It was the game crying out for a moment of brilliance and Melbourne City’s young brigade answered the call.
With the scores level at half-time, City turned on the after-burners following the break against Adelaide United – scoring three second-half goals to run away with a 3-0 win at ServiceFM Stadium on Wednesday.
The win had Dario Vidosic’s side back to winning ways after a shock defeat against Western Sydney Wanderers last week and sent them into second in the Liberty A-League table, but it was his core of emerging young stars who helped turn the contest on its head.
City’s 16-year-old sensation Daniela Galic opened the scoring almost immediately after half-time, getting on the end of a lovely cross from Bryleeh Henry, 19, to bundle home the breakthrough goal.
“What an occasion for the 16-year-old,” Young Matildas head coach Leah Blayney said during commentary on Paramount+.
“The scores are deadlocked and she’s taken the game on her shoulders. Exactly what we want to see.”
From there, City was in the drivers seat and made sure the three points was wrapped up thanks to a pair of goals in second-half stoppage time.
First, Leticia McKenna’s (20) deflected free-kick gave City some breathing room, before a stunning solo goal from 17-year-old Caitlin Karic sealed the result – her second goal of the season, which just like the first, is certain to feature on highlight reels for seasons to come.
“And I’m gonna say it, the kids are good,” Blayney said after Karic’s strike. “You’ve got three players in this match under the age of 20 all on the scoresheet.”
The win gives City a tonne of momentum going into the Melbourne Derby against reigning champions Melbourne Victory on Sunday – in what promises to be an absolute blockbuster at Casey Fields.
“I’m just very, very proud of the ladies and the effort they gave this afternoon,” Vidosic said post-game.
“The few things that we spoke about at half time we executed and we got the first goal from that so that was really pleasing.”
As for Adelaide it’s now three games without a win and three games without a goal, as their attacking struggles plus mounting injury list continue to plague their season.
Last season’s Golden Boot winner Fiona Worts still remains without a goal this campaign, while Chelsie Dawber – who scored their last goal from an Adelaide player – was well held by City’s defence.
“To concede a couple of goals right at the end was disappointing because I didn’t think it was a 3-0 game,” Adelaide head coach Adrian Stenta said.
“I just think we came out cold; you can’t come out after halftime and concede a goal so quickly. It’s a mentality thing, I think we just switched on.”
The Reds sit fifth, a point behind Victory but the latter have a game in hand on Stenta’s side – as they look to turn things around on the road to Brisbane Roar on Sunday.
