Melbourne Victory’s questionable penalty is enough to consign Sydney FC to a 1-0 defeat in a tight affair in the Big Blue.
Sydney FC 0 def. by Melbourne Victory 1 (Jancevski 13′)
Moments That Mattered
5′ I FRANCO SAVE – The Sky Blues ‘keeper gets down quickly to smother Jancevski’s near-post free kick on the line.
13′ I VICTORY PENALTY – A coming-together between Sydney’s Farrow and Chidiac after a cleared corner sees referee Mackie point to the spot, Jancevski stepping forward to lash the ball into the net.
19′ I DOS SANTOS DEFLECTION – Sydney FC forward Dos Santos gets her side’s first look at goal, coming inside on her left in the box only to see a deflected effort loop over the crossbar.
24′ I JOHNSON LONG-RANGE EFFORT – Sydney FC midfielder Johnson’s eyes light up after the ball spills to her 35 metres from goal following a strong challenge, but her attempt to chip the keeper comes up short.
38′ I DOS SANTOS FREE KICK – Sydney FC’s Dos Santos manages to whip her free kick up and over the wall, but Victory’s Newbon slaps it away for a corner.
56′ I BRYSON SKIES ATTEMPT – Sydney FC defender Bryson skips past an opponent in the box before lining up a shot from 20 metres and sending the ball high and wide of the far post.
Match Report: Sydney FC’s faltering season suffered another blow at Allianz Stadium this afternoon in a game of few clear-cut chances, Melbourne’ Victory’s defence holding firm for 77 minutes after attacker Alana Jancevski’s well-taken penalty.
Coming into the contest between the fierce rivals with just five goals in seven games, Sydney FC spent long periods searching for a chink in the visitor’s defence, but struggled to fashion more than half-chances.
It was not through lack of effort, with captain Natalie Tobin tirelessly driving her teammates forward from the centre of the park and Indiana Dos Santos offering flashes of skill that tested Victory’s resolve.
Melbourne Victory captain Kayla Morrison proved just as resolute as her counterpart in the centre of the visitor’s defence, however, helping to snuff out countless attacks and maintain a lead built on a marginal call in the 13th minute.
Sydney FC in that moment managed to clear a Victory corner, only for Millie Farrow’s fractionally-late contact with Matilda Alex Chidiac to be judged worthy of a penalty, subsequently converted by Jancevski.
What They Said: Ante Juric: – “Its sad to lose, especially on a penalty that probably wasn’t a penalty. But all in all again, it’s the girls that perform like that and have that attitude, I walk away happy.
“On a game like today I was happy with their performance and if they continue like that, we’ll start to find the road.”
Sydney FC: 30. Tahlia FRANCO (GK), 2. Margaux CHAUVET, 3. Faye BRYSON, 4. Tori TUMETH, 7. Millie FARROW (9. Shea CONNORS 74′), 12. Natalie TOBIN (C), 16. Jordan THOMPSON, 20. Princess IBINI, 21. Lucy JOHNSON (15. Mackenzie HAWKESBY 64′), 22. Indiana DOS SANTOS, 26. Maddie CASPERS (14. Abbey LEMON 80′).
Unused Subs: 18. Amber LUCHTMEIJER, 1. Brianna EDWARDS (GK).
Yellow Cards: THOMPSON 45+3′, CASPERS 46′.
Red Cards: None.
Melbourne Victory: 50. Courtney NEWBON (GK), 3. Claudia BUNGE, 6. Beattie GOAD, 8. Alana MURPHY, 10. Alex CHIDIAC, 11. Nicki FLANNERY, 13. Sara D’APPOLONIA, 18. Kayla MORRISON (C), 23. Rachel LOWE (22. Ava BRIEDIS 85′), 24. Laura PICKETT, 66. Alana JANCEVSKI (7. Ella O’GRADY 69′).
Unused Subs: 5. Sofia SAKALIS , 27. Rosie CURTIS, 62. Geo CANDY (GK).
Yellow Cards: BUNGE 37′.
Red Cards: None.
Venue: Allianz Stadium
Referee: Bec Mackie
