Wellington 1-0 Adelaide: Phoenix off the mark after win over Reds

Wellington Phoenix are up and running in the 2024-25 Ninja A-League season, after American midfielder Maya McCutcheon’s first-half goal decided a 1-0 win over Adelaide United in Unite Round.

The Phoenix travelled to Nestrata Jubilee Stadium without a point on the board through the first three rounds of the season but shocked third-place Adelaide in the first of six Unite Round fixtures set to be played at the Sydney venue this weekend.

Adelaide were in fine form heading into the Phoenix clash having notched consecutive wins over Western Sydney Wanderers and Canberra United but couldn’t keep momentum rolling in Unite Round, with the ‘Nix keeping red-hot striker Fiona Worts off the scoresheet in an impressive defensive display, highlighted by a series of big saves from keeper Claudia Jenkins.

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The first half looked set to finish goalless after chances at both ends before the ‘Nix struck on the cusp of half-time; American midfielder Maya McCutcheon ventured forward for a late Wellington set piece and was in the right place at the right time to head home her very first Ninja A-League goal.

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Emma Main was presented with a great chance to double Wellington’s lead in the second half when Reds defender Matilda McNamara misjudged a long ball and created space for the Phoenix forward to attack in behind.

Main travelled with the ball to the edge of the penalty area but Adelaide goalkeeper Claudia Jenkins was quick off her line to close to space and make a brilliant save to deny the Wellington forward in a one-on-one.

The Phoenix survived eight minutes of stoppage time with their one-goal lead intact to record their first win of the season in a gutsy Unite Round display.