Youthful Phoenix Set to Challenge Perth Glory in Australia Cup Showdown
So, here’s the scoop on an exciting clash coming up in the Australia Cup—Wellington Phoenix are heading across the ditch to face Perth Glory this Sunday in what promises to be a really intriguing Round of 32 matchup. What makes this game especially interesting is the bold squad selection from the Phoenix. Head coach Giancarlo Italiano is putting serious faith in his youth, naming a squad that features 14 academy products or reserve team players. That’s more than half the group, and it’s a clear sign the club’s future stars are being trusted on the big stage.
Now, many of these young players were already seen in action during Phoenix’s recent friendly against Wrexham AFC—a match they won 1-0. Players like fullback Ryan Lee, midfielders Anaru Cassidy, Fergus Gillion, Lachlan Candy, and centre back Mac Munro all got minutes and did enough to earn a spot on the plane to Perth. Goalkeeper Eamonn McCarron also made the cut after a solid second-half showing.
They’ll be backed by 13 senior players who are currently fit and available, including familiar names like Fin Roa Conchie, Isaac Hughes, Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues, and Jayden Smith—all academy graduates as well. The only returning senior who didn’t feature against Wrexham is Paulo Retre, who’s now back in the mix for Sunday’s Cup tie.
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But make no mistake—this isn’t just a development outing. Italiano made it very clear in his pre-match comments that the Phoenix are traveling to Perth with one goal: to win. He was quite firm about it, saying, “This isn’t just about playing the kids—we want to win every single game. Development and winning don’t have to be opposites.”
On the other side, Perth Glory’s head coach David Zdrilic is dealing with a different kind of challenge. His squad hasn’t had any trial matches, so this game will be their first hit-out of the pre-season. He’s said squad selection will be based mostly on fitness levels, trying to strike the right balance between getting minutes and avoiding early injuries.
And while the Glory do have the confidence of having beaten Phoenix 2-0 just a couple of months ago in the A-League, both sides have seen significant changes since then—including players switching sides. In fact, former Phoenix defenders Scott Wootton and Sam Sutton will now be wearing purple, lining up against their old club.
This match is actually the first-ever Australia Cup meeting between the two teams, despite their long A-League rivalry. With a kick-off at 7pm NZT this Sunday at Olympic Stadium in Perth, it’s going to be a compelling contest between a young, hungry Phoenix side and a Glory squad looking to find rhythm early in their pre-season.
Expect high energy, fresh faces, and maybe even a Cup-set in the making.
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