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ALW REPORT: Sydney 1-1 City

For the second time this season, Melbourne City had to settle for a share of the points against Sydney FC, with the match once again ending in a 1-1 draw away from home.

Despite dominating the game, City found themselves trailing in the first half, but Leticia McKenna’s 62nd-minute strike ensured a valuable point would be heading back to Melbourne.

Team News

Following a short turnaround after the scoreless draw on New Year’s Eve, Head Coach Michael Matricciani made two changes to the starting XI.

Captain Rebekah Stott and Leah Davidson returned to the lineup, while Tyla-Jay Vlajnic was named on the bench after missing the previous fixture due to a minor hamstring injury.

Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 13. Rebekah STOTT, 5. Taylor OTTO, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 14. Laura HUGHES, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 17. Mariana SPECKMAIER, 10. Rhianna POLLICINA.

Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 9. Holly McNAMARA, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 19. Lourdes BOSCH, 27. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC.

What happened?

City started brightly and settled into the game early. A clever lofted pass from Mariana Speckmaier in the 12th minute split the defence, setting up Bryleeh Henry, whose shot narrowly missed the target.

We controlled the first half, dictating play and allowing Sydney only a few chances on the counterattack.

Malena Mieres was called into action in the 16th minute, pulling off a fantastic save to tip Indiana dos Santos’ effort onto the crossbar. Moments later, Karly Roestbakken unleashed a promising strike, but a Sydney defender blocked it as City continued to apply pressure.

Despite their dominance, City fell behind in the 29th minute against the run of play. Lucy Johnson unleashed a stunning long-range strike that found the top corner, leaving Mieres with little chance.

City maintained our control into the second half, with Speckmaier coming close to an equaliser in the early stages, sending her shot just wide of the target.

Matricciani made a double substitution on the hour mark, bringing on Holly McNamara and Shelby McMahon to inject energy into the attack.

The change paid off almost immediately. Just two minutes later, McNamara capitalised on a scuffed Sydney clearance, winning the ball and driving forward. Drawing the goalkeeper, she laid it off to McKenna, who timed her run perfectly and smashed the ball into the back of the net to level the score.

Mieres was called upon again in the final 30 minutes, making crucial saves to keep the game tied.

City pushed hard for a winner, continuing to pressure the Sydney defence, but the match ultimately ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

What’s next?

Our City Women will return to action this Saturday when they host Brisbane Roar in a massive doubleheader at AAMI Park. Click here to get your tickets!