Six Wellington Phoenix players were part of the New Zealand side that competed at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.
The U-17 Football Ferns opened the tournament with a 4-1 loss to reigning bronze medallists Nigeria.
Alysha Eglinton captained the team, with fellow Phoenix players Ela Jerez, Emily Humphrey, Brooke Neary and Katie Pugh all in the starting eleven. Grace Bartlett also appeared as a second half substitute.
Jerez also provided the assist for the goal from a corner.
Eglinton, Jerez, Bartlett, and Pugh would end up playing a part in every game for the Wellington Phoenix.
New Zealand then claimed a 1-1 draw against the host nation, and were unlucky not to win after hitting the woodwork multiple times.
The Ferns forced an own goal following another dangerous Jerez corner, with Bartlett unlucky not to have the goal credited to her. Alysha Eglinton was named player of the match.
A 4-0 loss to Ecuador in their final group game saw them exit at the first stage, but the tournament provided valuable international experience.
Jerez will now return to Wellington as part of the Phoenix first team squad, after signing a scholarship deal in August.
Meanwhile, the other five squad members will join up with the reserves to continue the National League season.
Highlights and replays of all FIFA U-17 World Cup games are available for free on FIFA+.
