Victory open at Wellington today

Victory Women have opened the season with a one-nil away win over Western Sydney Wanderers. Alana Jančevski settled the match in the thirty-second minute, curling in a free kick from around thirty yards. Four off-season recruits started: Angie Beard, Sophie Harding, Anna Sutter and Alicia Woods. Courtney Newbon protected the lead with a sharp second-half save from Talia Younis. The one concern was Claudia Bunge, who was replaced after feeling discomfort in her leg. The result gives Victory three points and a clean sheet at the first attempt. They travel to Wellington Phoenix next weekend.

In the men’s game, Victory begin their A-League season away to Wellington Phoenix at one o’clock this afternoon, Melbourne time. It is their third match in nine days after the Australia Cup Final and Wednesday’s three-nil AFC Champions League Two win over FC Seoul. Louis D’Arrigo is the only unavailable Victory player. The club lists his leg injury as short-term, while the match preview says he is still working his way back.

Wellington are beginning a new chapter under Chris Greenacre, who is starting his first season as permanent head coach. Greenacre says the Phoenix accept the underdog tag, but intend to attack the game and make Hnry Stadium difficult for visiting teams. He expects Victory to arrive ready to go after their cup final and midweek win in Asia. The fixture also echoes Wellington’s first A-League match in 2007, a two-all draw with Victory, as the Phoenix begin their twentieth season.

Sources:
Melbourne Victory
Melbourne Victory
Melbourne Victory
Wellington Phoenix