Melbourne City fell to a 3-0 defeat at ctrl:cyber Pitch on Saturday afternoon in a tough contest against a clinical Preston Lions side.
Coming off a strong win last week, we were unable to build on that momentum despite some promising periods against the visitors.
Team News
City made several changes to our line-up following last week’s win, with Heidi Draai, Sienna Calvanese, Ellie Kirkby and Anastasia Kyriacou all coming into the starting side, while Chelsea Biggs captained the team.
Starting XI: 4. Liliana LAMAJ, 5. Heidi DRAAI, 8. Chelsea BIGGS (C), 11. Sienna CALVANESE, 12. Mary BROWN, 13. Maia CAPITANIO, 14. Ellie KIRKBY, 18. Ella HAMILTON, 19. Jami MARANDOLA, 24. Cornelia LOS, 26. Anastasia KYRIACOU (GK)
Substitutes: 23. Joanna ZOIS, 25. Briana ZDRAVKOVSKI, 30. Danijela TRNCIC, 32. Eva CHOPIN, 33. Gemma RADIPITSE (GK), 40. Teah KOTSANDIS
What happened?
The match began as an even contest, with Preston enjoying early possession before we settled into the game. As the first half progressed, the visitors began to build momentum, applying pressure in the final third, but our defence held firm to deal with the early threats.
We responded with a positive spell of our own, pressing high and creating a promising opportunity through Jami Marandola, whose effort was well saved. Despite that lift, Preston were able to find the breakthrough just before half-time, capitalising on a lofted ball into the box to take the lead into the break.
After the restart, we were immediately put under pressure as the visitors controlled possession and territory. That pressure told soon after, with two quick goals in succession extending Preston’s advantage and leaving us with a mountain to climb.
To our credit, we responded with a strong attacking period, spending time in the final third and earning several corners. While we created a number of half-chances, we were unable to find the final touch to bring ourselves back into the contest.
At the other end, Anastasia Kyriacou was called into action on multiple occasions to keep us in the game. In the 71st minute, she reacted well after an initial effort struck the post, before producing another sharp save soon after to deny a one-on-one opportunity.
We continued to push forward in search of a goal, going closest through Maia Capitanio, whose strike from inside the box was well saved. The rebound fell to Marandola, but her follow-up effort drifted over the bar.
Despite our efforts late, we were unable to find a way through, with Preston ultimately running out 3-0 winners.
What’s next?
We return to ctrl:cyber Pitch next Saturday where we’ll take on Heidelberg United, looking to bounce back and return to winning ways.
