Sydney’s fairytale ruined by final loss
SYDNEY FC’s W- League side fell short at the final hurdle as the Sky Blues sought to achieve domination of Australian football.
Ante Juric’s side lost the grand final 2- 0 to Melbourne City at Allianz Stadium, undone by two pieces of brilliance from City star Jess Fishlock as City won their third consecutive W- League title, setting a record in the process.
Without Socceroos striker Caitlin Foord, the home side struggled for penetration and couldn’t shape the season finale to their own destiny.
If City’s first goal was a freak, albeit brilliantly taken, it was a cruel twist for Sydney whose industry and drive showed why they had surged from bottom of the table to second in two months.
They had their chances, too – had Lisa de Vanna not fluffed a golden opportunity in the opening minute, the momentum should have been theirs.
Seizing the moment is normally de Vanna’s speciality, and on 36 minutes Fishlock showed her how.
Fishlock seized the ball from Sydney defender Georgia Yeoman- Dale’s heavy touch and sized up keeper Aubrey Bledsoe, still off her line after colliding with Jodie Taylor.
Fishlock struck a chip from nearly 30m that soared into the top corner. Sydney claimed Taylor had fouled Bledsoe but the contact looked accidental.
In pursuit of the equaliser, Sydney looked vulnerable.
So it proved. Emily Sonnet fouled Rhali Dobson centrally, and Fishlock stood over the freekick. It was whipped towards the top corner, Bledsoe made a brilliant save but as the ball came off the bar Taylor was on hand to turn it in.