Melbourne City and two-time reigning champions Sydney FC played out a 1-1 draw in their blockbuster Ninja A-League clash on Sunday.
It was a Grand Final rematch in Unite Round as premiers City looked to exact some sort of revenge on Sydney, who emerged triumphant in the 2023-24 decider at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
Mackenzie Hawkesby made a statement with her stunning sixth-minute opener before City’s American recruit Lourdes Bosch equalised five minutes later to take her tally to three goals in four matches.
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There was also a moment of concern for Sydney’s Hana Lawry, who succumbed to injury in the second half following her first call-up to a CommBank Matildas squad.
City remain unbeaten after four rounds but they are now one point behind Brisbane Roar, while Sydney are ninth and five points off the pace.
It was a red-hot start to proceedings in the blockbuster showdown in Kogarah.
Within six minutes, Sydney had the lead thanks to star Hawkesby, who found the back of the net from long range and her ice-cold celebration capped the moment of magic.
Sydney’s lead, however, was short-lived as City equalised five minutes later.
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It was in-form American import Bosch who restored parity after her strike from outside the box was not kept out by Sky Blues goalkeeper Brianna Edwards.
Bosch has now scored three goals in four games since arriving in the competition.
Sydney forward Shea Connors got in behind City’s defence nine minutes into the second half but her shot was easily dealt with by goalkeeper Malena Mieres.
Hawkesby nearly repeated her first-half exploits with another long-range attempt that sailed just wide of the post midway through the second 45 minutes.
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There was a blow for Sydney when Lowry hobbled off the field with 18 minutes remaining in a week where she was called up by the Matildas for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Chinese Taipei.
