Sydney FC have kept their first place dreams alive after a top of the table tussle against Melbourne City resulted in a 0-0 draw.
However the Sky Blues will come away disappointed after creating most of the chances, including a missed penalty and hitting a post, while keeping City to no shots on target.
Sydney FC 0 draw Melbourne City 0.
Moments That Mattered:
24’ – VINE MAKES AN ATTEMPT – a cross from Ibini at the centre of the penalty box finds Vine on the right edge who takes a strike at goal. It was denied by Melbourne City goal keeper, Melissa Barbieri.
31’ – IBINI HITS POST – Sky Blue captain Princess Ibini spins on the ball and hits an impeccable strike, curling towards the left post but unfortunately it hits the post and rebounds away.
42’ – WHYMAN SAVE – Sydney FC goal keeper Jada Whyman denies Taylor Otto from drawing first blood this evening.
56’ – BARBIERI DENIES IBINI – following a penalty conceded by Otto, Ibini steps up for the Sky Blues but her strike is saved by Barbieri in the bottom left corner.
What They Said:
Ante Juric: “I am extremely proud of today’s performance. We were sharp and intense in both attack and defence.
“City at home is a tough place to go, so to dominate and have 19 shots to two, shows how well we played. In saying that, we need to improve our final product and with that we are looking to capitalise on all our positive play in the future.
“We are aiming for a fourth premiership in a row, which would be a record achievement. So we are going to give it all we can in our last six games and aim to catch those teams currently above us.”
Match Report:
Ante Juric’s Sky Blue side have kept their first place dreams alive after a point against ladder leaders, Melbourne City, following an intense 95 minutes of football.
After an opening 20 minutes of tit-for-tat play the Sky Blues began to gain momentum, with five shots on target.
Sky Blue skipper Princess Ibini crossed the ball to Vine who dribbled it to the right edge. Despite the Matildas’ star strike being denied by keeper Barbieri, it was a tremendous effort after finding a way past the heavy defence from Melbourne City.
Moments later, Ibini weaved through Melbourne City’s defensive line, gunning for the opening goal for the match. The tremendous strike from the right edge of the penalty box curled towards the left corner of the goal, but unfortunately rebounded off the post.
Just before half time Sky Blue goal keeper, Jada Whyman, denied Taylor Otto from striking the first blow this evening, keeping the game scoreless at the break.
The second half was off to a fiery start with Melbourne City conceding a penalty after a handball by Taylor Otto in the penalty box. Ibini stepped up for the challenge, but her right footed shoot was saved by Barbieri in the bottom left corner.
Abbey Lemon was the next Sky Blue to take their chance at scoring the first goal for the match. Her chip from close range towards the left corner of the post landed in the palms of Barbieri, denying Sydney FC the lead.
Sydney FC’s valiant defensive effort ensured a 0-0 draw, leaving them three points behind current ladder leaders City.
Sydney FC: 1. Jade WHYMAN (GK), 3. Charlotte MCLEAN, 4. Tori TUMETH, 5. Kirsty FENTON, 11. Cortnee VINE, 15. Mackenzie HAWKESBY, 16. Jordan THOMPSON, 20. Princess IBINI, 21. Shady HOLLMAN, 22. Indiana DOS SANTOS (14. Abbey LEMON 61’), 26. Madeline CASPERS (18. Taylor RAY 81’)
Unused Subs: 17. Jynaya DOS SANTOS, 19. Zara KRUGER, 30. Tahlia FRANCO (GK)
Yellow Cards: IBINI 17’
Red Cards: None.
Melbourne City: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 3. Naomi THOMAS-CHINNAMA, 5. Taylor OTTO, 6. Leticia MCKENNA (22. Bryleeh HENRY 65’), 10. Rhianna POLLICINA (15. KIERA MEYERS 87’), 11. Emina EKIC, 14. Laura HUGHES, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 19. Tijan MCKENNA (2. Leila VARLEY 81’), 24. Daniela GALIC
Unused Subs: 1. Sophia VARLEY (GK), 12. Shelby MCMAHON,
Yellow Cards: Hughes 70′.
Red Cards: None.
Venue: City Football Academy Field
Referee: Casey Reibelt