Isabel Gomez marked her CommBank Matildas call-up with a goal while Alexia Apostolakis found the back of the net in stunning fashion as Melbourne City and Central Coast Mariners played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Ninja A-League.
Gomez is one of 15 Ninja A-League stars called up by the Matildas for upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Chinese Taipei and the 22-year-old Mariners gun capped her maiden selection with a 76th-minute equaliser against reigning premiers City on Saturday.
Apostolakis’ incredible long-range strike had given City the lead in the third minute before Annalise Rasmussen equalised within two minutes.
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Lourdes Bosch – described as “one of the signings of the season” – restored City’s advantage with a free-kick in the 33rd minute, but the visiting Mariners managed to earn a share of the spoils at ctrl:cyber Pitch.
Last season’s Grand Finalists City remain unbeaten through three games with seven points, while Central Coast are also undefeated and have five points to their name heading into Unite Round following a showdown between two sides who “look like the real deal”, according to Paramount+ commentator Georgia Rajic.
MATILDAS SQUAD CONFIRMED: 15 Ninja A-League stars earn Matildas call-ups including SIX possible debutants
It was a fast start in hot and windy conditions at ctrl:cyber Pitch, where City struck first on home soil.
City broke the deadlock in stunning fashion in the third minute – off-season recruit Apostolakis curled the ball into the top corner of the net.
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The lead was short-lived, however, as last season’s semi-finalists Mariners were gifted an equaliser. An errant backpass fell short of City goalkeeper Malena Mieres as Central Coast forward Annalise Rasmussen bounced to score.
City did reclaim the lead just past the half-hour mark through their star American import.
Bosch’s long-range free-kick somehow made it into the back of the net, much to the delight of City and the crowd.
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The Mariners thought they had equalised eight minutes into the second half when Isobel Gomez – who has been called up by the CommBank Matildas – put the ball into the net but it was ruled offside.
Gomez was in the thick of the action as she almost cheekily lobbed Mieres.
But Gomez did get her goal 12 minutes from the end, tucking home the rebound after Jade Pennock’s long-range attempt could only be parried into the direction of the Mariners star.
