Sydney FC played out an end to end Westfield W-League Grand Final in front of a record breaking crowd at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, falling just short against reigning Champions Melbourne City.
Summary
Sydney FC 0 def. by Melbourne City 2 (Fishlock 35’, Taylor 76’)
Sydney FC played out an end to end Westfield W-League Grand Final in front of a record breaking crowd at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, falling just short against reigning Champions Melbourne City.
The game was evenly contested throughout with some key moments and decisions falling City’s way.
The Sky Blues can take heart from their strong performances in the Westfield W-League this season, including the Grand Final, which will undoubtedly stand them in good stead heading into the 2018/19 season.
What They Said
Ante Juric: “The girls never gave up, 2-0 and we’re still chasing hard into the 92nd minute so I’m super proud of that,” he said.
“I had huge belief in them I really did. Even at 0-1 at halftime I still thought we would win and maybe we could’ve done if that world-class free-kick didn’t go in because we just kept going and going.
“It’s a learning curve for us that we’ve got to back ourselves and put our chances away if we’re going to be Champions next season.”
Goals
35’ FISHLOCK: Bledsoe looks to restart play quickly with a throw from the edge of her penalty area, but having thrown the ball she is bundled over by a City player. Fishlock takes advantage of the situation to steal the ball and chip it into the empty goal.
76’ TAYLOR: City profit from a dead ball situation, with Fishlock unleashing an effort that looks destined for the top corner. Somehow Bledsoe gets a fingertip to it and deflects it back off the bar, but the ball falls invitingly to Taylor who sweeps home into an empty net.
Key Moments
2’ BLEDSOE SAVE: Taylor breaks through on goal but takes a heavy touch, which allows Bledsoe to dive forward and snuff out the danger.
6’ DE VANNA HALF CHANCE: Polias wins the ball back in a dangerous position. The Sky Blues Captain does well to pick out De Vanna in the box but Sydney FC’s talismanic forward is under severe pressure and she is unable to direct her effort goal ward.
9’ DE VANNA JUST WIDE: An exquisitely worked move sees Sydney FC advance the ball up the pitch, Sonnet, Khamis and Logarzo showing great understanding of their team mates movements. Logarzo is eventually able to lay the ball off to De Vanna in the box but the Sky Blue’s striker side foots the ball inches wide.
26’ KINGA HAS A POP: The Melbourne City midfielder works a bit of space and has a crack from 25 yards out. Her powerful effort goes wide with Bledsoe looking to have had it covered.
43’ IBINI TESTS THE KEEPER: Ibini-Isei puts a cross in from the touchline but the ball actually looks to be heading for the top corner of the goal, forcing Williams into a smart save.
49’ YEOMAN-DALE FROM DISTANCE: The full back intercepts a loose pass, proceeding to smash an effort at goal, which Williams does well to tip over the bar.
51’ POLIAS FREE-KICK: The Sky Blues captain almost hauls her team back into the game singlehandedly, drawing a foul in a dangerous position and almost scoring with the resultant free kick.
57’ LEDBROOK RUSTLES THE SIDE NETTING: The Sky Blues steadily build pressure in City’s half, culminating in De Vanna’s lofted through ball, which Ledbrook slashes into the side netting.
72’ DOBSON CHANCE: Fishlock plays Dobson in on goal but the angle was always difficult and the City forward fires the ball well over.
Team News
Leena Khamis comes into the team in the place of the injured Caitlin Foord. Otherwise the starting eleven is identical to last week’s team that took down the Jets.
Ground: Allianz Stadium
Attendance: 6,025
Referee: Rebecca Durcau
Sydney FC: 29. Aubrey BLEDSOE (GK), 2. Teresa POLIAS, 4. Elizabeth RALSTON, 6. Chloe LOGARZO, 10. Kylie LEDBROOK (7. Rachel SOUTAR, 74’), 11. Lisa De VANNA, 13. Georgia YEOMAN-DALE, 15. Caitlin COOPER, 16. Emily SONNETT, 19. Leena KHAMIS (3. Remy SIEMSEN, 66’), 20. Princess IBINI (21. Julia VIGNES, 83’).
Subs Not Used: 1. Sham KHAMIS (GK), 14. Emma ROLSTON.
Yellow Cards: 68’ LEDBROOK, 89’ LOGARZO.
Red Cards: N/A
Melbourne City: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS (GK), 2. Yukari KINGA, 3. Lauren BARNES, 4. Ashley HATCH (15. Amy JACKSON, 83’), 6. Aivi LUIK, 7. Stephanie CATLEY, 10. Jessica FISHLOCK, 12. Jodie TAYLOR (19. Tyla Jay VLAJNIC, 90+1’) 13. Rebekah STOTT, 14. Alanna KENNEDY, 17. Kyah SIMON (11. Rhali DOBSON, 61’).
Subs Not Used: 20. Emily SHIELDS (GK), 5. Lia MULDEARY.
Yellow Cards: 87’ JACKSON.
Red Cards: N/A.
