Leticia McKenna delivered a match-winning performance in the top-of-the-table clash against Brisbane Roar, helping City secure a vital win to remain unbeaten.
The City midfielder needed just nine minutes to net a brace, with the 2-0 scoreline holding until the final whistle.
Team News
Michael Matricciani made three changes to the side that drew away to Sydney FC last weekend.
Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, Lourdes Bosch, and Kathryn Harvey returned to the starting lineup, while Rhianna Pollicina and Karly Roestbakken moved to the bench. Bryleeh Henry was unavailable due to concussion.
Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 5. Taylor OTTO, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 27. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC, 14. Laura HUGHES, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 19. Lourdes BOSCH, 17. Mariana SPECKMAIER, 7. Kathryn HARVEY.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 9. Holly McNAMARA, 10. Rhianna POLLICINA, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN.
What happened?
The 1v2 clash couldn’t have started better for City. Brisbane struggled to clear a dangerous cross from Mariana Speckmaier, allowing McKenna to make a late run into the box and calmly slot home the opener in just the fifth minute.
Minutes later, that duo did the damage again as Speckmaier won a free kick just outside the box.
McKenna stepped up and delivered a stunning strike into the top corner—one that any goalkeeper would be proud to get near—doubling City’s lead in the ninth minute.
The City midfielder came close to completing her hat-trick just after the half-hour mark. A brilliant turn left Leia Varley wrong-footed, but McKenna’s effort narrowly missed the target as she drove into the box.
City had a scare moments later when a clumsy foul in the box saw the referee award Brisbane a penalty.
Malena Mieres came to the rescue, reacting brilliantly to deny Tameeka Yallop’s spot-kick and preserve City’s two-goal lead.
In the second half, Brisbane dominated possession in a rare occurrence but City’s defence held firm. Taylor Otto and Rebekah Stott were rock-solid, snuffing out multiple Roar attacks.
Holly McNamara made an immediate impact after coming on at halftime, nearly forcing a costly mistake from Brisbane goalkeeper Olivia Sekany.
Displaying sharp football instincts, McNamara pounced when Sekany rolled the ball to herself but couldn’t quite find the target with her awkwardly angled shot.
Despite sustained pressure from Brisbane in the final stages, City’s defensive structure remained resilient. Mieres, well-protected by her backline, was rarely called into action as City secured a hard-fought victory.
What’s Next?
Our City Women now prepare for a trip to Tarneit to take on Western United on Friday night.
