Attacking opportunities galore  

The referee had barely blown the whistle to start the game when Melbourne City scored the maiden goal of the match. The away team went in front in the third minute after a beautiful run from Milica Mijatovic and a first-time side footed finish from Emily Van Egmond.  

The equaliser came at the end of the first half from Sofia Huerta. The American striker caught out the Melbourne defence and volleyed the ball into the net, making the score 1-1.

Holes in Sydney’s defence led to the first goal for City, but both teams defended poorly throughout the match. The average defence resulted in a number of attacking opportunities for both teams. Claire Emslie was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet for City after hitting the post mid-way through the first half, as was Princess Ibini for Sydney – the young striker had a multitude of chances that narrowly missed the goal each time.

😎@MelbourneCity's Emily van Egmond proves why she's a @TheMatildas ⭐️ after opening the scoring against @SydneyWFC ⚽️#SYDvMCY #WLeague pic.twitter.com/FvZplfPf2v

— Westfield W-League (@WLeague) December 8, 2019 ">

 

Transition, transition, transition

There were plenty of chances for both sides throughout the first 45 minutes. Quick transitions were the story of the first half, with both Sydney FC and Melbourne City looking dangerous when attacking.

The game was played end-to-end with neither side having much possession, but plenty of chances on goal. The quality of both sides coupled with so many attacking chances made for a very entertaining game.

Next week’s matches will be extremely important for both teams – Melbourne City will be looking to pick up points against derby rivals Melbourne Victory, whilst Sydney FC will be keen to redeem themselves as they take on Newcastle Jets.  

A great strike 

Mijatovic put her side in front in the 76th minute from a belter of a strike. Ellie Carpenter delivered into the box before Mijatovic’s left foot smashed the ball into the back of the net - a strike that will likely rival some of the better goals of the season so far. 

But the Serbian internationals goal did more than just win Melbourne City the game.

The 2-1 win for City means that they remain undefeated in their campaign so far, with three wins and a draw to date. Their triumph also means that City leapfrog Sydney FC into 2nd place and are now only behind the Western Sydney Wanderers on goal difference.

76’ GOAL FOR CITY!!
Jesus, Mijatović’s belted the crap out of that one. Terrifying. They’re the ones that keepers pretend to have a go at but pray that it doesn’t hit them.
Sydney 1-2 City#WLeague #sydvmcy

— Talking City (@TalkingCityFC) December 8, 2019 ">