Melbourne City suffered a frustrating defeat at home on Wednesday night, going down 1-0 to Western Sydney Wanderers in the Ninja A-League.
Despite dominating large periods of the contest and pushing hard throughout the second half, City were unable to find an equaliser after an unfortunate first-half own goal proved the difference at ctrl:cyber Pitch.
Team News
Michael Matricciani made two changes to his starting XI following a short turnaround from the weekend’s fixture. Alexia Apostolakis and Bryleeh Henry both returned to the lineup, with Leticia McKenna and Holly McNamara rotated to the bench.
Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 5. Taylor OTTO, 3. Danielle TURNER, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 11. Deven JACKSON, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 21. Aideen KEANE, 15. Chinaza UCHENDU.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 2. Ellie WILSON, 6. Leticia MCKENNA, 9. Holly MCNAMARA, 17. Kaya JUGOVIC, 20. Caitlin KARIC.
What happened?
City began the contest on the front foot, enjoying the majority of possession throughout an even opening period as the Wanderers sat deep and looked to absorb pressure. We were almost rewarded for our positive intent in the 16th minute when Aideen Keane pounced on a loose pass and drove forward before feeding Chinaza Uchendu.
Her shot at goal appeared to strike the outstretched arm of a defender inside the area, but the referee waved play on, much to the frustration of the City players and bench – with replays soon after showing a clear handball.
As the half wore on, City continued to monopolise the ball, with possession climbing well beyond 70%. Keane was particularly lively down the left flank, repeatedly testing the Wanderers’ defensive shape and linking well with Uchendu and Henry.
Against the run of play, the visitors took the lead in the 35th minute in unfortunate circumstances. A Wanderers corner caused a scramble inside the box, with the ball deflecting off Keane and into the back of the net to hand the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
City pushed for a response before the break, with Deven Jackson firing over from a promising position late in the half, but the whistle sounded with the Wanderers ahead despite City’s dominance in possession and shots.
Matricciani went to his bench at the break, introducing both McKenna and McNamara in search of an immediate spark. City carried that momentum into the second half, continuing to camp in the Wanderers’ half and apply sustained pressure.
Malena Mieres was called into action in the 56th minute, producing a sharp save to deny Yuan Cong, before City quickly transitioned forward and nearly fashioned an equaliser as McNamara flashed a teasing ball across the face of goal that just evaded Henry at the back post.
City continued to probe patiently, but clear-cut chances proved hard to come by. Jackson went close again in the 75th minute, curling an effort narrowly wide after creating space on the edge of the area.
As stoppage time approached, City threw numbers forward and pinned the Wanderers deep, swinging a series of dangerous crosses into the box. Despite the late pressure, a breakthrough would not come, and the visitors held firm to leave Melbourne with all three points.
What’s next?
Another quick turnaround awaits City as we remain at home this weekend, hosting Brisbane Roar at ctrl:cyber Pitch on Sunday afternoon. Kick-off is set for 5:00pm – click here to secure your tickets.
