Melbourne City began 2026 in the same manner we closed out 2025 in the Ninja A-League, producing another composed and professional performance to secure all three points with a 1–0 victory over Sydney FC at ctrl:cyber Pitch on Sunday evening.
In blustery conditions, it was Chinaza Uchendu who proved the match-winner, scoring her first goal in City colours shortly after half-time to cap off a strong all-round display. While the scoreline was narrow, City controlled large stretches of the contest and limited the visitors to few clear-cut chances, continuing our impressive run of form across the festive period.
Team News
Head Coach Michael Matricciani rang in the new year by naming an unchanged starting XI for the third consecutive match, rewarding a group that had delivered back-to-back wins over Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory to close out 2025.
The only alteration to the matchday squad came on the bench, where Bryleeh Henry was included for the first time this season after overcoming a back injury.
Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 5. Taylor OTTO, 3. Danielle TURNER, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 9. Holly MCNAMARA, 21. Aideen KEANE, 7. Danella BUTRUS, 15. Chinaza UCHENDU.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 2. Ellie WILSON, 11. Deven JACKSON, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17. Kaya JUGOVIC, 22. Bryleeh HENRY.
What happened?
Strong winds greeted both sides early, contributing to a cagey opening as the teams worked their way into the contest. The first ten minutes were relatively even and low on clear opportunities, but City soon began to assert ourselves, particularly down the right flank where Alexia Apostolakis and Aideen Keane combined effectively.
Holly McNamara came agonisingly close to opening the scoring in the 16th minute, unleashing a powerful long-range strike that crashed into the underside of the crossbar before bouncing just the wrong side of the goal line. That effort sparked a sustained period of City pressure, as we earned a succession of corners – the first six of the match – as Sydney were pinned deep in their own half.
City continued to probe as half-time approached, with Keane going closest in the 40th minute. The winger was denied twice in quick succession, first by a sharp save from the Sydney goalkeeper and then by a desperate defensive block on the follow-up.
Despite our dominance, the visitors almost snatched a goal against the run of play moments before the interval, but Malena Mieres produced a stunning save, tipping Hannah Lowry’s powerful long-range strike over the bar with the final seconds of the half ticking away.
The breakthrough City had been pushing for arrived seven minutes into the second half. McNamara won a crucial aerial contest and nodded the ball forward into the path of Uchendu, who showed impressive strength and composure to hold off her defender before guiding a precise finish off the inside of the post. It was a deserved reward for City’s persistence, and a memorable moment for Uchendu as she opened her account for the Club.
Sydney attempted to respond quickly and went close through Sarah Hunter shortly after, but Mieres was again equal to the task, producing another excellent save to preserve City’s lead. Matricciani then turned to his bench, with Bryleeh Henry making her long-awaited return in the 67th minute, replacing Danella Butrus and adding fresh energy to the attack.
City remained on the front foot, with Leticia McKenna firing narrowly wide in the 74th minute as we looked to put the game beyond doubt. While Sydney applied some late pressure, City’s defensive unit stood firm, calmly dealing with crosses and second balls to see out the match and secure a well-earned clean sheet.
What’s next?
City will now hit the road for our first away fixture of 2026, travelling to Wellington to face the Phoenix next Saturday afternoon in a 2:00pm kick-off. You can tune in live and free via 10 streaming.
The squad will then return home the following week for a Friday evening clash at AAMI Park against Newcastle Jets, as we look to continue building momentum in the new year. Click here to get your tickets!
