Melbourne City’s A-League Women’s campaign kicked off with an entertaining 2–2 draw at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday afternoon, coming from behind twice to earn a hard-fought point against Sydney FC.
It was a fast-paced encounter from the first whistle, with both sides creating chances in an entertaining opening half.
Young gun Shelby McMahon found the back of the net for City with a late first-half equaliser, before debutant Aideen Keane finished off a classy team goal to secure a share of the points in the second period.
TEAM NEWS
Michael Matricciani named a starting XI that included two club debuts for City’s season opener.
Former Everton and Aston Villa defender Dan Turner and Australia U23s international Aideen Keane were both named to feature from the outset, with the pair making their first competitive appearances in City colours.
Despite a busy international window with the Matildas, Holly McNamara was also named in Matricciani’s starting line-up after recently returning from the UK.
Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 5. Taylor OTTO, 3. Dan TURNER, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 14. Laura HUGHES, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 21. Aideen KEANE, 9. Holly MCNAMARA.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 2. Ellie WILSON, 7. Danella BUTRUS, 10. Izabella RAKO, 15. Chinaza UCHENDU, 20. Caitlin KARIC.
WHAT HAPPENED?
It was a lively start from both sides in humid conditions at Leichhardt Oval.
City nearly took the lead inside three minutes when a teasing Leticia McKenna free-kick caused confusion in the Sydney defence, almost resulting in an own goal.
Just minutes later, Holly McNamara showed her intent with a dazzling run down the right, beating multiple defenders before cutting the ball back to McKenna, whose first-time strike was blocked by Tori Tumeth.
At the other end, Malena Mieres was called into action early, producing a strong save to deny Bianca Galic from close range.
The end-to-end action continued until Sydney opened the scoring in the 20th minute. A set-piece delivery wasn’t cleared, and Madison Ayson’s deflected header looped into the net to make it 1–0.
City responded well, with Rebekah Stott driving her team forward and unleashing a long range effort which flew over the crossbar.
Their persistence paid off on the stroke of half-time. After McKenna’s strike cannoned off the crossbar, young gun Shelby McMahon reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and level the scores at 1–1 in first-half stoppage time.
The second half began with another flurry of chances. Alexia Apostolakis set up McNamara, but the striker lost her footing at the crucial moment. Moments later, Mieres pulled off a crucial close-range save to keep the score locked.
The hosts regained the lead in the 63rd minute through a Mackenzie Hawkesby penalty after she was fouled in the box by Keane.
Matricciani responded, introducing Nigerian International Chinaza Uchendu, while Keane looked to make amends by sparking several attacking moves. In the 69th minute, she slipped through McNamara, whose shot was blocked, before linking up again in the 72nd, only for the final strike to fly high and wide.
City’s equaliser came in the 75th minute after a classy team move. Keane exchanged passes with McNamara, McMahon cleverly dummied, and Keane finished with poise to make it 2–2 on Club debut.
There was almost a fairy-tale ending for Danella Butrus, who made her professional debut in the 88th minute. The young winger was immediately involved, nearly winning her team a penality. From the ensuing corner, McNamara came close to snatching a dramatic winner, but City would ultimately settle for a draw.
WHAT’S NEXT?
City will return home for their first home match of the season next Saturday 8 November, hosting Central Coast Mariners in a blockbuster clash against the reigning Champions.
Shortly after, City will head abroad for the AFC Women’s Champions League Group Stage, where they’ll face Lion City Sailors in their opening group match in Vietnam.
