Phoenix Maya Mccutcheon with Melbourne's Rachel Lowe during the A-League Women. Photo: Marty Melville/Photosport
Despite the Wellington Phoenix's dream start against Melbourne Victory at Porirua Park the A-League match ended in disappointment.
Less than two minutes into the game on Saturday Phoenix midfielder Maya McCutcheon headed in a goal from a corner to give the home side an early lead against one of the competition's front runners.
A defensive error just after the hour mark allowed Victory to equalise, and the match finished 1-1.
Wellington Phoenix head coach Paul Temple was left frustrated after the team's performance was not reflected by the scoreline.
"I think we've probably come away from it disappointed with a point to be honest.
"I thought we controlled the game from start to finish. We had more possession, more of of the ball, made more passes, looked the more likely.
"Ultimately, they got a goal off a mistake of ours, and that's a horrible way to concede.
"For the players involved, they're really frustrated with themselves, we're frustrated as a team, but it's just part of football as well."
The Phoenix could have had a greater lead at half-time and Temple rued missed chances.
"The first half was good, it was what we intended from the game. Nick's [coach Nick Stanton] been working hard with them on set pieces, and one of those came off brilliantly.
"It's great when one of those comes off. As a staff, it's what you work on, and we were really good in the first half. The rotation down the left side with Lara, Grace, and Annalie was deadly, and I thought they really struggled to contain us down that side.
"We just didn't use it as much in the second half, which is frustrating and something we have to work on.
"I thought we missed an opportunity in the first half when we were that dominant to put another goal away. When you're only 1-0 up, there's that really fine edge.
"Victory are a team that's been around finals, they know how to grind out results year after year, and they did that today."
Seventeen-year -old Ela Jerez made her debut for the Phoenix after signing a scholarship deal at the beginning of the season.
"The first three months she was adjusting to being a professional. She's still so young, learning what it's like, but she's been really professional with her mentality as the year's gone on," Temple said.
"It's hard for a young player to come in, they're so nervous, but it's good for her to get it out of the way. You'll start to see her qualities come out. She's a really technical player."
The Phoenix will return to action next Sunday, making the long trip to Perth to face the Glory in the final match before the international break.
