They arrived by the bus load, and were loud and proud. The Phoenix's new Mexican supporter base made their presence felt at WIN Stadium on Sunday.
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More than 100 noisy fans were in Wollongong to watch one man, Wellington captain Ulises Davila, the only Mexican player in the A-League.
Positioned behind the goal posts, the fans - decked out in sombreros and national team jerseys - created an electric atmosphere, chanting and dancing (one even played a saxophone) as the Phoenix played out a 2-2 draw with Western Sydney.
Their trip to WIN Stadium was made possible thanks to financial support from the Wollongong-based club.
While police and security kept a close eye on the group, Wellington coach Ufuk Talay said after the game that the Mexican fan base's support was "fantastic".
"We're going to have 26 away games this season unfortunately without any home fans. The support that came down with the Mexicans behind the goal I think adds value to the team. And the boys need that backing sometimes from their supporters," he said.
"It's been great that they came down and I think they were at our Sydney game previously. WIN Stadium is a top stadium where the voice stays in the stadium, so I think they did a fantastic job supporting the players."
"My understanding is I think the club bused them down to the game. It's great support, not just for 'Uli' but also the team. WIN Stadium is our home stadium, but there were probably more Western Sydney supporters at the game. Any type of support we can get, it plays a massive role."
The Phoenix have been based in Wollongong since November due to the impact of COVID-19. The side dropped their first three games of the A-League season at WIN Stadium, and have struggled to get solid supporter numbers at their temporary home.
Wellington's Mexican supporter base bobbed up for the club's away match against Sydney FC at Kogarah on February 8, which the sky blues won 2-1.
Talay said the Phoenix valued the support from their new group of fans.
"When you're playing at home and you might be chasing the game or you're up, and you get the fans backing you, and supporting and screaming, I think it does help the players. They are like the 12th man for the team," he said.
"But at the end of the day, football is football. There is 11 players on the park for us and 11 players for the opposition. And it does help to have fans supporting us. But at the same time, we just need to play the game that's in front of us."