Wellington Phoenix have confirmed they will play a practise match against the New Zealand under-20 men's soccer squad in Masterton on Sunday, June 17. Intentions are for Wellington Phoenix to field the full complement of players they have contracted for their inaugural season in the Hyundai A-League, which will kick offin early August. Included amongst them will be Brazilians Daniel Lins Cortez and Felipe de Souza, Australians Royce Brownlie and Karl Dodd and New Zealand internationals Vaughan Coveny, Jeremy Christie, Tony Lochhead, Steve Olds and Glen Moss. "Right now the idea is to make it a serious hit out for the whole squad ... everybody who is fit and able will be there," Wellington Phoenix media and communications manager John Mitchell said. Mitchell believes the practise match will be a big assist to Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert as he readies his side for their first official appearance, which will come on July 14 in the Pre-Season Cup competition. Their opponents there will be the Central Coast Mariners and the match will be played in Gosford. The Pre-Season Cup is the lead-up to the Hyundai A- League and the Phoenix's first home match will be that against high fliers Sydney FC at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on July 21. Mitchell said the Masterton practise match would also give Herbert, who is also All Whites coach, an ideal opportunity to "suss out" the talent within the national under-20 squad. ""The young guys will be very excited about matching up against the Phoenix ... it's a big chance for them to impress the right people," he said. Mitchell also noted the Wellington Phoenix would use the match, tentatively scheduled for 11am at the sports bowl, to spread their own message in the Wairarapa. Spectators would have the opportunity to speak with the players and get autographs and various club items would be made available too. "We see the Wairarapa as being very much part of our organisation and hopefully we'll get good numbers there to show us their support for our endeavours," he said.
