Melbourne City defeated Canberra United in a cagey encounter decided by a moment of genius.
Clear chances were difficult to come by in the first half. Both teams featured a number of new players and each was cautious in their approach and hesitant in midfield.
Michelle Heyman had the best of the chances. She was close to getting on the end of a Margot Robinne cross that was easily collected by Melissa Barbieri in the City goal.
Ashley Sykes had the next clear opportunity. She volleyed on the turn from close range but somehow struck it over the crossbar. For Melbourne City, Rhianna Pollicina found space in the 18-yard box but shot straight at Keely Richards.
The second half saw Melbourne City gain the upper hand. The visitors created chances for Hannah Wilkinson who tested Richards repeatedly and forced the keeper into some impressive saves.
On debut, Holly McNamara decided the game with a brilliant solo goal in the 80th minute. Canberra United ended the game with Michelle Heyman off injured and with a loss to start the season.
Melbourne City has started in the best possible way to return to winning form after missing the finals in 2020/21.
Key Takeaways
GRACE MAHER CAN PLAY AT CB, BUT SHOULD SHE?
Canberra United’s new-look midfield struggled for fluency early, but Grace Maher playing slightly deeper than usual could best explain that.
Maher was one of the star playmakers of the league last season. Her move to defense might be a stop-gap until Karly Roestbakken is ready to play but her creativity and skill was missed in midfield and the final third.
Maher made no errors as a defender. She was well positioned and competitive, she is a quality player so that comes as no surprise. But at her best, she not only creates chances but knits the team together.
Maher was the architect of some of last season’s best moments. One of her strengths is her constant movement and quick short passing. Her defensive role took that away from Canberra United.
She can also strike the ball like a few others and in a game with limited chances, one of her trademark rockets would have been handy.
Her move back into the midfield in the second half offered a more familiar look to the team for Canberra fans but it was too late.
MICHELLE HEYMAN’S INJURY IS A WORRY
The A-League Women’s all-time leading scorer went off with an unspecified injury in the 73rd minute. She had looked dangerous early for Canberra without really testing Melissa Barbieri but her work rate and ability on the ball felt ominous.
Her best moment came with a long pass from halfway to Margot Robinne. She raced up the field to meet the cross from the winger. Heyman leaped through the air but could not reach the ball.
It was the Canberra United captain in a nutshell. When she limped off in the second half, so did Canberra’s best chance of scoring.
HOLLY MCNAMARA STARS ON DEBUT
The 18-year-old striker from the NSW NPLW needed no time to adjust to the top level.
Holly McNamara looked comfortable on the ball, energetic, and adventurous. She arrives at City with a big reputation but little experience but justified her starting role with a stunning goal.
Collecting the ball on the left flank, she dropped her shoulder and cut inside before unleashing a curling strike from the edge of the 18-yard box.
It was a confident strike from the young striker. The best chances for City otherwise fell to Hannah Wilkinson, the New Zealand international tested Keeley Richards on multiple occasions but could not find the breakthrough.
In the end, the difference was McNamara’s early contender for goal of the week. The first goal of the 2021/2022 season was a stunner.
FINAL SCORE:
A-League Women’s Round 1 – Viking Park
Canberra United 0
Melbourne City 1 Holly McNamara (80m)
