Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC each claimed a point from the first meeting of the season between the teams, with both goals scored early in the contest.
Summary
A healthy crowd was in attendance for the first meeting between Victory and Sydney of the season.
The visitors started the game in ideal fashion, scoring from one of their first chances of the game.
The move started by Cortnee Vine caused a scramble in the Victory box, with the ball eventually falling to Maddie Caspers who finished with composure.
The early goal sparked Victory into life, who began to look more threatening having fallen behind.
Victory were soon rewarded for their improved period of play, when Elise Kellond-Knight’s cross almost found McKenzie Weinert, leading to a foul on the American in the penalty area.
Rachel Lowe stepped up to take the subsequent penalty, cooly converting into the bottom-right corner to level the score.
Both teams had chances through the remainder of the half, but neither were able to claim the lead before the break, leaving the game hanging in the balance heading into the second 45.
Emily Gielnik was introduced to the contest at the break, replacing Alana Murphy.
The second half was a tighter contest, with clear-cut chances becoming rarer at both ends of the pitch.
Kayla Morrison made a vital goal-saving challenge just after the hour mark to keep things level, whilst Courtney Newbon also made several high-quality saves.
Jamilla Rankin also impressed throughout the contest, keeping tabs on Cortnee Vine for the duration of the match.
Ultimately, both defences won out in the second half, 1-1 the full-time score.
A third game unbeaten for Jeff Hopkins’ team, who keep themselves in the race for finals ahead of a tough trip to Brisbane next week.
Result
Melbourne Victory 1 (Lowe (pen) 20′) Sydney FC 1 (Caspers 7′)
Next
Liberty A-League – Round 15
Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory
Saturday 3 February
Kick-off: 6.00pm (AEDT)
Perry Park, Brisbane
