Holly McNamara celebrated her selection for the CommBank Matildas with an impressive first-half hat-trick as Melbourne City, leaders of the Ninja A-League, triumphed over Western United for the first time with a commanding 5-1 victory.
McNamara netted three goals in just 38 minutes, playing a crucial role in maintaining City’s unbeaten run this season while also marking a historic win over rivals Western United on Wednesday night.
This week, McNamara received her call-up to the Matildas for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup in the United States. The 22-year-old was initially selected in November 2023 before suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. She has not featured in a Matildas squad for nearly two years, with her three caps coming from the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
In her midweek performance, McNamara celebrated her second career A-Leagues hat-trick. After exchanging goals with fellow Australian international and Western United captain Chloe Logarzo, she scored twice before the break, leading to a remarkable five goals in her last four outings and six in nine since returning from her third ACL injury in December, with additional strikes coming from Rhianna Pollicina and Lourdes Bosch in the second half.
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City, who matched their club record of 18 games unbeaten—equal to the achievement of the 2015-16 season—are five points clear at the top of the table after 15 matches, while Western United sit sixth and may conclude the round outside the top six.
The match was rescheduled from Tuesday to Wednesday because of warm weather conditions in Melbourne, with City entering the game having never beaten Western United since their introduction to the league in 2022.
But led by McNamara, City came out with a clear purpose at ctrl:cyber Pitch.
McNamara wasted no time in making an impact, scoring just three minutes in. After her initial shot was saved by Matildas teammate Chloe Lincoln, she calmly converted the rebound.
In the 20th minute, McNamara found herself in on goal once more. With plenty of time to think, she charged toward the net, only for Lincoln to make another crucial save to deny her.
Western United responded well after falling behind, looking to equalise and managed to level the scores just before the half-hour mark.
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A stunning long-range strike from Logarzo brought the visitors level after City lost possession outside their penalty area.
As Western appeared to seize the momentum, McNamara quickly turned the game back in City’s favour, scoring twice in a two-minute span to complete her hat-trick.
After Malena Mieres made an excellent save to deny Logarzo, McNamara took advantage of a superb run from Bosch, poking the ball home from close range in the 36th minute.
Moments later, McNamara executed a delightful lob, marking her third goal of the evening.
Mieres kept City’s two-goal lead intact as they headed into half-time, while she was called into action ten minutes after the break, scrambling to handle Logarzo’s fierce long-range attempt that struck the crossbar.
The hosts sealed their victory with an hour played when Pollicina found the net following a brilliant setup from Mariana Speckmaier.
The relentless home team wasn’t finished yet, as Bosch added another goal 19 minutes from time—her seventh of the season in all competitions.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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