City Insider - City v Sydney - Friday 2 November

CITY INSIDER

DOUBLE HEADER ROUND 2

v SYDNEY FC

FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER, 5.20PM

ROUND 3

v SYDNEY FC

FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER, 7.50PM

MELBOURNE CITY v SYDNEY FC

CITY INSIDER FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER

CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE WE ARE PLEASED WITH THE WAY WE HAVE PERFORMED IN THE OPENING TWO ROUNDS, BUT AS WE ALL KNOW, THERE’S A LONG JOURNEY AHEAD OF US AS WE STRIVE TOWARDS REACHING THE ULTIMATE GOAL. Our Melbourne Derby win was fantastic, both as captain and as an onlooker I was proud to see thousands of City fans in the crowd cheering on our boys. It’s in these moments that every bit of support counts and helps push us over the line.

Against Central Coast, we were forced to settle for a point despite dominating the match. We were disappointed not to bring home all three points, but overall it was another positive performance from the boys.

We have a great group of lads, led by a great Head Coach in Warren Joyce. There’s a fantastic mix of youth and experience in the squad that will serve us well over the course of the season.

Our newest acquisitions have started well, Ritchie De Laet has brought a wealth of class and experience, while the likes of Riley McGree and Lachlan Wales have not only come with a great sense of energy, but they have already been able to influence our performances. Then there’s Kearyn Baccus, a man that arrived at the Club on the eve of the season, yet has slotted in seamlessly and played his role for the team.

We can’t wait to finally get back out there in front of our home fans, we hope you enjoy the match!

Scott Jamieson Melbourne City FC Captain Firstly, I would like to thank the fans for their endless support last season. Our third consecutive championship win wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the City faithful.

As captain of this team, I was an extremely proud spectator last weekend. Despite the result, it was a great opportunity for our youngsters to get a taste of W-League football.

Reflecting on my time at the Club, Sunday’s match would have to be one of the youngest teams we have ever fielded.

Nia Stamatopoulos is 15-years-old and Chelsea Blissett 18, yet neither shied away from the contest, instead, they gave us their all and did more than hold their own.

It’s always frustrating when you are forced to watch on through injury, but I have full faith in this team and I know that Lydia Williams will continue to lead during my absence.

Today’s match is a wonderful opportunity for us to bounce back and for many of the girls to get their first AAMI Park experience.

It’s never easy against Sydney FC, who always put up a great fight. We may have defeated them in last season’s Grand Final, but there is no doubt that they’ll be looking for redemption.

The team can’t wait to get back out there in front of the home fans, so cheer your loudest and enjoy the match! C’mon City!

Steph Catley Melbourne City FC Captain

GAME AHEAD OF THE

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF MELBOURNE CITY FC

OFFICIAL PARTNER

MELBOURNE CITY v SYDNEY FC

CITY INSIDER FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER

CITY FACE TOUGHEST TEST THIS SEASON AFTER COMMENCING THEIR 2018/19 A-LEAGUE CAMPAIGN UNDEFEATED, CITY WILL LOOK TO CONTINUE THEIR POSITIVE START IN THE FIRST HOME MATCH OF THE SEASON. In Round 1, it was super-sub Riley McGree’s effort that saw City secure a 2-1 Melbourne Derby win over Melbourne Victory at Marvel Stadium.

Keisuke Honda opened the scoring for the hosts, before marquee-man and stand-in captain Ritchie De Laet hit back with an opportunistic effort on the stroke of half-time. In a game that ebbed and flowed with momentum, Head Coach Warren Joyce’s inspired substitution saw McGree secure the three points with his first touch of the match as he latched on to Luke Brattan’s brilliant assist.

Following their Derby win, City travelled to Gosford determined to return to Melbourne with the three points.

In a match that City dominated, Joyce’s men were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against the Mariners at Central Coast Stadium. Central Coast opened the scoring against the run of play in the 21st minute when Connor Pain played

former City attacker Ross McCormack through on goal, with the Scotsman making no mistake from close range.

