Role surprises Phoenix defender

When Kate Taylor was asked to attend a meeting with the Wellington Phoenix coaching staff and goalkeeper Lily Alfeld, she assumed it must have been to discuss tactics ahead of their first A-League Women game on Friday.

The 18-year-old defender could not believe it when coach Gemma Lewis said the reason she had been called in was because she had been appointed as the team’s vicecaptain. Alfeld would serve as captain.

‘‘It was a big surprise,’’ Taylor said. ‘‘Lily and I had a meeting with the coaching staff yesterday and I had no idea what the meeting was about.’’

Taylor was signed by the Phoenix after catching the eye for National Women’s League champions Canterbury United Pride over the past three years.

Still coming to terms with her leadership promotion, Taylor said her main goal for the season was to nail down a starting role at centre-back, starting with the opening game against Western Sydney Wanderers.

‘‘If people outwork me then they do, but I’ll still be working hard and hoping to stay consistent so I can play as many minutes as possible. I did not think I would be sitting here in the position I am, let alone vice-captain, but on the field it’s still the same – you’ve got to work hard and do what you can for the team.’’