A+ for City in A-league Clash

Melbourne City FC 4 v Western Sydney Wanderers FC 3

Author: Mark Szczuka

Tuesday 22 January 2019

Melbourne City came from behind to win their fourth Australian League match in a row with a last-minute home victory in a seven-goal thriller over Western Sydney Wanderers, who lost their third match in a row.

City got off to the perfect start, with a goal after just 20 seconds for Ritchie de Laet. WSW levelled from the penalty shot mid way through the first half with a goal from Roly Bonevacia before City restored their lead through the goal of the game shortly before half time – a fantastic shot into the top corner from outside the box from Luke Brattan. Sydney levelled again early in the second half from Tass Mourdoukoutas before Jaushua Sotirio shocked the home fans to take the lead just five minutes later.

The Wanderers became a man light when Keanu Baccus was sent off following a second booking. It was only a matter of time before the ten men lost their lead, when de Laet equalized for City in the 84^th minute before Bart Schenkeveld got the winner in the 94^th minute.

It was a bit of a shame that only 1,500 fans turned out to see such an entertaining and competitive match with seven goals and one red card. The attraction of Rafael Nadal in the Quarter-Finals of the Australian Tennis Open across the Road in the Rod Laver Arena starting at a similar time, perhaps had something to do with the low crowd here in AAMI Park.

five years ago tomorrow marks Melbourne City joining the Emirates-based City Football Group (CFG), which includes amongst others, Manchester City and New York City. The CFG’s aim is to own clubs across all continents of the world under the brand name “City”. Melbourne Heart was bought for $12 million back on 23 January 2014 and joined the group, changing its name accordingly in the process to Melbourne City.