Wellington Phoenix Women Hit #1 With 4th Straight Win

The Wellington Phoenix women's soccer team is proving that patience and persistence pay off in spectacular fashion.

After years of building their program, the Phoenix claimed first place in the A-League Women table on Friday with a 1-0 victory over Perth Glory at Sky Stadium. It's the first time in five seasons they've reached the summit, and they did it by setting a new club record with four straight wins.

American striker Makala Woods provided the heroics, scoring in the final moments of the first half. She celebrated with her signature dance moves, much to the delight of 3,800 fans who erupted into chants of "we are top of the table" at the final whistle.

Woods has been nothing short of sensational since joining as a mid-season injury replacement. She's contributed a goal or assist in every single game she's played, proving that sometimes the best additions come when you least expect them.

The goal came from textbook teamwork. Woods and teammate Lucia Leon pressed high on Perth's defense, forced a turnover, and Woods finished with a confident right-footed strike from inside the penalty area.

The Ripple Effect

This victory means more than just three points for Wellington soccer fans. With seven games remaining in the season, the Phoenix are in prime position to win the Premiers' Plate, the trophy awarded to the team finishing first in the regular season.

The timing couldn't be better either. Melbourne City's surprise defeat earlier in the week opened the door, and the Phoenix walked right through it.

Coach Bev Priestman, who has transformed the team's fortunes, emphasized the historic nature of the moment. "We spoke about making history as a team," she said after the match. "First is a first for this team and so is four wins in a row."

The league standings are incredibly tight, with only four points separating the Phoenix from fifth-place Adelaide United. That means every match matters, but Wellington has momentum on their side.

Next up, they'll try to extend their winning streak to five games when they host reigning champions Central Coast Mariners at Porirua Park. The Phoenix are writing a new chapter in their story, one victory at a time.