Sydney FC ran out 3-0 winners at home to Melbourne City, thanks to goals from Sarah Hunter, Cortnee Vine, and Madison Haley
Hunter’s long-range effort 27 minutes in would set the tempo for the Sky Blues, and Cortnee Vine and Madison Haley would follow suit, with goals in the second half.
Sydney FC 3 (Hunter 27’, Vine 47’, Haley 71’) def Melbourne City 0
Moments That Mattered:
HUNTER’S SCREAMER 27’- A bouncing ball in the box is taken down by Madison Haley, who just manages to lay the ball off for Sarah Hunter on the edge of the box. Hunter lets fly with a right footed strike that loops over the helpless keeper and into the top right corner of the net. Sydney FC lead 1-0.
VINE DOUBLES THE LEAD- 47’- Mackenzie Hawkesby picks the ball up in midfield and beats 2 players before threading the ball perfectly into the path of the onrushing Cortnee Vine, who takes her time to size up the opportunity and perfectly slots it into the bottom right corner, leaving no chance for the goalkeeper.
HALEY MAKES IT THREE- 71’- Mackenzie Hawkesby once again breaks forward in midfield before utilising Cortnee Vine’s dash down the right wing. Vine crosses low straight into the path of Madison Haley’s run. Haley is able to slide and get enough on the ball to beat the keeper. A brilliant team goal to put the Sky Blues three to the good.
What They Said: Ante Juric: “I told the girls at half time this was the best performance I’d seen in the five years that I’ve been here. It was intense, and quick, City couldn’t get out of their half.
“All up one of the better ones I’ve been involved in while being here.
“Sarah Hunter is a star now, she’s been exceptional, she’s added goals.
“Hunter is like Tim Cahill; she pops up when you need a goal.”
Match Report: Sydney FC looked to continue their fine form after last week’s 6-3 defeat of Melbourne Victory, however the first half was a predominantly even battle with chances at both ends. It was clear from the off that this would be a tough battle for the Sky Blues.
City’s attacks early in the first half would prove to be no match for the in-form Kirsty Fenton whose dominant display set the standard for the Sky Blue defence.
Sydney FC’s pressure would pay off however, as Madison Haley set Sarah Hunter up to fire Sydney FC ahead in style, as her right footed effort looped the ball over the goalkeeper and into the top right-hand corner of the net. Hunter adding a fourth goal to her tally this campaign.
Sydney FC went into half time looking confident at 1-0, and they would not slow down as the second half started, as within two minutes a Mackenzie Hawkesby through ball perfectly found Cortnee Vine, who slotted the ball confidently past the keeper’s left and doubled the advantage for the Sky Blues.
The chances would continue to flow as Princess Ibini came inches away from getting on the end of a Cortnee Vine cross, and Mackenzie Hawkesby’s long range effort was just clear of the crossbar. Sydney FC looked to be dominating the second half more and more.
The Sky Blue Domination would continue throughout the whole second half, with Sydney FC’s tremendous performance capped off by a terrific team goal which saw Mackenzie Hawkesby once again pick out Vine on the wing, with the winger providing a cutback which was finished by the outstretched Madison Haley.
A dominant and classy display from Sydney FC saw them see out a 3-0 win at home, seeing them edge closer and closer to the top two, a strong attacking show partnered with a defence that only conceded one shot on target proved too much for Melbourne City, as the home side ran out victorious.
Sydney FC: Tahlia FRANCO (GK),3. Charlotte MCLEAN, 5. Kirsty FENTON, 6. Sarah HUNTER (8. Rachel LOWE- 82’), 11. Cortnee VINE (25. Rola BADAWIYA- 82’), 12. Natalie TOBIN (C), 15. Mackenzie HAWKESBY (2. Mary STANIC-FLOODY- 87’), 19. Charlize RULE, 20. Princess IBINI-ISEI, 21. Shay HOLLMAN.
Unused Subs: 16. Deborah-Anne De La Harpe, 30 Katie OFFER (GK)
Yellow Cards: Mackenzie HAWKESBY.
Red Cards: None
Melbourne City: 1. Sally JAMES (GK), 4. Chelsea BLISSETT, 6. Leticia MCKENNA, 7. Julia GROSSO, 8. Kaitlyn TORPEY, 10. Rhianna POLLICINA (21. Isabella ACCARDO- 80’), 14. Katie BOWEN, 15. Emma CHECKER (C), 17. Hannah WILKINSON, 18. Leah DAVIDSON (25. Darcey MALONE- 80’), 22. Bryleeh HENRY (20. Caitlin KARIC- 65’).
Unused Subs: 24. Daniela GALIC, 30. Charlotte HREHORESIN (GK).
Yellow Cards: Caitlin Karic
Red Cards: None
Venue: Allianz Stadium
Referee: Rebecca Durcau
Attendance: 3,654.
