Adelaide United 1-3 Melbourne City
by Isabelle Campbell (20/12/24)
Above: Matilda McNamara (centre) – scored in only her second substitute appearance back from her ACL injury today in Adelaide for Melbourne City. Photo: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City continued their dominant form in today’s encounter with Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium, continuing their unbeaten run in the league this season.
Adelaide United entered A-League Women’s clash eager to reverse their fortunes. The Reds had made three changes to their lineup – one inforced by the suspension of Matilda McNamara for being sent off in their 3-1 defeat at Perth Glory last week, as they aimed to end a six-game winless streak against Melbourne City.
City also opted for three changes to their starting XI, highlighted by the return of veteran goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri, marking her first appearance of the season.
For Adelaide, Fiona Worts remained a player to watch. The prolific striker has been a standout performer this season, leading the club with six goals—a tally that also sees her tied for the league’s top scorer.
The match kicked off in thrilling fashion, with Mariana Speckmaier giving Melbourne City the lead inside the opening 30 seconds. Speckmaier was on target after a well-timed assist from Leah Davidson—her first of the season.
Adelaide United quickly bounced back, however, through an unfortunate own goal. A slow back pass from Rebekah Stott slipped past goalkeeper Barbieri, who was unable to make contact with the ball, watching it roll into the City net.
Following the early excitement, the match settled into a quieter phase, with both teams struggling to create meaningful chances. Despite possession on both sides, neither team could manage a shot on goal as the tempo slowed.
Lourdes Bosch then attempted to break the deadlock with a powerful strike from distance, but Adelaide keeper Claudia Jenkins was well-positioned and made a routine save.
Melbourne City regained the advantage just before halftime with a stunning strike from TJ Vlajnic. Collecting the ball outside the box, Vlajnic unleashed a powerful shot that soared past Jenkins and into the net, putting City back in the lead with a brilliantly executed finish.
City had a promising opportunity early in the second half when Speckmaier looked for all the world about to tap in a cross. However, the ball landed in the gloves of Jenkins once again.
Taylor Otto made a darting run in behind to get on the end of a pass, but she timed her movement just a moment too soon, with the offside flag going up as the ball left her foot.
Holly McNamara was substituted on with 20 minutes of regular time remaining, marking her second appearance of the season after making her return from an ACL injury last week.
Just four minutes after taking the field, McNamara showed her immense worth to City in particular and the league more widely with a goal, a remarkable moment following a 13-month absence due to injury. Her performance highlighted the invaluable presence her side has been missing during her time away.
Both teams had opportunities to add to the scoreline in added time, but were unable to trouble the scoreboard.
Adelaide United attempted eight shots in the match, their lowest total in a single game this season. However, none of these efforts were on target, highlighting the struggles they faced in breaking down Melbourne City’s defence.
The two teams will play their final matches of 2024 at home, with Adelaide set to host Western Sydney Wanderers and City facing off against Wellington Phoenix.
Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Jenkins, E. Hodgson, León, Tolland, Tonkin, Dewey, Bowler, Condon, Dawber, Mullan, Worts. Substitutes: Grove, Grigg, Karambasis, Morgan, Panagaris.
Goals: Stott (OG) 8′.
MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-2): Barbieri, Apostolakis, Stott, Otto, Vlajnic, Davidson, Hughes, McKenna, Bosch, Speckmaier, Harvey. Substitutes: Mieres, Henry, McNamara, Pollicina, Roestbakken.
Goals: Speckmaier 1′, Vlajnic 41′, McNamara 74′.
Referee: Mikayla Ryan.
Attendance: 2,404.
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