The clash
After claiming the Westfield W-League Premiership last week, Melbourne City FC will return home with the premiership trophy for the first time when they host their final match of the regular season against Brisbane Roar on Sunday 1 March.
City won 0-4 away from home on Thursday 20 February against Western Sydney, recording its 10th straight win and seventh consecutive cleansheet.
Scottish international Claire Emslie opened the scoring with an early penalty, before Ellie Carpenter doubled City’s lead right before the end of the first half, netting her first goal of the season and first in City colours.
Much-like the first period, City dominated the second half of play. Carpenter scored her second goal of the night on the 63rd minute mark, as new signing Ally Watt rounded out the scoring in the dying stages, just minutes after coming on.
Brisbane Roar has had a roller-coaster season, with inconsistent performances being their biggest issue. The team from the Sunshine State beat Canberra United 5-0 on Sunday 23 February, in what was their last home game. American fullback Carson Pickett and Rylee Baisden led the way, with the duo both netting impressive braces.
Heading into the final round and depending on other results, a Brisbane win on Sunday could see them sneak into the finals series as they sit just two points behind Western Sydney Wanderers in the hunt for fourth position.
It’s all to play for in what promises to be an entertaining battle at AAMI Park.
Last time they met
The two teams faced each other at the beginning of 2020, at Dolphin Stadium. It was Milica Mijatovic who opened the scoring, firing the hosts ahead in the eighth minute. Despite dominating the first half, City was unable to double its advantage as the Roar’s defence held tight.
The hosts kept pushing for an equaliser on the second half but the City blues didn’t lower their guard. Eventually, it was hometown hero Aivi Luik that doubled City’s advantage with a low drive which found the bottom corner in the 74th minute.
Team news
Two inclusions boost this week’s squad. See our full Team News here.
What was said
Melbourne City FC goalkeeper Lydia Williams
“I think it’s more important for us to get that clean sheet and keep that record rather than scrape by and look forward rather than get to the semi-final. I think everyone is keen to keep breaking records rather than look ahead to the semi-finals.”
Where and when
Melbourne City is on for a double header at AAMI Park on Sunday 1 March. The game will kick off at 4pm, and will be followed by both teams going head-to-head in the A-League, kick off 6:30pm. Make sure you don’t miss out, get your tickets here!