City continued to push for an equaliser and persistence eventually prevailed when second-half substitute Dario Vidosic nodded home truly in the 84th minute.

Despite remaining unbeaten, City will be disappointed with the result in a match that they dominated. The side from Melbourne had over 62% possession and 19 more shots than the opposition.

City will need to be more clinical in front of goal when they host Sydney FC - a task that is never easy - against a team that has been the benchmark of the competition in recent years.

Last season’s premiers enter the match in a similar situation to City, unbeaten and equal on four points.

ONE TO WATCH

LAST A-LEAGUE RESULT

OPPOSITION FOCUS

MILOS NINKOVIC Since joining Sydney FC in 2015, Milos Ninkovic has quickly become one of the most well-respected midfielders in the A-League.

The former Johnny Warren Medallist is a slick footballer with an exquisite skill set. He’s the type of player that can dance between multiple opponents and then finish clinically. During his time at Sydney, Ninkovic has played a crucial role in the Club securing two premierships, one championship and one FFA Cup. Not only is he a goal-scoring midfielder, but he’s one of the competition’s most damaging players in the attacking third with his ability to find his teammates and register assists.

If his performance in the Sydney Derby is anything to go by, the former Serbia international has commenced this season in terrific form. With two assists in the first two games, City will need to nullify his impact.

3

SHOTS

15

SYDNEY FC

2

WESTERN SYDNEY

0

A-League 2018/19 - Round 2 Saturday 27 October, 2018 SCG

LAST TIME WE MET

KEY STATS - SYDNEY FC A-LEAGUE SEASON 2018/19 GOALS SCORED

Steve Corica’s side drew 1-1 with Adelaide United at Cooper Stadium in Round 1, before defeating Western Sydney Wanderers 2-0 in the Sydney Derby at the SCG last weekend.

In Round 1, Scott Galloway opened the scoring for Adelaide with an impressive individual effort before Adam Le Fondre equalised with 12 minutes remaining. Le Fondre was again on the scoresheet in Round 2, as he followed up his own effort to open the scoring in the fourth minute against the Wanderers. Captain Alex Brosque doubled the hosts lead in the 53rd minute and ensured that their winning streak over their rivals continued. It’s set to be a fascinating clash between two fierce contenders, as City look to capitalise on a tight schedule for the visitors.

GOALS CONCEDED

1

SYDNEY FC

4

MELBOURNE CITY

0

A-League 2017/18 - Round 20 Saturday 10 February, 2018 AAMI Park

A4 POSTER 1/2

A4 POSTER 1/2

A4 POSTER 2/2

A4 POSTER 2/2

MELBOURNE CITY v SYDNEY FC

CITY INSIDER FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER

GRAND FINAL REMATCH REKINDLES RIVALRY MELBOURNE CITY FC WILL BE LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK FROM THEIR ROUND 1 LOSS WHEN THEY HOST SYDNEY FC IN A BLOCKBUSTER GRAND FINAL REMATCH. In their first ever competitive fixture at McKellar Park, City suffered a 2-0 defeat, however Head Coach Rado Vidosic can draw a lot of positives from his team’s performance in the capital.

City had a host of opportunities to open the scoring in the first-half, before the home side ran away with the win after both Rhoda Mulaudzi and Ellie Carpenter found the back of the net in second-half breakaways.

With several key players missing the match, City fielded no fewer than eight debutants. Of those eight players, five were making their first appearances in the W-League.

Two of those players were 15-year-old Nia Stamatopoulos and 18-year-old Chelsea Blissett, who despite playing in their first competitive matches played an important role for the team.

Stamatopoulos started the match in the centre of midfield, it’s there that the

youngsters’ talents shone. Her strength over the ball was evident as was the quality of her set-pieces.

As for Blissett, the 19-year-old from Albury-Wodonga showed glimpses of what she will bring to the squad this season. Playing at left-back the youngster never shied away from taking the game on and completed her defensive duties strongly.

