As our A-League Women’s side prepare for their two-legged Semi Final with Newcastle, we take a look back at some of our favourite Semi Finals.
From our very first season to our 2019/20 invincibles, our City Women have played out some memorable Semi Finals.
2015/16 – Our very first Semi Final
A historic first-ever season in the competition, where City went 12 wins from 12 – scoring 38 goals and conceded just four – saw Joe Montemurro’s side feature in their Semi Final.
It was a tight affair, as both teams couldn’t be split after 120 minutes of play – the first time City were held goalless all season.
Jennifer Beattie, Laura Alleway, Kim Little and Steph Catley all converted their penalties and the score was locked at 4-4, before Roar defender Angela Beard struck the crossbar. Lisa De Vanna made no mistake with the next spot kick, securing City a Grand Final birth in their inaugural season.
Full-time: City 0-0 (5-4 pens) Brisbane Roar
2016/17 – City leave it late
In 2017, City made it back-to-back Semi Final appearances as the team headed to the nation’s capital to take on Canberra United.
In gruelling summer conditions, which saw kick-off pushed back, City and Canberra couldn’t be separated after 90 minutes of play in temperatures nearing 30 degrees.
City legend, Jess Fishlock, went inches away from breaking the deadlock when she struck the crossbar in the first-half of extra-time.
The Welsh international would eventually find the breakthrough and send City through to their second consecutive Grand Final when she capitalised on Canberra’s inability to clear its lines from a corner.
Full-time: Canberra United 0-1 (a.e.t) City
2017/18 – Three in a row
For the third season in a row, City were in the Semi Finals, as they headed to Brisbane to take on the Roar for a place in the Grand Final.
Facing the Premiers of the regular season for a second year in a row, City asserted their dominance in a classy performance.
Aivi Luik opened the scoring with a strike from outside the area, before City doubled their lead five minutes later.
Kyah Simon played a perfectly weighted through ball to Jess Fishlock, who chipped Roar keeper Mackenzie Arnold, to secure the victory.
Full-time: Brisbane Roar 0-2 City
2019/20 – Invincibles book spot in the GF
Following an invincible regular season, which saw City record 11 wins, 1 draw and 0 losses, Rado Vidosic and his side were determined to continue their unbeaten run through to the Grand Final.
Just as they were for most of the season, City were dominant early, taking a 1-0 lead through Scottish international Claire Emslie.
Nine minutes later, Kyah Simon doubled City’s lead with a towering header, before Rebekah Stott fired home a third on the cusp of half-time.
Western Sydney hit back through Cortnee Vine in the 51st minute, before City ensured their spot in the Grand Final when Simon secured her brace.
A Courtney Nevin own goal in the 62nd minute saw it finish 5-1 at ABD Stadium.
Full-time: City 5-1 Western Sydney
