Match Details:
Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory
Date: Saturday 23 December
Time: Kick-off: 5pm (AEDT)
Location: AAMI Park, Melbourne
PREVIEW
Melbourne Victory proved too strong for Canberra United last Saturday afternoon, running out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from McKenzie Weinert and Kurea Okino.
Victory broke the deadlock against United in the 28th minute when McKenzie Weinert found the back of the net with a composed left-footed shot from the centre of the box, capitalising on an assist from Jamilla Rankin.
Canberra struggled to contain Victory’s attacking threat after the goal, as the hosts continued to create chances having taken the lead.
Rachel Lowe, Kurea Okino, and Alana Murphy all had opportunities to double the advantage, but Canberra did just enough to keep the scoreline at 1-0 going into the break.
The visitors stepped up their efforts to level the score after the break, but Victory’s defence remained resolute.
Canberra’s task became even more challenging in the 50th minute when goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln received a red card for a mistimed challenge just outside the box.
Victory took advantage of the numerical superiority and extended their lead in the 57th minute.
Kurea Okino showcased her clinical finishing, firing a right-footed shot from the right side of the box into the bottom left corner, assisted by Alana Murphy with a well-timed through ball.
Our girls in blue are now six games unbeaten heading into the Christmas Melbourne Derby and will look to solidify their place in the top four.
Following a hot start to the season, Melbourne City have only claimed one point from their previous two matches.
City head coach Dario Vidosic has named a strong squad with a pair of key names set to return from injury. Kaitlyn Torpey returns after not travelling last weekend, while Bryleeh Henry could return from a knee injury that has ruled her out since Round 2.
FROM JEFF
FROM CHECKER
LAST TIME
Melbourne City 3 (1) – (4) 3 Melbourne Victory
April 15, 2023
Casey Fields, Melbourne
HEAD TO HEAD
2022/23 (Mar 13): Melbourne Victory 2-0 Melbourne City
2022/22 (Jan 15) Melbourne City 1-1 Melbourne Victory
2021/22 (Mar 20) Melbourne City 1-3 Melbourne Victory
SQUAD
1.Lydia WILLIAMS, 2.Jamilla RANKIN, 3.Tori HANSEN, 4.Sara D’APPOLONIA, 5.Jessika NASH, 6.Beattie GOAD, 7.Ella O’GRADY, 8.Alana MURPHY, 10.McKenzie WEINERT, 13.Kurea OKINO, 15.Emma CHECKER, 16.Paige ZOIS, 18.Kayla MORRISON, 19.Lia PRIVITELLI, 20.Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 21.Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 22.Ava BRIEDIS, 23.Rachel LOWE, 24.Laura PICKETT, 27.Rosie CURTIS
Ins: 24.Laura PICKETT, 27.Rosie CURTIS
Outs: nil
Unavailable: 9.Emily GIELNIK
