Melbourne City suffered a disappointing home defeat on Friday, going down 3-1 to Newcastle Jets in a frustrating night at AAMI Park.
Despite creating several promising moments and responding well after falling behind, costly errors at the back proved decisive, allowing the visitors to capitalise and take all three points.
Team News
For the first time in five matches, Michael Matricciani was forced into a change to his starting XI, with Leah Davidson ruled out after suffering a knee injury last weekend.
Karly Roestbakken was handed her first start of the season in midfield, while Izabella Rako was promoted to the bench, as City looked to maintain continuity despite the enforced adjustment.
Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 5. Taylor OTTO, 3. Danielle TURNER, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 9. Holly MCNAMARA, 21. Aideen KEANE, 7. Danella BUTRUS, 15. Chinaza UCHENDU.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 2. Ellie WILSON, 10. Izabella RAKO, 11. Deven JACKSON, 17. Kaya JUGOVIC, 22. Bryleeh HENRY.
What happened?
The visitors showed early intent, with Libby Copus-Brown firing wide inside the opening minutes after finding space on the edge of the area. City responded soon after, with McNamara registering our first meaningful chance of the night in the 10th minute, latching onto a loose ball at the top of the box following a Danielle Turner corner, but lifting her effort over the bar.
The opening exchanges were relatively even, but City began to grow into the contest, going agonisingly close moments later. A slick move down the left involving Butrus opened space for a cutback into the area, where Aideen Keane met it, only to see her strike crash off the crossbar.
At the other end, City’s defensive resolve was tested, with Alexia Apostolakis producing a superbly timed block in the 16th minute to deny Charlotte Lancaster from close range. City then went close again just before the half-hour mark, as Leticia McKenna drove a powerful effort towards goal, forcing a strong diving save from Anna Leat.
Despite the growing pressure, it was Newcastle who struck first in the 32nd minute, with a costly error at the back allowing the Jets to capitalise and open the scoring. City almost responded immediately, as Chinzaza Uchendu showed great strength inside the area, but desperate defending ensured the visitors held firm.
Danella Butrus continued to look City’s most dangerous outlet, causing problems down the left with her pace and direct play. Her pressure paid off shortly before the break, as City were awarded a penalty following a handball decision inside the box. McNamara stepped up confidently and rifled her spot kick into the back of the net, sending the sides into the sheds level at 1-1.
City carried that momentum into the second half, controlling possession and pushing for a second goal. Taylor Otto went close in the 58th minute, directing a header goalwards from another Apostolakis corner, but a Jets defender was well-positioned to block.
Just as City looked to be building sustained pressure, another disappointing moment at the back proved costly in the 67th minute, with the Jets retaking the lead. The visitors then struck again shortly after, finishing off a well-worked team move to make it 3-1 and give City a mountain to climb.
City continued to push late on, searching for a way back into the contest, but clear-cut chances proved elusive as Newcastle managed the game effectively in the closing stages to see out the result.
What’s next?
City now turns its attention to an extended away trip, with two challenging fixtures on the horizon. First up is a clash against Brisbane Roar at Spencer Park on Tuesday night, as we look to quickly respond and get back to winning ways.
