Phoenix’s top six hopes take big hit after loss to Sydney
Wellington Phoenix’s top six hopes are hanging by a thread after they lost their crucial A-League Women clash against Sydney FC in Porirua yesterday.
The Matildas’ World Cup star, Cortnee Vine, scored twice and set up another in a sublime individual performance to give the reigning champions a 4-2 win in a game the Phoenix could ill afford to lose.
The result lifted Sydney above Western United into first place but kept the Phoenix rooted in 10th. It was the Phoenix’s first defeat at home since round one.
Paul Temple’s team pulled two goals back after the introduction of Isabel Cox to set up a thrilling finale but they were left with too much work to do after going three goals down inside the first 56 minutes.
Jordan Thompson killed the game off when she added Sydney’s fourth after being teed up by Vine, who tormented the Phoenix, and their supporters, all afternoon.
The loss leaves the Phoenix eight points adrift of Western Sydney Wanderers with only three games remaining.
Although they have a game in hand, against Adelaide United back at Porirua Park on Wednesday, the Phoenix must now win their remaining matches and hope Western Sydney do not beat Western United next weekend.
Sydney were dealt an early blow when defender Kirsty Fenton was forced off with a serious-looking knee injury. The leftback fell awkwardly after trying to tackle Michaela Robertson and was visibly distraught as she was helped from the field.
But they recovered from the setback to open the scoring in spectacular fashion when Vine volleyed home from a corner in the 18th minute. A Phoenix own goal doubled Sydney’s advantage right before halftime.
Sydney looked to be cruising when Vine rose high to meet a free-kick from Hawkesby early in the second half. But the comeback was on when American import Cox entered the fray alongside Kate Taylor.
Cox pulled one back for the Phoenix when she directed a looping header over the top of Jada Whyman following a Macey Fraser corner.
Cox then turned provider when Whyman failed to deal with her cross from the right, allowing Mariana Speckmaier to score from the rebound.
Cox continued to be a handful for Sydney’s defence but Thompson’s goal killed off any hope of a dramatic comeback.