On a hot and windy day in Melbourne’s west, Melbourne City had the difficult task of taking on the A-League Women league leaders. But from the outset of the first half, Dario Vidosic’s squad looked like they were firmly up for the challenge.
In the first half, Melbourne City were able to stick to the game plan that they have had all season, controlling the ball and dominating possession. However, Sydney FC winger Cortnee Vine was able to hit the City defense on the counter-attack and scored the first goal of the match.
Despite this, for the remainder of the first half Melbourne City still were able to control the game and create plenty of chances that they were unable to capitalise on.
Coming out of the halftime break Sydney FC were able to control much more of the ball and play the game on their terms. They accomplished this by not pressing as high as they were in the first half opting to sit in a mid-block and invite some of the pressure. Sydney FC head coach, Ante Juric thought that the match was an interesting tactical battle.
“From a coach’s point of view it was a good game, because tactically we were against each other and both teams had their ups and downs,” said Juric.
Late in the second half it was Melbourne City’s bench that brought the energy which allowed City to gain back some control of the match and allowed Kaitlyn Torpey to score the tieing goal seconds before the final whistle.
“All the ones that came on made a great contribution with Darcey [Malone] almost scoring a goal,” Vidosic said.
“Izzy [Accardo] was excellent, Bryleeh [Henry] as well. That’s what we look for, that when they come on, can they make an impact?
“Chelsea [Blissett] as well was really good causing them a couple of problems down the left.”
With Melbourne City failing to pick up the win, they are now out of the running for the premiership, but Vidosic believes that getting this result in tough conditions will give his players belief that they can succeed in the finals.
“It’s sort of the belief that comes out from training and every day they play in tight areas and they bounce it around, but it’s just when you get to the match day do we have the courage to play that way,” Vidosic said.
“Especially towards the end of the match when you’ve been drained in 30 degree heat and the winds blowing.”
Melbourne City have two games to go in their regular season, their next clash is an away game against Perth Glory.
Featured Image Credit: Melbourne City FC
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