A late equaliser in Saturday’s Melbourne Derby ensured City’s undefeated campaign remained intact, extending our streak to 17 matches without defeat.
The visiting Victory side struck first early in the contest, but City showed resilience, eventually securing a share of the points thanks to an 89th-minute goal from Mariana Speckmaier.
Team News
Michael Matricciani named an unchanged starting XI from the side that claimed all three points against Western Sydney last weekend.
The only change to the matchday squad saw Kathryn Harvey return to the bench in place of Emilia Murray.
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, 9. Holly McNAMARA.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 7. Kathryn HARVEY, 10. Rhianna POLLICINA, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN.
What happened?
With a large crowd in attendance at ctrl:cyber Pitch, the match got off to a frustrating start for City.
A defensive mix-up gifted Rachel Lowe an opening, and the Victory midfielder capitalised to put the visitors ahead in just the fifth minute.
Despite the early setback, City responded by taking control of possession and dictating play for the remainder of the first half.
Laura Hughes and Leticia McKenna worked tirelessly in midfield, while Holly McNamara looked dangerous every time she surged forward.
City’s best opportunity of the half came in the 34th minute when Tyla-Jay Vlajnic whipped in a cross that McNamara expertly brought down before firing at goal, only to be denied by a sharp save from Courtney Newbon.
At the other end, Alexia Apostolakis made a crucial block in the 41st minute to prevent Victory from doubling their lead, before Lourdes Bosch went close to equalising in stoppage time—only to see her shot deflected wide.
City started the second half on the front foot, with McNamara breaking through the defence but firing into the side netting from a tight angle.
We dominated territory and possession for much of the second half, but finding the finishing touch remained elusive.
Rhianna Pollicina, introduced at the break, was instrumental in City’s attacking play and looked one of the most likely to break through Victory’s stubborn defence.
Matricciani turned to his bench again in the latter stages, bringing on Shelby McMahon and Kathryn Harvey in search of a spark.
But it was the duo introduced at half-time who combined for the eventual equaliser.
Karly Roestbakken switched play with a pinpoint cross-field ball to Pollicina on the right wing. Showing great composure, Pollicina delivered a perfectly weighted pass to meet the run of Speckmaier, who calmly slotted home from close range in the 89th minute.
Both teams pushed for a late winner in the five minutes of stoppage time, but neither side could find the breakthrough as the points were shared, ensuring City remains on top of the table for at least another week.
What’s next?
A quick turnaround awaits as we shift our focus to Wednesday evening’s clash against Western United, returning to ctrl:cyber Pitch for another crucial fixture.
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