A youthful Wellington Phoenix side delivered a major upset on Saturday night, defeating Wrexham AFC 1-0 in front of more than 25,000 fans at Sky Stadium.
The pre-season friendly marked the final stop of Wrexham’s Down Under Tour and saw 19-year-old academy striker Luke Flowerdew score the decisive goal shortly after halftime, propelling the Phoenix to a memorable win over the newly promoted English Championship club.
Led by Japanese import Kazuki Nagasawa in the absence of several senior players, the Phoenix relied heavily on academy talent, with coach Giancarlo Italiano making 10 substitutions at the break. The young squad stood firm against a Wrexham side that also rotated players in preparation for their upcoming league campaign.
The match continues a proud tradition of the Phoenix upsetting international opposition, following victories over Boca Juniors in 2010 and West Ham in 2014.
Missing from the Phoenix line-up were first-team regulars including captain Alex Rufer, All White Tim Payne, Corban Piper, Paulo Retre, Alby Kelly-Heald, and Nathan Walker, who were sidelined due to injury or fitness concerns. New signing Ifeanyi Eze is yet to arrive in Wellington.
Wrexham, backed by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, were unable to break down the disciplined Phoenix defence. Their All Whites recruit Libby Cacace did not feature, as he is yet to join the squad ahead of their Championship opener against Southampton.
The Phoenix next face Perth Glory in an Australia Cup fixture on 27 July.