While it wasn’t easy, Melbourne City secured a memorable Derby win against Victory at AAMI Park on Saturday afternoon.
Having to come from behind after trailing 2-1 at the break, Lourdes Bosch and Mariana Speckmaier starred as City made it five wins from five to begin the 2024/25 campaign.
Team News
After a blistering second half to secure the three points in Round 1, Head Coach Michael Matricciani made just one change to his starting lineup.
Kathryn Harvey slotted into the XI upfront after a brace on City debut, meaning Leticia McKenna moved to the bench.
Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 5. Taylor OTTO (C), 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 14. Laura HUGHES, 10. Rhianna POLLICINA, 17. Mariana SPECKMAIER, 19. Lourdes BOSCH, 7. Kathryn HARVEY.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 6. Leticia McKENNA, 11. Emilia MURRAY, 15. Kiera MEYERS, 27. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC.
What happened?
Bosch was on fire from kick-off, wasting no time getting into the action and setting up our first of the day just six minutes in.
She beat multiple players as she drove into the box towards the byline, cutting it back to Speckmaier who cooly finished – that combination a sign of things to come for City.
City pressed for a second from there and it almost came 10 minutes later. Leah Davidson was the catalyst and played a smart pass to Speckmaier, but although it looked destined to be her second of the day – her curling effort curled a little too far – hitting the post and staying out.
A contentious penalty gave Victory the chance to equalise from the spot in the following moments and Emily Gielnik made no mistake, sending Malena Mieres the wrong way.
It remained a relatively even contest for the remainder of the first half, although Victory went into the break the happier of the two teams after a late goal to Alanna Jancevski.
The game was in balance throughout the early stages of the second half, with City’s defence holding up strongly to give the hosts little room in attack.
A mistake at the back left the door slightly ajar for Bosch to pounce in the 64th minute, and as alert as ever, pounce she did – beating the keeper to the ball and walking her way into the net for the equaliser.
Our time on level terms could’ve been short-lived if not for Kathryn Harvey, the Canadian making a fantastic block to deny a quick Victory response from a free kick.
For the second time in as many weeks, Matricciani turned to his bench and it paid dividends.
Leticia McKenna was the one making an impact this time around, hooking a delightful ball into the path of Speckmaier who caught the Victory defence napping in the 85th minute.
Still with plenty to do after receiving the ball, the City #17 settled herself with a smart first touch before tucking home what would ultimately be the matchwinner into the bottom corner.
While there was a nervous wait for the loud contingent of City fans in attendance, Matricciani’s team were never seriously challenged before the final whistle spelled victory in the Derby.
What’s next?
City returns to the ctrl:cyber Pitch at City Football Academy next Saturday for a home clash against Central Coast Mariners. It’s set to be an action-packed day, with all the fun starting at the City Fan Festival at 1:30pm! Click here to find out more!
