2 weeks Ago
A four-goal first-half blitz has secured Melbourne City's A-League Women premiership title defence and completed an unbeaten regular season. City thrashed Perth Glory 5-1 on the road, taking an immediate grip on the match with goals from Taylor Otto and Bryleeh Henry in the opening six minutes. Though Glory pulled a goal back with a 12th-minute penalty from Susan Phonsongkham a second Otto goal restored City's cushion after 26 minutes.
Golden Boot leader Holly McNamara added her 15th of the season five minutes before half-time to send the visitors into the break with the title all-but confirmed. In a quieter second half Leticia McKenna completed the rout in the 68th-minute. Melbourne have gone unbeaten both at home and in the Asian Champions League over a 27-match run since their grand final defeat to Sydney.
With 16 wins, seven draws and no defeats in their 2024/25 premiership campaign, Melbourne have become the fourth side to remain undefeated through a regular season after their own efforts in 2019/20 and 2015/16, and Canberra United in 2011/12. "Words can't describe the feelings that are going through my body at the moment, I am super proud," said City coach Michael Matricciani, who took over at the start of the season when Dario Vidosic left for English club Brighton & Hove Albion. "One trophy down, to go undefeated – I couldn't ever imagine.
.. Guardian staff reporter.
