Melbourne City’s history-making season came to an end on Wednesday afternoon in South Korea, falling 3-1 to Japanese outfit Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the AFC Women’s Champions League Semi Final.
An early double handed Tokyo control of the contest inside the opening 10 minutes, and while Aideen Keane’s late first-half goal gave City hope heading into the break, the Japanese side ultimately proved too strong to secure their place in the Final.
Despite the result, City’s campaign will be remembered as one of the most successful in Club history, with Michael Matricciani’s side claiming both the Premiership and Championship before advancing to the final four of Asia’s premier club competition.
Team News
Matricciani made one change to the side that defeated Wellington Phoenix in Saturday’s Ninja A-League Grand Final, with Laura Hughes coming into the starting XI in place of Bryleeh Henry as City slightly adjusted its shape.
There was also a welcome return to the squad for Chinaza Uchendu after suspension, while Junior Matildas trio Izabella Rako, Kaya Jugovic and Keira Sarris were all back available following international duty.
Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 5. Taylor OTTO, 3. Dan TURNER, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 14. Laura HUGHES, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 21. Aideen KEANE, 9. Holly McNAMARA.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 25. Ayana AOYAGI (GK), 2. Ellie WILSON, 7. Danella BUTRUS, 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 10. Izabella RAKO, 11. Deven JACKSON, 15. Chinaza UCHENDU, 17. Kaya JUGOVIC, 19. Keira SARRIS, 20. Caitlin KARIC, 22. Bryleeh HENRY.
What happened?
After a relatively even opening few minutes, Tokyo struck with their first meaningful attack of the afternoon. Yuzuho Shiokoshi found space inside the penalty area in the fourth minute and calmly converted a cutback, giving Malena Mieres little chance and handing the Japanese side an early advantage.
The challenge became even greater six minutes later when Miharu Shinjo doubled Tokyo’s lead. An initial effort cannoned back off the post before falling kindly for Shinjo, who reacted quickest to tap home from close range and make it 2-0 inside the opening 10 minutes.
Gradually working our way into the contest, Matricciani’s side began to enjoy more possession and territory. Keane was particularly lively down the left flank, repeatedly asking questions of the Tokyo defence and winning City’s first corner midway through the half.
As confidence grew, City continued to build pressure. Strong work from Shelby McMahon and Holly McNamara created another corner opportunity in the 36th minute, and from the resulting set piece City found the breakthrough we desperately needed.
The ball dropped to captain Rebekah Stott beyond the far post and her effort towards goal took a crucial touch off Keane on the goal line before trickling into the back of the net. The goal reduced the deficit to one and ensured City headed into half-time firmly in the contest after an encouraging finish to the opening period.
Matricciani turned to his bench during the interval, introducing Henry in place of Hughes as City searched for an equaliser.
Tokyo emerged strongly after the restart and enjoyed a sustained spell of pressure, but City defended resolutely and gradually began to wrestle back control. The longer the second half wore on, the deeper the Japanese side retreated, inviting City forward as the hunt for a levelling goal intensified.
Uchendu was introduced in the 70th minute as City looked for fresh attacking impetus, while McNamara and Keane continued to threaten whenever opportunities presented themselves.
Unfortunately, just as City appeared to be building momentum, Tokyo delivered a decisive blow.
Against the run of play, the Japanese side found a third goal in the 78th minute, restoring their two-goal advantage and leaving City with a mountain to climb in the closing stages.
Danella Butrus was introduced shortly after as City continued to push forward, but despite our determination and refusal to give in, a way back into the contest could not be found.
The final whistle brought an end to both the match and a remarkable campaign, with Tokyo Verdy Beleza advancing to the AFC Women’s Champions League Final and City bowing out after another memorable chapter in the Club’s history.
