The Wellington Phoenix women have been beaten for the first time in 2025, losing 2-1 to Adelaide United in the heat..
Adelaide scored both of their goals late in the first half to lead 2-0 at break and held on despite conceding an own goal in the 59th minute.
LATEST HEADLINES:
Wellington Phoenix side continues to struggle
Fatigue seemed to play it's part for the Nix who beat Western Sydney Wanderers 3-0 on Thursday but were not able to complete the double on Sunday.
The result sees the two sides trade places on thepoints table with Adelaide moving into fourth and Wellington dropping to fifth and level on points with sixth-placed Central Coast.
The match kicked off in 34C degree heat at Marden Sports Complex and play was stopped twice in each half for drinks breaks.
The Phoenix looked the more dangerous of the two sides in the opening 15 minutes but could not convert opportunities.
Adelaide finished the half the stronger of the two sides keeping hold of possesion and staging a couple of late attacks.
The Phoenix found themselves behind in the 41st minute when Carolina Vilão was unable to claim a cross-come-shot from Emily Condon as she was put under pressure by Adelaide captain Ella Tonkin.
Vilão believed she was fouled but the goal stood.
Three minutes later Adelaide doubled their lead when Chelsie Dawber won possession inside Wellington's half, and slotted home from six yards out and the Nix were unable to find a way back into the match before half-time.
Alyssa Whinham helped the Phoenix pull a goal back before the first drinks break of the second half when she delivered a cross from the byline that Lucia Leon turned into her own net.
The Phoenix will make the long trip back to Wellington today and will be back at home on Sunday to play Newcastle Jets at Porirua Park.