One minute you’re going head-to-head with the world’s number one team, the next you’re celebrating an historic Liberty A-League victory.
That was the case for Wellington Phoenix’s Betsy Hassett, Paige Satchell, Grace Wisnewski and Mackenzie Barry last week.
The quartet were all part of the Football Ferns’ two-game international friendly series against reigning world champions the United States in New Zealand. Brianna Edwards was also on the bench for both contests.
They were also front and centre of the Phoenix’s breakthrough win and first at Sky Stadium as a stunning 5-0 rout of finals-chasing Canberra United ended their Liberty A-League drought on Sunday.
“It was challenging for sure but it was incredible,” Hassett told KEEPUP.
Hassett played from start to finish in New Zealand’s opening match against the star-studded USA – a 4-0 loss in Wellington on January 18 before stepping away as Satchell, Wisnewski and Barry featured in the 5-0 Auckland defeat three days later.
It was a priceless experience for Hassett & co, with the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup – to be co-hosted with Australia – on the horizon.
“It was incredible. It was so cool to be able to play in New Zealand, Wellington especially,” Hassett reflected.
It was great preparation for the World Cup later in the year. Getting the record fans around it was so cool to play there and have all the support around us. Get a feel of what it will be like during the World Cup.
“Hopefully we will have a sell out at the World Cup. Even though we lost the game, we definitely learned a lot.”
A record crowd witnessed New Zealand’s showdown with the Americans – 12,508 fans attending the fixture at Sky Stadium in Wellington.
“It was amazing. It was quite hard to hear on the field actually, but that’s what it will be like at the World Cup. So it was good to experience that,” Hassett said.
“Every time we got the ball, there was just crazy fan noises, so that was good. It was awesome we got that much support around us.”
Four days later, the experienced Phoenix attacker starred with a brace as Wellington celebrated their first win of the 2022-23 season and first since February last year.
It was a drought-ending day for the Phoenix, who had only scored three goals in the eight games prior to hosting Canberra at the ‘Cake tin’.
For Hassett – who bagged a brace for the first time since 2013, it was somewhat of a welcome change of scenery after taking on the might of the USA.
“It was a challenging game [against USA]. I didn’t get that many touches on the ball,” the 32-year-old said. “There was a lot of defending. That made me excited to play for the Phoenix again and be able to attack a bit more.
“I had a lot of energy just playing against those players and then going back to the A-Leagues, I think me and the other girls were just really excited to play again. We had adrenalin still from playing against the USA and I think that helped us.”
“I was super happy after the game. Our whole team played so well,” Hassett continued.
You could feel it on the field. Just to get that first win, I’m so proud of the girls.
“Everyone played a huge part in the game and we all suddenly connected, finally. It was a tough start to the season. It was so cool to get a win and to win by five goals was incredible.”
Hassett’s Football Ferns and Phoenix team-mate Satchell featured in both contests against the USWNT, coming off the bench in Wellington and starting the match in Auckland on Saturday.
“It was an amazing opportunity,” Satchell told KEEPUP. “All the girls took the chance because playing against a team like the USA, it was going to be challenging. But we just had to stick together and enjoy the moment.
“Playing in front of a record-breaking crowd was an amazing opportunity. I was able to have my friends and family there too.
“It was an unreal experience. I was glad to be there and play against some of the best players in the world.”
The following day, Wellington forward Satchell suited up and played 45 minutes for the triumphant Phoenix at Sky Stadium!
It was (in her words) “a very unusual situation” – playing for the national team outside of a FIFA window, but Satchell and her international team-mates were able to bring a unique experience back to the Phoenix.
“Playing against the USA, you are going to face some different challenges than you would playing in the A-Leagues,” she said.
“The quality you’re able to bring back to the club environment was huge. I think the girls who were training and playing with the Ferns did really well when they came back and kind of stepped it up another level.
“It was great to see. Maybe that contributed to getting the win on Sunday.
“Also, the girls playing for the ‘Nix stepped up as well because they knew we were gone and we would be a little bit fatigued. It was great everyone stepped up together.”
Sunday capped a special weekend for the Phoenix as a club.
Not only did the women’s team run riot, but the men saw off second-placed Central Coast Mariners in an Isuzu UTE A-League blockbuster. It meant the Phoenix claimed a doubleheader of victories for the first time.
Phoenix players and fans came together on the field to celebrate post-match.
Satchell said: “It was awesome. It really is a special club the Phoenix.
“The fans are always so loyal, even when we weren’t doing so well. It is a family environment. It was super amazing to celebrate not only our win but the men’s. It was one to remember.”
There were not just three points to come from the visit of Canberra over the weekend. There is also renewed belief ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brisbane Roar.
Bottom of the table with one point and three goals to their name, the Phoenix blew sixth-placed Canberra off the park from the opening whistle.
“We are very confident now, going into our next game,” said Hassett. “Just to get that win, we know now we can do it. It was really important for us that game [against Canberra].
Winning by five goals, we’re like ‘oh yeah, we are a good team, we can score goals’ and against top teams in the league.
“We will take that this weekend moving forward. Hopefully we can get another win.”