Video replay: Teenage ‘keeper takes Phoenix into FFA Cup semi-finals

posted in: News, Recognition

Three saves in a tense penalty shootout have taken 19-year-old goalkeeper Alex Paulsen into club folklore after the Wellington Phoenix reached the semi-finals of the FFA Cup for the first time.

Paulsen, making only his second first team start for the Nix, confidently saved penalties from Melbourne City’s Rosytn Griffiths, Scott Galloway and Marco Tilio, when the shootout was required to separate the sides after a goalless 90 minutes of cup football.

The former Lower Hutt City goalkeeper was in the side because of an injury to first-choice ‘keeper Oli Sail.

Though the Phoenix were without three regular players due to positive COVID-19 tests, the side held their nerve better than reigning A-League champions City to win the quarter final at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex.

The win sees the Phoenix go into the semi-final draw with Central Coast Mariners, Melbourne Victory and the winners of the Sydney v Brisbane Roar tie (to be played January 12).

Video replay

Check out Paulsen’s goalkeeping heroics again: