Melbourne City opened the defense of its A-League Women double the way it closed last season, by beating Wellington Phoenix. Momo Hayashi struck a free kick over the fingertips of Victoria Esson in the 87th minute at Hnry Stadium in Wellington, completing a 2-1 comeback in a rematch of May's Grand Final, which City won 3-1 at AAMI Park.
Wellington led through Makala Woods, who finished from close range in the 51st minute after a loose ball fell to her in the box. Woods had already hit the crossbar with a lifted effort over Malena Mieres in the 31st minute. City's reply came from two new arrivals. Substitute Emma Main brought down Taylor Ray in the area, and Melina Ayres converted the penalty in the 73rd minute in her first City appearance in almost a decade. Kelli McGroarty, on for her A-League debut moments earlier, won the free kick just outside the box that Hayashi sent in to settle it.
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