Melbourne City achieved a remarkable milestone, extending their unbeaten streak to 18 matches at the start of the Ninja A-League season with a gritty 1-1 draw against Canberra United.
After dominating possession in the first half, City broke the deadlock shortly after the break. Defender Taylor Otto created chaos in the box, managing to get a touch before Canberra’s goalkeeper, Sally James, inadvertently deflected the ball into her own net.
Canberra, however, refused to be deterred and found an equaliser in the 81st minute. A lapse in the City defence allowed Aideen Keane to seize the opportunity, darting through on goal and finishing into an empty net.
This result solidifies Melbourne City’s unbeaten run at 18 games, matching a Ninja A-League record, while also increasing their lead atop the ladder.
For Canberra, the draw sees Antoni Jagarinec’s squad level on points with the sixth-placed Central Coast Mariners, though they remain outside the top six due to goal difference.
James then made another excellent save, denying Bryleeh Henry, before City almost took the lead in the 30th minute.
After James had parried a shot from Leticia McKenna, Henry cut the ball back to Marina Speckmaier, who found herself unmarked at the edge of the six-yard box. Unfortunately for City, the Venezuelan misfired at a crucial moment, allowing Canberra to clear the danger.
City maintained their dominance following the interval and eventually took the lead in the 52nd minute.
An in-swinging corner into Canberra’s box created significant problems for the home team as Otto challenged for the ball. James, attempting to clear, couldn’t prevent it from slipping in after her punch.
The home side responded promptly and nearly levelled the score in the 57th minute, but Sofia Christopherson’s shot flew over the bar from close range.
Canberra finally equalised in the 80th minute, thanks to an unlikely defensive slip from City.
An ill-timed back-pass to goalkeeper Melina Mieres was played far too short. The Spanish keeper hesitated as she faced an advancing Keane, who got there first and calmly slotted the ball into the net to equalise.
At the other end, City were nearly denied by James once again. Speckmaier unleashed a powerful shot from close range, but somehow it was kept out by a fantastic save on the goal line as the match ebbed and flowed.
City came within a whisker of grabbing a late winner in the 95th minute, but Rhianna Pollicina’s fierce strike was deftly tipped over the bar by James, who then, with another stellar save, secured the draw.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage:Â SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
