When Wellington Phoenix was founded in 2007, Luke Brooke-Sith wasn’t even born.
Now, the 16-year-old is the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer, having claimed a special piece of Phoenix history on an otherwise dismal day for the club, in which Brooke-Smith’s goal was a mere consolation in a 6-1 New Zealand Derby defeat to Auckland FC.
MATCH REPORT: Phoenix ‘pulverised’ by Auckland as 6-1 rout completes NZ Derby clean sweep
Brooke-Smith came off the bench at half-time for Wellington in Saturday’s derby with his side trailing 3-0 against the Black Knights. It took the teenager just four minutes to make his impact, as he pounced on a loose ball in the box to convert the first goal of his professional career.
In doing so, Brooke-Smith jumped to the top of Wellington’s list of youngest-ever goalscorers, eclipsing a star cast of Phoenix club favourites atop the list.
Wellington Phoenix – youngest-ever Isuzu UTE A-League goalscorers
- Luke Brooke Smith (16 years, 261 days)
- Ben Waine: 18 years, 145 days
- Liberato Cacace: 18 years, 163 days
- Kosta Barbarouses: 18 years, 334 days
- Sarpreet Singh: 18 years, 362 days
“He is the youngest-ever Wellington Phoenix goalscorer!” Said Sky Sports commentator Jason Pine after the historic strike.
“Still not yet 17, and the youngest man out there has thrown Wellington Phoenix a lifeline. He wasn’t even born when the club was formed.”
“A really intriguing prospect, Luke Brooke-Smith,” added co-commentator Jacob Spoonley.
“I’ve liked what I’ve seen from him so far. He’s reminiscent of a (Wellington) club legend, he plays very similarly to Paul Ifill.”
Post-game, Brooke-Smith dedicated his special first A-Leagues goal to his mum, whose birthday fell on the same day as Saturday’s derby.
“It’s my mum’s birthday today – I love you mum!” He told Sky Sports post-game.
“I said I was going to score for her three months ago when I saw (the Derby was) on the 22nd of February, so I’m really happy to do it.”
MATCH REPORT: Phoenix ‘pulverised’ by Auckland as 6-1 rout completes NZ Derby clean sweep
