Melbourne City will return to Melbourne with the advantage, after defeating Newcastle 3-0 in Leg 1 of their Semi Final.
A first half strike to Daniela Galic gave City a 1-0 lead at half-time, before Emina Ekic and Shelby McMahon found the back of the net in the second period to extend City’s advantage.
City now return to Melbourne, where they will take on the Jets in Leg 2 of their Semi Final on Sunday 28 April, kick-off 1:00pm.
Team News
Head Coach, Dario Vidosic, made one change to the starting XI that faced Perth Glory in City’s Premiership decider, with Daniela Galic replacing Hannah Wilkinson up top.
On the bench, young attacker Caitlin Karic came into the squad, replacing defender Naomi Chinnama.
What happened?
Looking to silence the crowd of over 6,800 spectators in Newcastle, City were quick to put pressure on the home side, finding the opener inside the first five minutes of play.
City’s early press forced a turnover deep in the Jets’ defensive third, as Leticia McKenna squared the ball to Rhianna Pollicina who struck the crossbar with her effort.
Not to be denied on the follow-up, Daniela Galic latched onto the rebound, sliding the ball home to give City a very early 1-0 lead.
Head Coach, Dario Vidosic, was forced into making an early change as Karly Roestbakken suffered a lower leg injury. Reigning City Player of the Year, Julia Grosso, took to the field at full back in a like-for-like swap 20 minutes into play.
Barbara was called into action when Lara Gooch tried her luck, but the Brazilian shot-stopper was equal to the task, ensuring City would take a 1-0 lead into the interval.
Looking to take a strong advantage into the second leg, Vidosic’s side were on top early in the second-half.
In the 61st minute, Ekic would double City’s lead following a brilliant run from Player of the Match, Laura Hughes.
Grosso picked out Hughes, who turned her defender before driving into the box and delivering the perfect ball for Ekic at the back post.
City would continue to control much of the second-half and were rewarded with a third from substitute, Shelby McMahon.
From defence to attack, a swift counter saw Bryleeh Henry slip through McMahon, who showed great composure to find the back of the net and make it 3-0.
City’s desperation to secure the win and clean sheet was on display in the dying moments, as skipper, Rebekah Stott, produced a brilliant goal line clearance to save what looked to be a certain goal.
What’s next?
City return to Melbourne to host Newcastle in Leg 2 of their Semi Final at AAMI Park on Sunday 28 April, kick-off 1:00pm. Get your tickets here.
