Melbourne City got our AFC Women’s Champions League campaign off to the perfect start in Vietnam on Thursday night, cruising to a composed 5-0 win over Singapore’s Lion City Sailors.
Two first-half penalties from Holly McNamara had City in control at the break, before second-half strikes from Alexia Apostolakis, Danella Butrus and substitute Caitlin Karic capped off a dominant performance.
Team News
Michael Matricciani made two changes to his starting XI following Saturday’s 4-0 home win over Central Coast Mariners.
Danella Butrus was handed her first professional start, replacing Shelby McMahon in attack, while veteran goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri returned between the posts for her first appearance of the season.
City’s lineup otherwise remained settled, with captain Rebekah Stott again leading from the back and McNamara spearheading the attack after her recent brace in the Ninja A-League.
Starting XI: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 5. Taylor OTTO, 3. Danielle TURNER, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 14. Laura HUGHES, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 7. Danella BUTRUS, 21. Aideen KEANE, 9. Holly MCNAMARA.
Substitutes: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 25. Ayana AOYAGI (GK), 10. Izabella RAKO, 11. Deven JACKSON, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 15. Chinaza UCHENDU, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17. Kaya JUGOVIC, 19. Keira SARRIS, 20. Caitlin KARIC, 22. Bryleeh HENRY.
What happened?
City immediately took control of proceedings from the first whistle, dominating possession and territory while keeping the Sailors pinned deep in their own half.
It took just 10 minutes for the breakthrough to come. After a corner was half-cleared, Rebekah Stott’s strike was blocked by a hand in the box, and the referee quickly pointed to the spot. McNamara stepped up confidently and slotted home her first penalty low into the right corner.
From there, City continued to dictate the tempo with our trademark composure in possession, patiently moving the ball and waiting for openings.
Just before the break, that control was rewarded again when Butrus dazzled her defender with quick feet inside the area and drew another foul. McNamara converted her second penalty of the night, this time sending the keeper the wrong way to double the lead.
With three-quarters of the possession at halftime, it was a thoroughly professional first 45 minutes from Matricciani’s side.
The dominance continued after the restart, and it didn’t take long for the third goal to arrive. In the 49th minute, Matildas full-back Alexia Apostolakis found herself in space on the right before cutting inside and curling a stunning left-footed strike into the top corner – her first goal in the AFC Women’s Champions League.
City’s confidence only grew from there. Butrus, impressive throughout her starting debut, added a deserved goal of her own shortly after, driving into the box from the left and finishing powerfully at the near post.
As the minutes ticked on, Matricciani turned to his bench, giving valuable experience to the next generation. Teenage duo Kaya Jugovic and Keira Sarris both entered the fray to make their professional debuts, marking another proud milestone for the Club.
The scoring was rounded out in the 73rd minute when sustained pressure forced a defensive error from the Sailors. The ball trickled towards goal before Caitlin Karic arrived to make absolutely sure, tapping home from close range to seal the 5-0 result.
It was City’s second consecutive clean sheet in all competitions and the ideal start to life in Group A.
What’s next?
City’s Group Stage campaign continues on Sunday night when we face Filipino side Stallion Laguna, kicking off at 7:00pm AEDT at Thong Nhat Stadium.
The clash – like all AWCL Group Stage fixtures – will be streamed live and free on YouTube.
