Sydney FC 1-1 Melbourne City
by Alice de Kosta-Kitto at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium for Impetus (24/11/24)
Above: Lourdes Bosch (right) celebrates her third goal in four games this season with Laura Hughes. Photo: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City have dropped to second on the A-League table, after drawing with reigning champions Sydney FC, in the final match of Unite Round.
A sixth-minute strike from Mackenzie Hawkesby opened the scoring, giving Sydney FC the lead. The host’s dominance was short-lived, however, when Melbourne City’s Lourdes Bosch found the equaliser just minutes later, establishing an already contentious match, as an exciting and unpredictable afternoon of football.
Melbourne City controlled the possession early on, although Sydney FC was the one to capitalise on the few opportunities they had.
An attempt from Maddie Caspers in the fourth minute gave Sydney an almost immediate upper hand, which their attack maintained for the majority of the first half, despite City’s dominant defensive line.
The two sides last met during the 2023/24 Grand Final, where Sydney FC took home the title. The rivalry made for a thrilling tactical battle that kept both Sydney and City fans captivated from start to finish.
Melbourne City were out for redemption, and their determination was displayed through their unfaltering defence. Sydney on the other hand, took every chance they could get to move up in the table, following a disappointing start to the season.
Indiana dos Santos played a key role in Sydney’s attack. The 17-year-old’s pace and creativity allowed her to make an impact throughout all areas of the pitch, often creating chances for her teammates. Dos Santos’ versatility was a defining feature in Sydney’s ability to withhold attacking pressure against a combative defensive side.
A strong shot from Hawkesby almost saw Sydney take the lead, once again, however despite their consistent effort, the scores remained level at the break.
A blocked attempt from City’s Mariana Speckmaier in the 49th minute, saw a shift in momentum. As the visitors began to take advantage of their chances, Sydney fought back, and the possession ended up at a 51.7% to 48.3% split in favour of Melbourne, a much closer battle than was seen in the first half.
Shay Hollman was Sydney’s first substitution of the match, although the change came earlier than was expected when Hana Lowry had to be taken off after what seemed like quite a painful shoulder injury. Both the Western Australian and the Matildas will be hoping that it doesn’t prove to be too serious after Lowry’s first senior call up for the national side.
With just a few minutes left of regulation time, City once again shifted up ther gears, desperately looking to maintain their undefeated streak this season. Sydney responded with several shots on target, including a very close strike from Shea Connors.
The result sees Melbourne City drop to second place on the ladder, behind Brisbane Roar, while Sydney FC remain ninth.
Sydney will head to Victoria in a fortnight, to face Western United. Meanwhile, Melbourne City are set to host a Western Sydney Wanderers side next weekend still searching for their first win of the season.
Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Edwards, Tumeth, Tobin, Thompson, Bryson, Lowry, Hawkesbt, Caspers, Dos Santos, Connors, Ibini. Substitutes: Franco, Hollman, Lemon, Luchtmeijer, Tallon-Henniker.
Scorer: Hawkesby 6′.
MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-2): Mieres. Apostolakis, Stott, Otto, Roestbakken, Davidson, Hughes, Pollicina, Speckmaier, Bosch, Harvey. Substitutes: Barbieri, Henry, McKenna, McMahon, Vlajnic.
Scorer: Bosch 11′.
Referee: Rachael Mitchinson.
Attendance: 3,149.
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