Melina Ayres managed to just squeeze the ball past goalkeeper Victoria Esson and gave her side plenty of momentum heading into the latter stages of the game.
Makala Woods scored for the Phoenix women in their defeat to Melbourne City. Photo / Photosport
It took a stunning free kick from Momo Hayashi near the corner of Wellington’s box to give last season’s champions the lead, which was drilled past Esson who had no chance of making the save.
Bev Priestman’s side can be disappointed to have fallen 2-1 to last season’s champions again, but there were plenty of signs the team would continue to progress under her leadership.
The men’s team had contrasting fortunes in their fixture against Melbourne Victory, taking an early lead off the head of Corban Piper.
Riley Bidois’ winner sent the Phoenix men to second on the A-League ladder behind Auckland FC. Photo / Photosport
Melbourne Victory worked their way back into the contest 10 minutes later thanks to Charles Nduka who capitalised off a driving run from Denis Genreau and a generous bounce which sat up perfectly, setting up a tense finale.
Phoenix coach Chris Greenacre can be considered a genius for substituting Riley Bidois on in the 77th minute as he scored seconds after stepping on the pitch with a slick finish off a brilliant pass sent into the box by Nathan Walker.
The Wellington Phoenix women sit eighth after their first game of the season, while the men are second behind Auckland FC.