City will be boosted by the prospect of Elise Kellond-Knight and Yukari Kinga returning to the squad ahead of their match against Sydney.

As for Sydney FC, Ante Juric’s side will be determined to get one back on their rivals, following City’s 2-0 Grand Final win last season. Sydney kickedoff their season in style, defeating Western Sydney Wanderers 3-0 in the Sydney Derby. Matildas internationals,Caitlin Foord and Chloe

ONE TO WATCH

LAST W-LEAGUE RESULT

OPPOSITION FOCUS

CAITLIN FOORD Sydney FC attacker Caitlin Foord is not only one of the biggest stars in the W-League, but also in Australian football. The Matildas international is a fierce competitor, she’s tall, she’s strong and she can make something out of nothing.

Known for her ability to attack the goal at pace, Foord is a prolific goal scorer and a constant threat in the attacking third. After succumbing to a Lisfranc injury late last season, Foord will be determined to return to the form she was in prior to her injury.

She’s already scored two goals in one match this season and there is no doubt she has the quality to take out this season’s W-League golden boot award. Closing down Foord is key to closing down Sydney FC.

3

SHOTS

14

SYDNEY FC

2

WESTERN SYDNEY

0

W-League 2017/18 - Round 1 Saturday 27 October, 2018 SCG

LAST TIME WE MET

KEY STATS - SYDNEY FC W-LEAGUE SEASON 2018/19 GOALS SCORED

Logarzo showcased their quality as they outclassed their cross-town rivals.

Foord opened the scoring in the 13th minute when she rounded Jada Whyman, before Logarzo doubled their lead in the 60th minute with a brilliant long-range strike. Foord sealed her brace and the three points with a strike from close range in the 77th minute.

There is no doubt tonight will be a challenge with a host of players still missing, but if we’ve learned anything in recent seasons, it’s to never count this team out.

GOALS CONCEDED

0

SYDNEY FC

0

MELBOURNE CITY

2

W-League Grand Final, 2017/18 Sunday 18 February, 2018 Allianz Stadium

2018/19

A-LEAGUE FIXTURE Round 1 Melbourne Victory 1 Melbourne City 0

Round 2 CC Mariners 1 Melbourne City 1

Round 3 Fri 2 Nov, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 4 Fri 9 Nov, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 5 Sat 24 Nov, 7.50pm Suncorp Stadium

Round 6 Sun 2 Dec, 7.00pm AAMI Park

Round 7 Sat 8 Dec, 10.00pm nib Stadium

Round 8 Sun 16 Dec, 7.00pm Coopers Stadium

Round 9 Sat 22 Dec, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 10 Tue 1 Jan, 7.50pm ANZ Stadium

Round 11 Sun 6 Jan, 5.00pm AAMI Park

Round 12 Fri 11 Jan, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 13 Wed 16 Jan, 7.50pm Central Coast Stad.

Round 14 Sat 19 Jan, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 15 Tue 22 Jan, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 16 Sat 26 Jan, 5.35pm Westpac Stadium

Round 17 Sun 3 Feb, 5.00pm Jubilee Oval

Round 18 Sat 9 Feb, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 19 Fri 15 Feb, 7.50pm McDonald Jones

Round 20 Sat 23 Feb, 7.50pm Marvel Stadium

Round 21 Sun 3 Mar, 5.00pm AAMI Park

Round 22 Sat 16 Mar, 7.50pm SCG

Round 23 Sat 30 Mar, 7.50pm ANZ Stadium

Round 24 Friday 5 Apr, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 25 Sat 13 Apr, 5.35pm AAMI Park

Round 26 Sun 21 Apr, 5.00pm Westpac Stadium

Round 27 Fri 26 Apr, 7.50pm AAMI Park

All times are AEST. Fixtures subject to change.

