix held Brisbane out through the second extra-time period to seal their spot in the final.
Wellington will now face Melbourne City in next weekend’s grand final. City earned hosting rights after finishing top of the table during the regular season, then beating crosstown rivals Melbourne Victory in the semis.
The result ends a 19-year grand final drought for the Phoenix club. The men’s team last made a grand final in 2006, and were knocked out at the preliminary final stage in 2010.
The women’s team only joined the A-League in the 2021/22 season, and their best finish before this year was seventh place. Getting to the grand final in just their fourth season is a massive achievement for the squad and for women’s football in New Zealand.
The grand final is next weekend, and Phoenix fans will be hoping the historic run continues just a little bit longer.
