Melbourne City’s remarkable unbeaten run in the Ninja A-League came to an end on Saturday afternoon, falling 2-1 to Canberra United in the nation’s capital.
After an even opening half, the hosts struck twice in quick succession early in the second period to seize control of the contest. Despite Holly McNamara pulling one back from the penalty spot, City were unable to find a late equaliser as Canberra held on for the win.
The defeat marked City’s first league loss in 651 days, bringing an end to an extraordinary run under Michael Matricciani.
Team News
Matricciani made two changes to the side that edged Wellington Phoenix at home last weekend. Midfielder Laura Hughes was sidelined with a knee injury that is expected to see her miss the coming weeks, with Shelby McMahon shifting into midfield and Deven Jackson handed her first start for the Club.
There was also a milestone moment for Danella Butrus, who was named in the starting XI for the first time in the Ninja A-League. Aideen Keane made way to the bench as City looked to balance rotation with continuity following a demanding schedule.
Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 5. Taylor OTTO, 3. Danielle TURNER, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 11. Deven JACKSON, 7. Danella BUTRUS, 9. Holly MCNAMARA.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 2. Ellie WILSON, 15. Chinaza UCHENDU, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17. Kaya JUGOVIC, 21. Aideen KEANE.
What happened?
City began the match with intent and were almost rewarded inside the opening minutes. Holly McNamara’s aggressive press forced Canberra goalkeeper Sally James into a hurried clearance, with the ricochet narrowly missing the target in a moment that nearly gifted City an early lead.
McNamara continued to threaten soon after, unleashing a well-placed strike toward the bottom corner in the seventh minute that required a sharp touch from James to divert the ball onto the post. It was City’s clearest chance of a largely balanced first half, with both sides trading territory but finding limited opportunities in the final third.
Canberra’s best look before the break came through Sasha Grove, whose effort sailed just over the crossbar midway through the half, as the teams went into the interval locked at 0-0.
The match turned early in the second period. In the 52nd minute, a dangerous early delivery found Emma Hawkins arriving at the back post, and the American made no mistake with a firm header to open the scoring. Seven minutes later, Michelle Heyman doubled the hosts’ advantage with a composed finish, capitalising on Canberra’s strong start after the restart.
Matricciani responded quickly, introducing Aideen Keane and Karly Roestbakken as City searched for a way back into the contest. The changes had an immediate impact. Captain Rebekah Stott went close to scoring a crucial captain’s goal for a second consecutive week, forcing a strong save from James following a corner in the 68th minute.
City’s breakthrough came shortly after when Keane, facing her former club, drove into the box and was brought down, earning a penalty. McNamara stepped up and confidently dispatched the spot kick into the bottom corner to reduce the deficit and inject fresh belief into the visitors.
The final stages were played at a high intensity, with City pushing numbers forward and Canberra defending resolutely. Chinaza Uchendu was introduced as an attacking option, but despite sustained pressure, City were unable to create a clear-cut chance to level the scores before the final whistle.
What’s next?
City will have little time to dwell on the result, with a quick turnaround ahead. Our next fixture comes on Wednesday evening, when we return home to host Adelaide United at the ctrl:cyber Pitch in a rescheduled Ninja A-League clash.
Tickets are available now, with City eager to respond in front of home support!
