A-League Round 13: Ninja’s Standout Match Analysis
The Wellington Phoenix celebrated their first win of the year by defeating Canberra United 2-0 in Round 13 of the A-League Women. This victory was secured at McKellar Park in Canberra on January 17, 2026, thanks to two late goals from young substitutes Zoe Benson and Pia Vlok, both former teammates at Auckland United.
A-League Women’s Round 13 Match Overview
Wellington’s performance elevated them to sixth place on the league table, now just three points behind Canberra with a game in hand. The match remained scoreless until the 86th minute when Benson, only recently subbed in, broke the deadlock. Vlok added a second goal deep into injury time, sealing the win.
Match Highlights
- Date: January 17, 2026
- Location: McKellar Park, Canberra
- Final Score: Wellington Phoenix 2, Canberra United 0
- Key Players:
- Zoe Benson – Scored the first goal in the 86th minute.
- Pia Vlok – Scored the second goal in the 96th minute.
- Attendance: Supported by a strong contingent known as Yellow Fever.
Match Events
Canberra was at a numerical disadvantage for the entire second half after defender Tegan Bertolissio received a red card just before half-time. Head coach Bev Priestman emphasized the importance of patience in achieving the win, highlighting the consistent performances of both young players.
Coaching Decisions
Priestman made strategic changes to the lineup following a previous defeat to Melbourne City. New signings Makala Woods and Emma Pijnenburg were included in the starting XI, while Vlok and Daisy Brazendale started on the bench. Changes at halftime were also necessary due to an injury to stand-in captain Mackenzie Barry.
Despite a one-player advantage, Wellington faced challenges in breaking through Canberra’s defense. Their breakthrough finally came when a deflected ball found Benson, who expertly scored. Vlok’s sensational shot shortly after finished the scoring for the day, ensuring a solid three points for the Phoenix.
Next Matches
The Wellington Phoenix will return home to face Adelaide United at Porirua Park on Sunday, giving them a week to prepare for the match.
Player Statistics
| Player | Position | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Zoe Benson | Forward | 1 |
| Pia Vlok | Forward | 1 |
The encouraging performance from the young substitutes signals a bright future for the Wellington Phoenix and reaffirms their commitment to nurturing young talent.
