Melbourne City began its Finals campaign on the road in Gosford, sharing the spoils with Central Coast in the Semi-Final First Leg.
After going down early, City quickly hit back through a brilliantly struck Leticia McKenna free kick before Bryleeh Henry added a second soon after to give us the lead.
Unfortunately though for City fans watching on hoping to take an advantage into the home leg, Brooke Nunn’s second of the day ensured we’d be going back to Melbourne tied at 2-2.
Team News
Michael Matricciani was forced to make two changes to the starting XI that defeated Perth Glory in the final game of the regular season, with Holly McNamara moving to the bench after dealing with a slight niggle during the week and Lourdes Bosch missing the clash due to soreness.
Kathryn Harvey and Caitlin Karic were added to the match day squad, named on the bench.
Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 5. Taylor OTTO, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 14. Laura HUGHES, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 27. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 7. Kathryn HARVEY, 9. Holly McNAMARA, 10. Rhianna POLLICINA, 11. Emilia MURRAY, 20. Caitlin KARIC.
What happened?
With both sides determined to gain early control in the first of two Semi-Finals, the opening 15 minutes saw little in the way of goalmouth action.
City’s first real opportunity came when the lively Leah Davidson collected the ball deep in her own half and surged forward into attacking territory. The midfielder threaded a clever pass through to Leticia McKenna, whose effort was kept out by a brave save from Central Coast goalkeeper Sarah Langman.
It was the home side who struck first in Gosford, as Annalise Rasmussen broke through the lines, with Brooke Nunn eventually slotting home from close range after a rebound.
Trailing 1-0, Matricciani’s side responded well. A moment of brilliance from McKenna in the 29th minute saw her bend a superb free-kick into the net to level the scores.
City then took the lead just six minutes later. Alexia Apostolakis delivered a smart through ball to Bryleeh Henry, who shrugged off her marker and rounded the keeper to finish with composure.
Henry nearly doubled her tally minutes later after running onto a well-placed pass from Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, but Langman was quick off her line to smother the chance.
The hosts found an equaliser in the second half, with Jade Pennock picking out Nunn, who netted her second of the night with a sharp finish.
The final 20 minutes passed with few clear chances at either end, leaving the tie evenly balanced. With everything to play for, City will now return home determined to take full advantage and book their place in the Grand Final.
What’s next?
City will host Central Coast Mariners in Semi-Final Leg 2 next weekend in Melbourne. Match details to be confirmed soon.
