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How to tune into Sport NationPhoenix draw in Priestman's coaching return
AAP • November 8th, 2025 8:20 pm
Marisa van der Meer scored on her injury return to earn Wellington a point against Canberra | Photo: Masanori Udagawa/AAP
Former Canada manager Bev Priestman has been denied an ideal return to coaching with Wellington Phoenix forced to fight out a 1-1 draw with Canberra United.
Priestman took the helm of the A-League Women side for the first time at Sky Stadium on Saturday after being sacked as Canada's manager in July 2024 following the Paris Olympics drone spying scandal.
The 39-year-old, who guided Canada's women to Olympic gold in Tokyo, had served a FIFA-imposed one-year ban for her role in flying a drone over a closed New Zealand training session during last year's Games.
Bev Priestman had to settle for a draw in her return to coaching after a ban | Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP
Wellington started strongly in their season opener, with star Nepalese striker Sabitra Bhandari causing trouble for United goalkeeper Sally James early.
Canberra found their 18th-minute opener when former Central Coast championship player Brooke Nunn gave away possession to Michelle Heyman in the visitors' attacking half.
Heyman set up Josie Aulicino, who snuck the ball into the net from the wing when right-back Marisa van der Meer couldn't intercept the cross.
Van der Meer - on return from two consecutive ACL injuries - found redemption in the 39th minute, reacting the quickest when James failed to clear the ball after a Phoenix corner kick.
Both sides had plenty of looks in the second half but neither could pull off the match-winner.
The Phoenix Women head up the highway to Porirua Park next Sunday for their round 3 matchup with the Newcastle Jets.
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