The club has clinched a top-two finish in the regular A-League season for the first time ever after notching a win over the Melbourne Victory in torrential rain in Wellington.
The decisive moment came in the 94th minute when 20-year-old defender Finn Surman netted the winning goal with a header deflected off Melbourne player Roderick Miranda.
The goal, orchestrated by substitute Oskar Van Hattum’s precise free-kick, sent the crowd into a frenzy as Surman soared above to secure the crucial victory.
Returning Phoenix captain Alex Rufer praised the team’s guts and resilience, and the importance of bouncing back from last week’s defeat to the Central Coast Mariners.
With 49 points, the Phoenix currently lead the A-League table, eight points ahead of the third-placed Victory and three points ahead of the Mariners in second position.
The upcoming clash with the Jets in Newcastle presents another opportunity for the Phoenix to further solidify their position in the league standings. While they can still secure second place the team have already guaranteed their best-ever regular season finish.
