Source: Radio New Zealand
Makala Woods of the Wellington Phoenix runs ball back to half way after scoring. photosport
American striker Makala Woods has rescued a 1-1 draw for Wellington Phoenix away to Melbourne Victory, to keep the Kiwi club second on the A-League women’s standings.
Wood scored her fourth goal since joining the club as an injury replacement in January, finding the net in the 87th minute after the Victory had taken the lead from the penalty spot early in the second half.
It’s only the second time Wellington have left Melbourne with the sour taste of defeat, pleasing head coach Bev Priestman ahead of a three-week break.
“I’m delighted to pick up a point on the road,” Priestman said.
“We had a lot of chances that we should have put away and that’s a little bit of a learning for us, but with the tight turnaround, in that heat, and when you pick up a point late in the game…it always feels better than probably a draw from the beginning.
“Credit to Victory. I thought it was a very good performance from them. They really tested us.
“But I’m happy we got the point and probably this international break is much needed for the group.”
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT
It’s Woods’ ninth goal contribution in just seven matches, with five assists to go with her four goals since joining the squad at the start of the year.
Priestman made two changes to the side which started last Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Central Coast, with Grace Jale and Emma Pijnenburg returning in place of Mackenzie Anthony and Daisy Brazendale.
The Victory were awarded a penalty in the 51st minute after Wellington midfielder Jale was deemed to have fouled her opposite Sofia Sakalis. Rhianna Pollicina converted the spot kick, picking out the top left corner.
Woods drew the Phoenix level, controlling a defence-splitting pass from Pia Vlok and then shooting past Courtney Newbon and into the left hand corner. It came after a string of Wellington corners.
Seven Phoenix players will now head away on international duty.
Wellington will next play host to Brisbane Roar on 14 March.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
