Marisa van der Meer celebrates after scoring for Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Masanori Udagawa
Wellington Phoenix women have kicked off the Bev Priestman era with a 1-1 draw against Canberra United in the capital.
After an off-season signing spree and the hiring of the former Canadian women's football coach, expectations were high for the newlook Phoenix to be an attacking force upfront on Saturday.
That didn't quite come to fruition, as the new combinations failed to gel at times and produced underpowered, easily read efforts on goal.
On the other hand, Wellington's defence was rock steady, as Canberra's speedy front-line pushed the home side to the limit, particularly with the clock ticking down.
Scores were level at half-time, with neither side able to break the deadlock in the second spell.
Canberra scored first through Josie Aulicino, after a defensive blunder from the home side approaching the 20-minute mark.
A costly air swing from Wellington defender Marisa van der Meer let the ball rocket into the back of the net.
Wellington hit back after 40 minutes, with van der Meer making amends for her defensive error by drawing level off the corner.
Phoenix keeper Victoria Esson starred on debut, as she pushed the ball over the bar at full stretch in an incredible save to deny Canberra the lead before the half-time break.
New Wellington striker Sabitra Bhandari - popularly known as 'Samba' - was lively in attack, but the Nepalese international didn't always pick the best option.
Canberra's defence stood firm under repeated attacks, as goalkeeper Sally James barely put a foot wrong all afternoon.
Potent on attack, Canberra looked to have the run of play late in the second, but they too were unable to break through.
Young Australian midfielder Ava Briedis nearly made it count late, except for another strong save from Esson.
Canberra have won the last three contests between the sides.
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