The Melbourne Victory Women have had a disappointing start to their three game Shanghai International Woman’s Soccer Tournament in China, going down to Tianjin 4-0 in their opening match.
The team was on the back foot from the start, conceding two early goals. Fielding a young side full of new faces, the Victory girls were outclassed by their experienced opposition in the first half, going into the half time break trailing 3-0.
Some fresh legs and tactical changes for the second half saw an improved effort, with debutant Ashley Brown showing plenty of enterprise. A late goal to Tianjin was all that Melbourne Victory conceded in a better second half showing. Brown was one of a number of FFV Summer League players to make the trip to Shanghai for the tournament, earning her spot in the side after impressing in the inaugural competition.
Coach Matt Shepherd, although disappointed with the result remained upbeat. “It was always going to be a tough game given our limited match preparation. It-s a young side and we-re looking forward to improving together over our next two games.”
The game was played on a hard and dry surface in sunny but chilly conditions at Jinshan Sports Stadium. It is the first time a Westfield W-League Team has played internationally, with Melbourne Victory using the tournament as a development opportunity for some of its up and coming players, and as a chance to look at some new players for season two of the W-League.
Game two for the Victory girls will be on Saturday 4 April against Shanghai.
