Melbourne City has begun the A-League Women’s season with three points away to Wellington.
A lone second half Hannah Wilkinson goal was enough to claim the win as City got their season off to a perfect start on the road.
Team News
Head Coach Dario Vidosic named a strong line-up for his team’s season opener.
Captain Rebekah Stott was named in the heart of defence and joined by Taylor Otto on her club debut, while Canadian goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx also made her first appearance in City colours.
Starting XI: 44. Lysianne PROULX (GK), 8. Kaitlyn TORPEY, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 5. Taylor OTTO, 8. Julia GROSSO, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 10. Rhianna POLLICINA, 24. Daniela GALIC, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 9. Holly McNAMARA, 17. Hannah WILKINSON.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 3. Naomi CHINNAMA, 14. Laura HUGHES, 19. Tijan McKENNA, 20. Caitlin KARIC.
What happened?
City started strong and Stott was everywhere, breaking up numerous Wellington attacks.
Taylor Otto and Leticia McKenna impressed in midfield, allowing City to control the possession and look to build up slowly.
The right wing was the preferred area of attack for City, as Bryleeh Henry provided plenty of energy and worked hard up and down, testing the Wellington defence.
Although City was able to control tempo for much of the first half, clear cut chances were hard to come by.
Holly McNamara – who begun the game brightly – shot from range in the 44th minute but saw her effort go just over the bar.
The hosts came out firing in the second half but the City defence was at the top of their game and was able to deal with all the dangers they posed.
Proulx was called into action in the 51st minute and made a strong save to keep scores level, denying Hailey Davidson.
McNamara went close up the other end of the pitch minutes later after cutting into the box, but her curling effort aimed for the top corner went just the wrong side of the post.
Stott continued her strong performance and was a rock in the heart of defence, also often stepping into midfield and making her presence felt right across the pitch.
The decisive moment of the game would come in the 73rd minute. Rhianna Pollicina’s initial shot from the edge of the area was well-saved but as good strikers always are, Wilkinson was in the right spot at the right time to tap home the follow-up.
There were plenty of nervous moments throughout almost 10 minutes of stoppage time but City defended strongly and did enough to take all three points.
What’s next?
City will return to Melbourne for their first home match of the season next Saturday, set to host Canberra United at AAMI Park. Click here to get your tickets!
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