Sydney vs Melbourne City, A-League Women, 1st November 2025

Sydney vs Melbourne City – A-League Women, 1st November 2025

In a thrilling season opener at Leichhardt Oval, Melbourne City and Sydney FC played out a fast-paced 2–2 draw, with both teams showing strong offense and resilience throughout the match.

Match Overview

The match was lively from the start, with chances created by both sides under humid conditions. Sydney FC initially took the lead in the 20th minute via a deflected header by Madison Ayson.

Melbourne City battled back twice: young talent Shelby McMahon scored a late first-half equalizer, and debutant Aideen Keane netted a classy second-half goal after atoning for conceding a penalty that allowed Sydney's Mackenzie Hawkesby to score.

Key Highlights

Early pressure from City almost resulted in an own goal for Sydney following a dangerous free-kick from Leticia McKenna.
Holly McNamara displayed skillful runs and involvement in key plays for City, including assisting McKenna with a shot that was blocked.
Sydney goalkeeper Malena Mieres made crucial saves, denying close-range attempts, keeping the game competitive.
Sydney regained the lead in the second half through a penalty executed by Mackenzie Hawkesby after a foul by City’s Keane.
Keane, making her club debut, scored an important goal later, marking her first in City colors and securing the draw.

Team Line-ups

Melbourne City’s starting XI included two notable debuts: former Everton and Aston Villa defender Dan Turner and Australia U23 international Aideen Keane. Holly McNamara returned to the lineup after international duty.

Starting XI for City: Malena Mieres (GK), Alexia Apostolakis, Rebekah Stott (C), Taylor Otto, Dan Turner, Leah Davidson, Laura Hughes, Leticia McKenna, Shelby McMahon, Aideen Keane, Holly McNamara.

Notable Facts

"Melbourne City’s Ninja A-League Premiership defence began with a 2-2 draw with Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval... City were twice forced to come from behind to draw level in a seesawing Round 1 contest."

"It was a fast-paced encounter from the first whistle, with both sides creating chances in an entertaining opening half."

Additional Notes

The match featured a historic moment as Sydney FC’s 14-year-old Willa Pearson became the youngest player in Ninja A-League Women’s history to make an appearance.

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Author's summary: Sydney and Melbourne City delivered a captivating 2-2 draw in their A-League Women opener, marked by strong comebacks, key debuts, and skillful performances from rising stars.

A-Leagues — 2025-11-02