Wellington Phoenix have signed American forward Makala Woods on a deal until the end of the 2025-26 Ninja A-League season.
Capable of playing across the front line, the 23-year-old joins as a replacement for Dutch midfielder Tessel Middag, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Wellington’s opening game of the campaign.
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Playing for both the University of Illinois and the University of Kentucky, Woods arrives having most recently played professionally in Iceland.
“I was really keen to bring someone into the squad that will not only enhance us but will add a different problem for our opponents. I think Makala will do that,” said Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman.
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“She’s experienced. She went to really good NCAA schools, she’s played professionally in Iceland and along the way she’s scored goals.
“Makala will definitely add a different dynamic to the frontline.
She added: “I’m really excited to see how she fits into this team and complements some of the forwards that we’ve already got.”
Joining a frontline which already contains the likes of Nepalese superstar Sabitra ‘Samba’ Bhandari, Championship winner Brooke Nunn and Kiwi forward Emma Main, Woods has already touched down in New Zealand and is ready to get going.
“I’m super gritty,” said Woods when asked what Wellington fans can expect from here this season.
“Everyone in American soccer is strong, fast and athletic so you’ve got to get down, get dirty and do the hard things.
She added: “That’s the type of player I am. Some people might be better skilled, but no one is going to work harder than me.”
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Originally a defender, Woods transitioned into the attack whilst still in the states and was ultimately named in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) first team after bagging 11 goals in 2024.
After impressing on home soil, Woods then gained her first professional experience with Tindastóll in Iceland last year.
“It was a great rookie year. I got my foot in the door, I got all of the nervousness out and the shakes and the jitters of being my first year playing pro.
“Now that I’ve got all of that out of the way and I know what it’s like to be in a professional environment, it will set me up to be successful in the future.”
Woods will wear the no. 31 shirt for the Wellington Phoenix and is a chance of making her club debut against Melbourne City at Porirua Park this Saturday.
