Alex Chidiac’s first game back in Melbourne Victory colours ended in defeat, as goals either side of half-time resulted in a 2-0 win for Western Sydney Wanderers.
Summary
Victory made the tough trip to Sydney looking to return to the winners’ circle against an improving Wanderers outfit.
The pre-game though was soured by an injury to goalkeeper Miranda Templeman in the warm-up.
Despite the set-back, Victory seemed to settle quickly into the contest once it began.
The game was an finely balanced affair, with both teams looking most dangerous on the counter-attack.
Victory’s best chance of the half arose early in the contest when Kurea Okino played Lia Privitelli in behind the Wanderers defence, but the returning winger was unable to find her way past the on-rushing goalkeeper.
Head coach Jeff Hopkins made use of his bench early in the contest, replacing Kurea Okino with Sara D’Appolonia ten minutes before half-time.
Despite Victory’s early opportunities, it was the home team that opened the scoring in the 38th minute.
A corner was sent in and found its was past the crowd of players in the box to where Amy Harrison was waiting at the far post, where she pounced on the opportunity to open the scoring.
Western Sydney took their lead into half-time, leaving Victory with plenty to do in the second 45.
McKenzie Weinert almost gave her side the perfect start to the second half when she muscled her way into a scoring position, but was just unable to direct her shot on target.
By contrast, the Wanderers proved to be clinical once again just a few minutes later, with Alexia Apostolakis being played in behind before finishing cooly to double her side’s lead.
Hopkins turned to his big guns just before the hour mark, bringing Alex Chidiac onto the field for her Victory return alongside Ava Briedis.
The reigning Julie Dolan medallist, Chidiac did not take long to showcase her composure and skill on the ball.
Despite Chidiac’s presence, Victory remained unable to break down the sturdy Wanderers defence.
The game ended 2-0 in Western Sydney’s favour, with Victory looking to rebound in their first game of 2024.
Result
Western Sydney Wanderers 2 (Harrison 38′, Apostolakis 51′)
Melbourne Victory 0
Next Match
Liberty A-League – Round 11
Melbourne Victory v Western United
Saturday 6 January
Kick-off: 6.00pm (AEDT)
Home of the Matildas
