Melbourne City Forced to Share Points in Hard-Fought Match

Melbourne City’s perfect start to the Ninja A-League season came to a halt on Saturday as they settled for a 2-2 draw against the resilient Central Coast Mariners. Despite an early wonder strike from Alexia Apostolakis and a free-kick goal from Lourdes Bosch, a late Mariners equalizer saw the spoils shared at City Football Academy.

Apostolakis Opens with a Stunner

The action began in explosive fashion, with Alexia Apostolakis finding the back of the net in just the third minute. Positioned outside the box, Apostolakis latched onto a pass from Bosch and delivered a thunderous strike into the top corner, thrilling the home crowd.

However, City’s early lead was short-lived. A defensive lapse moments later allowed the Mariners to respond, leveling the score in a game that promised high drama.

City dominated much of the first half, controlling possession and racking up a 5-0 corner advantage within the opening 15 minutes. Midfielders Leah Davidson and Laura Hughes dictated the tempo, keeping City in command.

Bosch’s effort in the 33rd minute restored the lead in dramatic fashion. A long-range free-kick bypassed the Mariners’ defense and found the bottom corner, giving City a deserved 2-1 advantage heading into halftime.

Second-Half Resilience

As the second half unfolded, swirling winds created challenging conditions for both teams. Apostolakis continued her stellar performance, while defender Karly Roestbakken showcased the form that earned her a recent Matildas call-up.

City’s captain, Rebekah Stott, marked her season debut with an hour-long shift before being substituted. Her absence saw the Mariners begin to gain momentum, culminating in Isabel Gomez’s equalizer. Despite goalkeeper Malena Mieres’ initial save and Apostolakis’ valiant defensive efforts, the ball crossed the line to level the match at 2-2.

Despite late pressure from City, the game ended in a deadlock, leaving fans to ponder what might have been.

What’s Next for Melbourne City?

Melbourne City heads into next weekend’s Unite Round for a highly anticipated Grand Final rematch against Sydney FC on Saturday afternoon.

Match Summary

Ninja A-League 2024/25 Season – Round 3

Melbourne City 2 (Apostolakis 3′, Bosch 33′)

Central Coast Mariners 2

Venue: City Football Academy

Date: Saturday, 16 November 2024

Referee: TBA

Melbourne City Starting XI:

24. Malena MIERES (GK), 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 5. Taylor OTTO, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 14. Laura HUGHES, 10. Rhianna POLLICINA, 17. Mariana SPECKMAIER, 19. Lourdes BOSCH, 7. Kathryn HARVEY

Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 6. Leticia McKENNA, 20. Caitlin KARIC, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 27. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC