Three standout Wellington Phoenix players have earned spots in the Football Ferns squad for their upcoming internationals against Venezuela.
Midfielder Annalie Longo, winger Manaia Elliott, and forward Grace Jale have been named to represent New Zealand in two matches in southern Spain.
Longo has had an exceptional season for the Phoenix, leading the Ninja A-League in chances created. Her performances earned her the Lloyd Morrison Spirit of the Phoenix award, and she was named the club’s women’s player of the year. Longo also captained New Zealand in their recent internationals against Costa Rica in February and now has 138 senior caps.
Elliott, a rising star, captained New Zealand’s U-17 and U-20 teams. She was awarded the Phoenix members’ under-23 player of the year after scoring four goals in her second season with the club. Elliott made her Football Ferns debut in February against Costa Rica.
Jale, who has 34 caps for New Zealand, missed the Costa Rica matches due to injury and was unavailable for the Taiwan tour in April. However, she returned to play 21 matches for the Phoenix last season, scoring two goals.
New Zealand’s first match against Venezuela will be played at the Marbella Football Center in San Pedro de Alcántara on Saturday, May 31, with the second match on Tuesday, June 3 at a yet-to-be-announced venue in southern Spain.
Related topics:
