Wellington Phoenix men and women split opening A-League matches

Sunday 18 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 8 reports · updated Sun 18 Oct, 6:04pm

In this story Wellington Phoenix, Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City, A-League Women

The Wellington Phoenix men defeated Melbourne Victory 2-1 at Hnry Stadium to start their A-League season. In the earlier women's fixture, the Phoenix lost 2-1 to Melbourne City following late goals from Melina Ayers and Momo Hayashi.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffSun 18 Oct, 11:45am

   Live: Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne City - A-League Women round one (opens in new tab)

   • City stun Phoenix with late Momo Hayashi free-kick (opens in new tab) Sun 18 Oct, 2:13pm
   • Wellington Phoenix A-League Women player ratings: Tell us how they performed against Melbourne City (opens in new tab) Sun 18 Oct, 2:20pm
   • Live: Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory - A-League Men round one (opens in new tab) Sun 18 Oct, 2:30pm
   • Wellington Phoenix A-League Men player ratings: Tell us how they performed against Melbourne Victory (opens in new tab) Sun 18 Oct, 5:01pm
2. The Post via StuffSun 18 Oct, 2:43pm

   A-League Women: Late agony for Wellington Phoenix in grand final rematch 2-1 loss to Melbourne City (opens in new tab)

   • A-League Men: Wellington Phoenix beat Melbourne Victory 2-1 after Riley Bidois’ late goal in season opener (opens in new tab) Sun 18 Oct, 5:14pm
3. NZ HeraldSun 18 Oct, 6:04pm

   Wellington Phoenix men start A-League campaign with a bang, women’s team fall in grand-final rematch (opens in new tab)