MATCH SQUADS

MELBOURNE CITY v SYDNEY FC

CITY INSIDER FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER

MELBOURNE CITY FC

SYDNEY FC

MANAGER: RADO VIDOSIC

MANAGER: ANTE JURIC

1 23

LYDIA WILLIAMS MELISSA BARBIERI

3 4 7 13 14 18 88

LAUREN BARNES CHELSEA BLISSETT STEPH CATLEY REBEKAH STOTT SHELBY GREEN AIMEE MEDWIN THERESA NIELSON

2 5 8 10 15 16 19 21 24 31

YUKARI KINGA HELEN CACERES ELISE KELLOND-KNIGHT NIA STAMATOPOULOS AMY JACKSON SOPHIA SAKALIS TYLA-JAY VLAJNIC JANNA LAWSON WHITNEY KNIGHT TAMEKA BUTT

9 11 12 17 22

JODIE TAYLOR RHALI DOBSON ADRIANA JONES KYAH SIMON JASMYNE SPENCER

ROUND 3 FRIDAY 16 NOVEMBER KICK-OFF 7.30PM AAMI PARK

FOLLOW US

MELBOURNE CITY FC

1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 14 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 30

AUBREY BLEDSOE TERESA POLIAS ELIZABETH RALSTON ALLY GREEN CHLOE LOGARZO RACHEL SOUTAR AMY HARRISON CAITLIN FOORD LISA DE VANNA NATALIE TOBIN ALANNA KENNEDY ANGELIQUE HRISTODOULOU TAYLOR RAY AMY SAYER PRINCESS IBINI JULIA VIGNES SOFIA HUERTA DANIELLE COLAPRICO DARCEY MALONE TRUDY BURKE

ROUND 4 SUNDAY 25 NOVEMBER KICK-OFF 9.45PM NIB STADIUM

@MELBOURNECITY

ROUND 5 SATURDAY 1 DECEMBER KICK-OFF 7.30PM CB SMITH RESERVE

@MELBOURNECITY

MATCH SQUADS

MELBOURNE CITY v SYDNEY FC

CITY INSIDER FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER

MELBOURNE CITY FC

SYDNEY FC

MANAGER: WARREN JOYCE

MANAGER: STEVE CORICA

1 18 42

MARK BIRIGHITTI EUGENE GALEKOVIC JAMES DELIANOV

1 20 30

ANDREW REDMAYNE ALEX CISAK THOMAS HEWWARD-BELLE

2 3 4 5 13 22 25 36

RITCHIE DE LAET SCOTT JAMIESON HARRISON DELBRIDGE BART SCHENKEVELD NATHANIEL ATKINSON CURTIS GOOD IACOPO LA ROCCA DYLAN PIERIAS

2 3 4 5 7 23 25

AARON CALVER BEN WARLAND ALEX WILKINSON JOP VAN DER LINDEN MICHAEL ZULLO RYAN GRANT JOEL KING

6 7 8 10 15 21 26 34 38 39

OSAMA MALIK ROSTYN GRIFFITHS RILEY MCGREE DARIO VIDOSIC KEARYN BACCUS RAMY NAJJARINE LUKE BRATTAN CONNOR METCALFE JOSH CAVALLO ANTHONY LESIOTIS

6 8 10 11 13 19 24

JOSH BRILLANTE PAULO RETRE MILOS NINKOVIC DANIEL DE SILVA BRANDON O'NEIL CHRIS ZUVELA CAMERON DEVLIN

9 12 14 21

ADAM LE FONDRE TRENT BUHAGIAR ALEX BROSQUE CHARLES LOKOLI NGOY

11 19 23 27 30 37

MICHAEL O'HALLORAN LACHLAN WALES BRUNO FORNAROLI FLORIN BERENGUER MOUDI NAJJAR GIANLUCA IANNUCCI

ROUND 4 FRIDAY 9 NOVEMBER KICK-OFF 7.50PM AAMI PARK

FOLLOW US

MELBOURNE CITY FC

ROUND 5 SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER KICK-OFF 7.50PM SUNCORP STADIUM

@MELBOURNECITY

ROUND 6 SUNDAY 2 DECEMBER KICK-OFF 7.00PM AAMI PARK

@MELBOURNECITY