Melbourne City secured an important 4-0 victory over Brisbane Roar on Wednesday night, picking up a crucial three points in the race for the Ninja A-League Premiers Plate.
Taylor Otto opened the scoring early, scrambling the ball over the line after a corner, before Holly McNamara continued her impressive goal-scoring form with a clinical finish in the 70th minute.
Late goals from Bryleeh Henry and Mariana Speckmaier sealed an emphatic win, showcasing City’s attacking depth.
Team News
With a quick turnaround from Sunday’s AFC Women’s Champions League Quarter Final win, Head Coach Michael Matricciani made three changes to his starting XI.
Shelby McMahon earned her first league start of the season in midfield, while Leah Davidson and Tyla-Jay Vlajnic also returned to the lineup.
Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 5. Taylor OTTO, 27. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC, 14. Laura HUGHES, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 17. Mariana SPECKMAIER, 19. Lourdes BOSCH, 9. Holly McNAMARA.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 6. Leticia McKENNA, 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 10. Rhianna POLLICINA, 22. Bryleeh HENRY.
What happened?
City had to stay alert early, with Otto making a crucial defensive intervention in the opening minute to block a dangerous Brisbane counterattack.
We quickly settled into our rhythm and earned our first real chance in the ninth minute. Holly McNamara’s effort was well-saved by Keeley Richards, but from the resulting corner, Otto found the decisive touch in a goalmouth scramble to give City an early lead.
While Brisbane showed resilience, City’s midfield trio of Laura Hughes, Shelby McMahon, and Leah Davidson dictated the tempo, ensuring control throughout the first half.
Bosch came close to doubling the lead in the 36th minute, displaying quick feet to create space before firing a shot that forced another sharp save from Richards.
Our dominance grew in the second half, and McNamara capitalised on a defensive lapse in the 70th minute.
After a long ball forward from Rebekah Stott caused chaos in the Brisbane backline, McNamara pounced on the loose ball and fired home a powerful first-time strike to make it 2-0.
Goalkeeper Malena Mieres preserved the lead with an excellent save in the 76th minute, reacting quickly to deny a long-range effort from Emily Pringle.
City wasn’t done yet. Substitute Bryleeh Henry made an immediate impact, winning possession with a strong challenge at halfway before surging forward and calmly slotting past Richards to extend the lead.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Mariana Speckmaier ensured her name was on the scoresheet after going close on a few earlier occasions. A pinpoint cross from Leticia McKenna found the Venezuelan international, whose perfectly placed header rounded out a statement 4-0 win.
What’s next?
City’s focus now turns to another important clash as we remain on the road to face Wellington Phoenix on Sunday afternoon. With the race for the Premiers Plate heating up, every point will be crucial as we aim to maintain our grip on top spot.
Following the trip to Wellington, the squad will enjoy a well-earned break during the upcoming international window.
