With a mixed bag of results to open the new Liberty A-League season, Melbourne City FC will look to get back amongst the winners when the team takes on Adelaide United in the first game of a double-header at AAMI Park this Saturday.
Following a Round 1 win, the team was reminded of the work that still needs to be done when they suffered a 2-1 loss in a home Melbourne Derby.
The first half was a stop-start affair that saw City’s momentum repeatedly halted by injuries, but the home side was rewarded for its strong early showing with a goal on the cusp of half-time. TJ Vlajnic whipped in a dangerous ball from the set-piece and Victory’s Amy Jackson darted towards the ball to try and head it away but could only find the back of her own net.
While City started the second period brightly, things went downhill quickly when Victory scored twice in five minutes midway through the half. Former City player Alex Chidiac slipped a ball through for Catherine Zimmerman to finish into the bottom corner in the 65th minute before Lynn Williams got on the end of a cross in the 70th to put her side ahead.
Whilst we may only have three points from our opening two games, there is a feeling that this is a much-improved City side from last season and the team will be looking to build on this improvement when they face Adelaide United at AAMI Park again this Saturday.
The Reds recovered from their heavy opening-round loss to Melbourne Victory to secure a late 2-1 win over Canberra United last weekend.
The two sides were well-matched throughout the encounter, with Michelle Heyman opening the scoring for Canberra only for Nanako Sasaki to equalise just minutes later with a thunderous volley from the edge of the area. In the end, it was Emily Condon who showed her quality in stoppage time to control down Sasaki’s clipped ball into the area, taking a touch and burying her shot into the bottom corner to secure all three points for her side.
City and Adelaide loom as two well-matched opponents heading into the clash, with each on one win and one loss to start a campaign in which both sides will be eager to qualify for Finals.
Match Details
Liberty A-League Round 3
Melbourne City FC vs Adelaide United FC
Saturday 18 December, kick-off 5.05pm
AAMI Park
