The Wellington Phoenix women’s side have begun the Bev Priestman era with a 1-1 draw against Canberra United in their A-League season opener at Sky Stadium.
Defender Marisa van der Meer made up for an early defensive blunder to equalise as the Phoenix claimed points in their season-opening fixture forjust the second time in their history.
But all eyes were on Priestman, who returned to the sidelines for the first time in 15 months after her involvement in a drone scandal that rocked last year’s Paris Olympics.
Priestman, who was coaching Canada’s women’s team at the time, used drones to spy on Football Ferns training.
While the appointment was controversial, she brings a winning pedigree that also lured top players back to New Zealand, including CJ Bott, Macey Fraser and Victoria Esson, as the Phoenix try to qualify for the playoffs for the first time.
Bev Priestman is the new coach of the Wellington Phoenix women’s side. Photo / Photosport
The Phoenix were a little disjointed in their first game as they adjust to a new-look team, but there were plenty of promising signs they will be more competitive under Priestman’s stewardship.
Bott, who was named captain for the opener, felt they were underwhelming.
“We have so much more to give,” Bott told Sky Sports. “It was disappointing that we couldn’t give 100% today, but we’ve got more to give this season.
“There’s always room for growth there, but we do know each other well. I think it’s just a matter of physically preparing a little bit better and maybe we let the occasion get the better of us.
“We’ll have a look and watch the game over and see where we can improve.”
Import striker Sabitra Bhandari showed her qualities for the Phoenix with plenty of high-quality runs, but the Nepalese striker lacked the final touch, which Priestman will hope comes as she adjusts to life in the A-League.
Bhandari created a couple of early chances for the Phoenix, including one when she was in front of goal with only the keeper to beat, but didn’t convert.
Canberra then opened the scoring against the run of play when Josie Aulicino crossed the ball into the box and Marisa van der Meer misjudged the clearance as it bounced past her and Esson into the back of the net.
Defender van der Meer then went from villain to hero when she volleyed home the equaliser in the 39th minute.
Esson denied Canberra with a wonderful save right on halftime with the scores locked at 1-1.
The Phoenix started the second half with more tempo and more possession but momentum swung in Canberra’s favour in the final 20 minutes of the contest, but neither side could break the deadlock.
The Phoenix are back in action next Sunday against the Newcastle Jets at Porirua Park.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
