It wouldn’t be the Summer of Football without a double header at AAMI Park, as Melbourne City FC aim to return to winning ways in the Westfield W-League against Perth Glory on Tuesday.
The Lowdown
After tasting defeat for the first time ever against Canberra United over a fortnight ago, City were on the receiving end of another Westfield W-League upset in shock 2-1 defeat to the Western Sydney Wanderers last week.
It was just one of those afternoons for Joe Montemurro’s side, who dominated possession and opened the scoring through Marianna Tabain’s well-taken volley, but were thwarted time and time again by an inspired Jada Whyman in the Wanderers goal.
The result meant City – who now sit in fourth place on the league table – relinquished its stranglehold on top spot for the first time in a season-and-a-half, sitting three points adrift of leaders Sydney FC, but with a game in hand.
That doesn’t signal a crisis by any means, but it is how a team bounces back during times of adversity which displays its true character.
For City, signs of the attacking flair that underpinned last season’s success continues to return by the week. American forward Beverly Yanez has made a seamless transition to life in the Australia with a goal and assist in her last two matches, forging a damaging understanding with Seattle teammate Jess Fishlock and fellow compatriot Erika Tymrak.
An element of pressure has been lifted now that a remarkable undefeated streak has ended, with Tuesday’s clash against the high flying Perth presenting an opportunity for City to refocus and regain its cutting edge in the final third.
Following a rollercoaster start to the season, the Glory have been gathering momentum week by week with a string of impressive performances both at home and away which has produced three consecutive wins.
The two clubs have played just twice – both last season – with City claiming two one-sided 4-0 wins, but with both sides entrenched inside the top four, the scene is set for a blockbuster start to another exciting double header.
Join us at AAMI Park!
Don’t miss our massive A-League and W-League double header! See our Women’s team do battle against Perth at 5pm, before our Men’s team aim to do the double in the A-League clash against the Glory at 7:50pm.
Kids go free! Bring the family along to AAMI Park, where every adult ticket and adult membership can redeem one free junior ticket for Tuesday’s exciting double header.
Click here to get your tickets for the match or sign up to our Five Match Membership below!
Match Details
Westfield W-League – Round 8
Melbourne City FC v Perth Glory
Tuesday 27 December 2016
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-Off: 5:05PM (Local) (5:05PM (AEDT))
Referee: Casey Reibelt
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 505 from 5.00pm (AEDT) and ABC TV from 5.00pm (AEDT)
Melbourne City FC squad: 1.Lydia WILLIAMS (GK), 2.Teigen ALLEN, 3.Lauren BARNES, 5.Laura ALLEWAY, 6.Aivi LUIK, 7.Steph CATLEY (c), 10.Jessica FISHLOCK, 11.Erika TYMRAK, 13.Rebekah STOTT, 14.Melina AYRES, 15.Amy JACKSON, 16.Beverly YANEZ, 17.Marianna TABAIN, 18.Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI, 19.Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC, 26.Erin HUDSON (GK)
**one to be omitted**
Ins: 18. Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI (promoted)
Outs: nil
Unavailable: 9. Larissa CRUMMER (ankle – two weeks)