Western United 1 – 1 Melbourne City
By Alice de Koster-Kitto 18/1/24
Above: Leticia McKenna on the ball. Photo: Melbourne City
Melbourne City have extended their unbeaten streak to 12 matches, in a hard-fought draw with Western United at Ironbark Fields.
It was Melbourne City who entered the match with the upper hand, having not lost a game this season, and sitting at the top of the ladder on 25 points, whereas the host side, Western United sit at 8th on 14 points.
Although they went into the match with well-earned confidence, it may have been this confidence that was ultimately a disadvantage in the first half, as Western played with an unwavering urgency, searching for a goal early on.
The first 30 minutes saw both sides play quite frantically, however, there was no real opportunity until Kahli Johnson’s strike from distance in the 34th minute, which ended up just wide of the goal.
The strike caused a shift in momentum for the rest of the first half, as a Western United goal seemed imminent, while they held their own against the table leaders.
Melbourne City continued to dominate the possession, despite not getting many chances to score. Their strong defense kept the match scoreless until Kahli Johnson opened the scoring in the 45th minute, putting Western United in the lead at home.
The goal caused some contention on the pitch, and between match officials and fans, as it was unclear as to whether the tap in crossed the line, before it was deflected by Melbourne City keeper, Malena Mieres.
Western United was awarded the goal by match officials, although there was some debate as to whether it was Melbourne City’s own goal. The goal was ultimately awarded to Kahli Johnson, assisted by Catherine Zimmerman’s cross, marking Johnson’s 7th goal of the Ninja A-League Season, and leaving the hosts in the lead at halftime.
Holly McNamara opened the action for Melbourne City, making an excellent run with the ball, however, was not able to get the power behind it to create a real chance for the visitors. McNamara quickly took another opportunity, furthering City’s chances to defend their undefeated streak, however, the ball was shot directly into Western’s Alyssa Dall’Oste and deflected.
Western United reclaimed possession as the second half continued, however, Melbourne City continued to jump on opportunities more than in the first half, keeping the match exciting and intense, as it shifted into a much closer match-up.
A very close shot on target from captain Chloe Logarzo, almost continued their lead but was ultimately bounced from the keeper.
A remarkable series of shots from Kahli Johnson, made for a dangerous Western United attack, as it seemed quite likely that they would keep their lead. Notably, a slate strike came incredibly close, before bouncing off the head of Zimmerman, inside the box.
The match kept its momentum as stoppage time approached, with both sides desperately seeking a late goal. Western United remained in the lead until the 83rd minute, with a wonderful right-footed shot from Holly McNamara equalised the scoring.
After six minutes of added time, and a well-fought battle to the end, there was no further scoring, and the match ended in a draw. The result extends Melbourne City’s undefeated streak this season, marking their 12th game without a loss, leaving them at the top of the table.
Round 13 of the Ninja A-League will see Melbourne City head on the road to face Western Sydney Wanderers at Wanderers Football Park, while Western United will take on Adelaide United at Marden Sports Complex.
To view Beck Hartley’s gallery of images for Impetus from the game, check out our Instagram account – @ImpetusFootball.
WESTERN UNITED (4-3-3): Dall’oste, Sardo, Dehakiz, Maher, Grove, M.Taranto, A.Taranto, Eggesvik, Zimmerman, Johnson, Logarzo. Substitutes: Lincoln, Medwin, De Domizio, Prakash, Hieda.
Scorers: Johnson 45’.
MELBOURNE CITY (4-2-2-2): Mieres, Apostolakis, Stott, Otto, Vlajnic, Hughes, Davidson, McKenna, Bosch, Speckmaier, Pollicina. Substitutes: Barbieri, Harvey, McMahon, McNamara, Roestbakken.
Scorers: McNamara 83′.
Referee: Caitlin Williams.
Attendance: 847.
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