Phoenix women secure historic A-League finals spot with 3-1 win

A resilient comeback and club-record points haul send the Phoenix soaring. Now, they chase top seeding with three games left before playoffs.

, and ASMedia

2026 March 21 . 7:07 PM

1 min read

The image shows a group of women playing soccer on a field surrounded by buildings, trees, poles,... — The image shows a group of women playing soccer on a field surrounded by buildings, trees, poles, and a clear blue sky. On the right side of the image, there is a goal post with a net, indicating that the women are part of a women's soccer team.

Phoenix women secure historic A-League finals spot with 3-1 win

The Wellington Phoenix women's team has booked their spot in the A-League finals with a 3-1 victory over Sydney FC. The win marks their ninth of the season and pushes them into second place on the ladder. Three matches remain before the playoffs, leaving the side in contention for top seeding.

Sydney FC took an early lead, but the Phoenix responded quickly. Pia Vlok levelled the score with a well-taken equaliser before half-time.

The second half saw the visitors take control. Marisa van der Meer and Brooke Nunn both found the net, sealing a comfortable 3-1 win. Coach Bev Priestman called the performance *'a bit of a mixed bag'* but praised the team's resilience and result. The victory lifts the Phoenix to 31 points from 17 matches—a new club record. With three games left, they now sit just behind the league leaders. Their next challenge comes midweek, as they remain in New South Wales to face Central Coast Mariners in a rescheduled fixture.

The win guarantees the Phoenix a finals berth for the first time this season. Their 31-point haul is the highest in club history, setting a strong foundation for the playoffs. The team will now focus on securing the best possible seeding before the post-season begins.