Phoenix starts tour with easy win

The scoreline flattered the home side as Phoenix failed to capitalise on many scoring opportunities, thanks in part to some fine goalkeeping by Yoon Tae.

But the keeper could do nothing to stop Paul Ifill from opening the scoring in the 34th minute.

Tyler Boyd, who started alongside Ifill up front, added a second just before halftime with a superb volley that flew into the top corner of Tae’s goal.

The heavens opened early in the second half and torrential rain flooded the ground.

That, along with some substitutions, upset Phoenix’s rhythm and it wasn’t until the closing minutes that it added a third through a Louis Fenton header.

Coach Ricki Herbert said he was pleased to get the first game of the tour under his belt and was satisfied with the way things went.

“That was what we needed,” Herbert said.

“It was a level up to what we have been playing and they have plenty of pace so it was a good test for us.

“We created some good chances and our pace looked good at the top.

“It was also pleasing that six of our academy players got a run and that we got through the game injury free.”