Phoenix captain Alfeld
WELLINGTON Phoenix finally got to taste victory when they beat Canberra United 3-0 to win their first A-League Women game, 11 games into their inaugural season.
The wait for a first win had been even longer for Phoenix captain and goalkeeper Lily Alfeld, after experiencing a winless campaign with Perth Glory last season.
Friday’s win was her first in 23 A-League games.
‘‘It was amazing,’’ Alfeld said. ‘‘Obviously I went through a winless season last year so it’s even more special.
‘‘To experience that first win with this group of girls given the challenges we have faced this season, and a lot of the previous performances where it’s felt like we have just missed out, that [Canberra] win was within our grasp and to do it in a fashion where we won comfortably in the end is just amazing.’’
Alfeld was happy she could play a part in the historic result. The 26-year-old was selected in the Football Ferns squad for the SheBelieves Cup in the United States next week and was scheduled to fly to Los Angeles last evening, after busing back to Wollongong the morning after the Phoenix’s first win.
She will miss the Phoenix’s next game against Adelaide United on Thursday while on international duty, opening the door for 19-year-old Brianna Edwards to make her starting debut after getting a brief taste off the bench in their 2-0 defeat against Melbourne Victory.
‘‘I have no doubt they will be able to do it again when I’m away.’’
Alfeld said it had been a whirlwind week for her on a personal note, selected for the Football Ferns for the first time