Finals fixtures tend to follow one of two paths; Free-flowing affairs with plenty of goals, or scrappy tactical encounters settled by a solitary goal.

Unfortunately for football fans, it was not the former, but Sydney FC will happily settle for the latter after scoring the only goal of the game and booking their place in the 2019/20 decider.

In a tight first half played under blustery conditions, both sides struggle to create many notable attacking chances, with Annalie Longo firing straight at Aubrey Bledsoe in the 11th minute, before Sydney FC took the lead when Veronica Latsko ghosted in behind the Victory defence to poke home Ally Green's superb cross in the 14th minute.

Trailing 1-0 at halftime, the home side upped the intensity in the second period and took control of the game, ably assisted by a strong tailwind.

Amy Jackson forced Bledsoe into a fantastic diving save in the 53rd minute, whilst Melina Ayres, Haley Hanson and Longo all were wasteful as they failed to force the Sydney shot-stopper into further meaningful action as the half wore on.

Despite the hosts dominating the second half, the Sydney FC backline was rock-solid, led by Alanna Kennedy and Ellie Brush, as last season's Champions earned the right to defend their crown with a 1-0 victory and now await the winner of tomorrow's clash between Melbourne City and Western Sydney Wanderers.

MELBOURNE VICTORY

Casey Dumont - 6.5

Very little to do, and hardly at fault for the opener. An impressive season by Dumont, but unfortunately it ends one week shorter than she had hoped for.

Jenna McCormick - 6.5

Caught flat-footed and unaware of Latsko's run for the only goal of the game. Otherwise got through her duties without much hassle.

Laura Brock - 7

Commanding in the air and dealt with Siemsen and Latsko comfortably for most of the match. Virtually a spectator in the second period as Victory dominated with the wind behind them.

Emily Menges - 7

A solid performance, but it was the other end of the pitch that let Victory down.

Darian Jenkins - 5

One of the competition's form players coming into today's fixture, the American was well below par today and seemed to struggle through the 90 minutes. After tracking Latsko into the box, she then let her run go unchecked as her countrywomen opened the scoring from close range.

Haley Hanson - 7

The diminutive American was busy but couldn't help Victory break down a well-organised Sky Blues.

Amy Jackson - 7

Inches away from equalising early in the second half when she forced Bledsoe into a smart stop but also struggled to break down the Sydney rear guard.

Angela Beard - 7.5

Victory's best performer on the day. Beard got through a mountain of work down the left flank and never stopped trying to get her side over the line.

Annalie Longo - 7

Linked up with Ayres and Dowie but couldn't find the killer pass or touch when it mattered. Fired straight at Bledsoe in the opening period, before blasting over in the second.

Melina Ayres - 6.5

Never needing a second invitation to shoot, Ayres had more shots than any other player but failed to find her range, failing to seriously test Bledsoe before being substituted in the 89th minute.

Natasha Dowie - 6

Starved of service for most of the match, struggled to make an impact as she was marshalled by the likes of Brush and Kennedy for 90 minutes. Had the fewest touches of any player who started the match, including both goalkeepers. 

SUBS

Polly Doran (89') - N/A

Thrown on in hope of forcing the match to extra time, but managed just the one touch.

SYDNEY FC

Aubrey Bledsoe - 8

Rarely tested, but brilliant when called upon. Made a fantastic diving save off Jackson in the second half and was commanding in her area as she held on to keep her 8th clean sheet of the season.

Ally Green - 9

A fantastic performance from Green, who performed her defensive duties admirably and also produced one of the crosses of the season to assist the all-important goal for Latsko.

Alanna Kennedy - 8

Played 90 minutes against Vietnam on Wednesday night and showed no signs of fatigue as she kept the likes of Dowie, Jenkins and Ayres quiet.

Ellie Brush - 8

Enjoyed a duel with Natasha Dowie for 90 minutes and came away smelling like roses. Not many defenders have been able to say that since Dowie came to the league, but Brush had an excellent day today.

 

Lindsay Agnew - 8

The Canadian was a rock at left-back and kept Jenkins uncharacteristically quiet for the duration of the match. Made a heroic block as she put her body on the line in the dying seconds to help secure the win.

Teresa Polias - 7.5

Sydney's unsung hero had a busy game but was quiet as the game was largely played over her head as both sides looked to play long.

Natalie Tobin - 7.5

Like Polias, was required to sit back and get through a mountain of work in the second half as Victory threw everything at the Sky Blues, but Tobin stood firm and made won some important duels.

Taylor Ray - 8

Making her fourth successive start after returning from her second ACL injury, Ray showed why she is held in such high regard by Ante Juric and his staff with an impressive performance, helping dictate the tempo and stifle the Victory until being substituted in the 77th minute.

Sofia Huerta - 7

The American winger was busy in the opening half, having a couple of half-chances, but was virtually a spectator in the second period as Sydney dug in and defended their way to the decider.

Veronica Latsko  - 7.5

Her main contributions to the game were her neatly taken goal and being on the receiving end of a sickening ball to the face, but she won't mind as she continued to lead the line and it was her well-timed run and finish that put her side through to the big dance.

Remy Siemsen - 7

Spurned a chance to put the result to bed in the 78th minute, was otherwise industrious without having any reward. Worryingly for the Sky Blues, this season's equal Golden Boot winner has only scored one goal in her last eight appearances.

SUBS

Mackenzie Hawkesby (77') - 7

Made an instant impact off the bench, creating a chance and putting an effort wide within two minutes of coming on. Provided good energy as Sydney held on.

Princess Ibini (89') - N/A

Thrown on in the dying minutes to provide fresh legs.

Amy Sayer (90+3') - N/A

Brought on to waste time in the final minute of stoppage time.