Wellington Phoenix clear the decks with departure of overseas players

Olivia Fergusson was the leading scorer for the Phoenix in the 2024-25 season.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Wellington Phoenix women’s football side has had a major cleanout of its overseas players.

Portuguese goalkeeper Carolina Vilão, English striker Olivia Fergusson, Americans Maya McCutcheon and Alivia Kelly and Japanese winger Mebae Tanaka won’t be returning to the club next season.

The Phoenix have already signed experienced Dutch midfielder Tessel Middag, Dominican Republic captain Lucía León and American defender Ellie Walker for the 2025-26 campaign with a fourth visa signing to come.

Director of football Shaun Gill said all five of the departing group “had a positive impact on the team, on and off the pitch”.

“Fergie was our top goal scorer last season, while Maya, Alivia and Mebae all scored their maiden A-League goals for the club and Carolina kept four clean sheets, which is level for the most in the team’s history.”

The Phoenix finished ninth in the 12-team competition last season, recording only seven wins in 23 matches.

Coach Paul Temple ended a near decade long association with the club when he wasn’t offered a new contract.

The club is yet to announce his replacement.

Paul Temple
Photo: Photosport

-RNZ