The Wellington Phoenix Women have promoted one of their youth players just before the team’s first finals appearance.
Eighteen-year-old Mikaela Bangalan was signed to the Phoenix academy this year, but has quickly worked her way up the ranks and earned a call-up to the first team travelling squad to facethe Brisbane Roar in the A-League Women’s semi-final.
Head coach Bev Priestman spoke highly of the teenager’s ability and how she’s slotted in well with the other players.
“As an overall club philosophy, that’s why we have the women’s reserves and the academy, to give opportunities to players to come in and then see how they cope with that environment.
Teenager Mikaela Bangalan has been promoted to the Phoenix Women's first team before their semi-final against the Brisbane Roar. Photo / Photosport
“She’s really impressed, not only to end this season, but I also think next season she’s a great addition to the squad.”
Bangalan represented New Zealand at under-16 level and was part of the national team squad at the under-17 World Cup last year.
She also has history with Football Ferns and Phoenix midfielder Pia Vlok, with both having represented Auckland teams Fencibles United and Bucklands Beach.
The Phoenix Women had their most impressive season ever, finishing second on the A-League Women’s regular season ladder, scoring 38 goals and conceding just 17 in the process, league-high statistics in both categories.
The Wellington side will face the Brisbane Roar in their two-legged semi-final after the Roar dominated Adelaide United in their elimination final last week and won 3-0.
The Nix beat their opponents in their last match-up on March 14 3-0, but could only manage a draw when they travelled across the Ditch earlier in the season.
The first leg kicks off at 7pm on Sunday, May 3, at Brisbane’s Spencer Park, with the return fixture a week later at Porirua Park.
