The Wellington Phoenix women’s reserves are ready for their biggest game of the season.
They’re hosting reigning National League champions Auckland United at Fraser Park on Saturday afternoon in the semi-finals of the Kate Sheppard Cup.
Phoenix women’s reserves head coach Callum Holmes is enjoying the atmosphere before the Cup tie.
“There’s a bit of a buzz around the academy for this game,” Holmes said.
“There’s been a really positive vibe around training this week. The group are really tight knit, and we’ve got a good culture and understanding around what we’re trying to do.
“I expected a bit of nervousness, but that’s not happened so we’re really excited and ready to go.”
Auckland feature several players with A-League experience, and Holmes is keeping the pre-match message simple.
“They’re a great team. They’re top of the Northern League and they’ve only conceded eight goals all season.
“We’ve prepared, and we’re ready to go. It’s just about going out and putting our best foot forward, making sure that we know we have the quality to compete.”
This is the first season that the Phoenix have competed in the Kate Sheppard Cup, and they’ve welcomed the “meaningful games against high quality women’s opposition”.
“It’s one of those things that has been a long time coming, and it will hopefully push players to more first team opportunities.
“One part of development, especially at the top end when we’re talking about developing professionals, is about learning when to win, how to win, and what that entails.
“When it’s competitive and there’s a lot on the line, it’s really important that we teach the players about those moments.
“It’s not tactical or technical, but a feeling within the game. That’s a really important aspect which enhances what we’re trying to do at the academy.”
The Phoenix have beaten Central League sides Wellington United, Seatoun, Petone and Waterside Karori so far in the Cup, with all ties on the road.
Holmes is hoping to attract a partisan crowd to Fraser Park.
“If anyone can get down, they should be there. I think you’re going to see some of the best under-20 talent and future Football Ferns in the country. There’s not a better place to do that.
“Hopefully there’ll be a few people down here. It’s a good day for the academy, which continues to grow.
“There are players across both teams who are going to be heading off four days later to the under-20 world cup in Colombia. It’ll be a nice celebration and send off for them.”
Co-captain and centre back Ella McMillan is “fizzing” to be part of the occasion.
“This is an opportunity for us to be able to play against other women’s teams in a competition where every game matters,” she said.
“Hopefully we can draw a good crowd and have our families there watching.
“For some of us, this is the biggest game that we’ve played in. It’s really cool to be able to do that at home.”
McMillan, 19, made two Liberty A-League appearances during the 23-24 season and is not overawed by the matchup.
“They have some really quality players, but so do we.
“It’s important for us to take it as an opportunity, and look at it like they’re just another team.
“We use that to strive for high standards in training, play our best, and push ourselves against the best players.”
The Kate Sheppard Cup semi-final against Auckland United is scheduled to kick off at Fraser Park at 1pm on Saturday, August 17.
There will be free entry to the game, which will also be streamed live on FIFA+.
Wellington Phoenix Reserves squad: Aimee DANIELI (gk), Brooke NEARY (gk), Marie GREEN (cc), Ella MCMILLAN (cc), Grace BARTLETT, Daisy BRAZENDALE, Alyssha EGLINTON, Kyra ELDER, Manaia ELLIOTT, Georgie FURNELL, Mackenzie GREENE, Phoebe HAWES, Nova HILL, Emily HUMPHREY, Olivia INGHAM, Ela JEREZ, Ellie JOHNSON, Ella MCCANN, Zoe McMEEKEN, Libby MCMILLAN, Lara SMITH.
Auckland United squad: Hannah MITCHELL (gk), Talisha GREEN (c), Penny BRILL, Dani CANHAM, Alexis COOK, Chelsea ELLIOT, Michaela FOSTER, Alaina GRANGER, Estelle GRANGER, Yume HARASHIMA, Chloe KNOTT, Greer MACINTOSH, Ruby NATHAN, Poppy O’BRIEN, Charlotte ROCHE, Saskia VOSPER, Rene WASI.
