The Wellington Phoenix women are one win away from premiership glory after making history with a dramatic 2-0 extra-time win over Brisbane Roar at Porirua Park on Mother’s Day.
In front of a record crowd of 5,923 fans at Sunday afternoon’s 2.30pm kick-off, the Phoenix overturned a first-leg deficit to claim a 3-2 aggregate semi-final victory and become the first New Zealand football club, men’s or women’s, to reach an Australian A-League grand final.
American striker Makala Woods delivered the defining moment of the club’s greatest day, scoring twice including the winner in extra time as Porirua Park erupted in celebration.
The result capped a remarkable rise for a side that finished near the bottom of the table just two seasons ago. Under first-year coach Bev Priestman, the Phoenix reached the finals for the first time in club history and now stand within touching distance of an A-League Women title.
Phoenix captain Mackenzie Barry said the achievement was difficult to put into words after the final whistle.
“We’ve been working for this for five years,” Barry told Sky Sport.
“I’m so happy, it’s hard to explain.
“It’s overwhelming and I feel so proud of this club. We’ve gone through it, we’ve had two bottom of the table and now we’ve been building up and here we are in the final.
“We’re creating a legacy. It’s hard for me to comprehend that we’ve made history, but it’s so amazing.”
Trailing 2-1 on aggregate after last week’s first-leg defeat in Brisbane, Wellington knew they had to attack early and they dominated possession through much of the opening half.
Despite controlling territory, clear chances were limited. Brisbane almost delivered a major blow when forward Daisy Brown broke through on goal, only for Phoenix goalkeeper Vic Esson to produce a crucial save.
That moment proved pivotal.
Minutes later, the Phoenix struck just before halftime through Woods after a slick move from deep inside their own half. Young midfielder Pia Vlok threaded a perfectly weighted pass behind the Brisbane defence and Woods calmly chipped goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln with her first touch to level the tie at 2-2 on aggregate.
The goal lifted both the crowd and the intensity of the contest.
Brooke Nunn and Manaia Elliott continued to create problems through midfield while Barry anchored a composed defensive performance at the back.
Wellington had opportunities to seal the result in regulation time, with Woods firing over from close range during a frantic second half.
The striker then came agonisingly close to winning the match in stoppage time. Her initial effort was saved by Lincoln before Woods recovered the rebound and struck the post with the final kick of normal time.
Extra time followed and the breakthrough finally came in the 102nd minute.
A defensive mistake from Brisbane defender Angie Beard allowed Woods to pounce inside the penalty area, and the American forward made no mistake, firing home the winner to send Porirua Park into celebration.
Brisbane pushed desperately for an equaliser but the Phoenix defence held firm as the final whistle confirmed one of the biggest moments in New Zealand football history.
The Phoenix will now face Melbourne City in Saturday’s grand final at AAMI Park in Melbourne. City remain the only side Wellington have not beaten this season.