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The Live Sport Bible is here!Phoenix hero eager to finish the job after semi-final thriller
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • May 11th, 2026 12:08 pm
Makala Woods | Photo: Marty Melville/Photosport
Makala Woods revealed she was so anxious she "was going to vomit" while leading the Wellington Phoenix to secure a spot in their first ever A-League Women's final.
The Ohio native told Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy she was “nervous as crap” throughout the second leg of the semi-final against the Brisbane Roar and described her "heart falling into my butt" when - having netted in the first half - she missed a crucial shot at goal late in the game, as she was denied by the woodwork at Porirua Park on Sunday.
The 23-year-old said she was praying for one more shot to redeem herself and her wish was ultimately granted, as Woods fired home in the 102nd minute of extra time to clinch her team's place in this weekend's showpiece, advancing 3-2 on aggregate.
“I was like, 'please, I promise you, if you give me one more, this will go in the back of the net' - then it did," Woods recalled.
“The whistle blew and then it was just all happiness and butterflies, and everyone crying and being emotional.
“It was definitely up and down, but it was so worth it. And God, I loved every minute of it.”
Woods said her team are “all really excited” for Saturday’s A-League final against Melbourne City.
Melbourne City have previously dominated the Wellington Phoenix, winning all six of their previous encounters dating back to 2022.
“We just really want to get the job done.”
“The history we've made, no one can take that away from us so we'll go in playing free and excited.”
Woods also revealed she has resigned with the Phoenix, extending her stay to include 2026-27 A-League Women's season.
“I love them too much, they've trapped me. I'm in now, I'm emotionally invested.
“I think we have the best fans in the league, hands down. It's also just so amazing seeing the support, especially for the women's game.”
Woods said the semi-final crowd in Porirua was the largest crowd she has played in front of.
“Their momentum, their support, just everything. It just meant so much.”
Listen to the full interview below.
