Melissa Barbieri and Melbourne City sent an ominous warning after becoming the first team to beat Liberty A-League leaders Sydney FC this season: “We’re coming for those trophies”.
City are in control of their own destiny in the race for the premiership thanks to Sunday’s enthralling 2-1 victory over the previously unbeaten Sky Blues at AAMI Park, where fans were treated to a potential Grand Final preview.
Rhianna Pollicina and Kaitlyn Torpey put City 2-0 ahead at half-time in the top-of-the-table blockbuster and held on for a massive three points, though the triumph was overshadowed by a knee injury sustained by Holly McNamara.
City are only two points behind Sydney with a game in hand and Barbieri made it clear what’s at the top of the agenda for the four-time championship winners.
“We have no Plan B,” Barbieri told Paramount+ after City held on for victory. “We are run till we die, that’s why we have a complete squad. Even if we have to bring on the train-ons in if we’re struggling for injuries or needing to sign an extra player, we have those kids up our sleeve.
“Everyone knows their role. We know how to execute and we won’t back off an inch. We’re coming for those trophies.”
City – without star New Zealand pair Hannah Wilkinson and Rebekah Stott due to international duty – were out on their feet in Melbourne, where the home side were visibility exhausted after weathering a Sydney storm in the second half.
Princess Ibini scored a late penalty to reduce the deficit after evergreen City goalkeeper Barbieri made a couple of vital saves to keep the Sky Blues at bay.
“I don’t know if I could be prouder,” said Barbieri. “It’s the peak level of pride in this squad. Especially with two of our New Zealand Kiwis out of the game. I think the girls just lifted in spirit.
“Right at the end when we were struggling with cramps and things, they really came together. Even the subs coming off the bench.”
On City’s effort, Barbieri added: “It meant the world to us because we play a high pressing game and we run our absolute butts off every game.
“We’re not sitting back, we’re not waiting for teams to come at us. That’s why the physical shape the girls were in the last 10 minutes, that’s because we play hard and run a lot.
“It was unfortunate to see McNamara go down with such a terrible injury. Fingers crossed she is okay in terms of long-term injury. We wish her all the best.
“For us, the title is what matters in the ladder stakes and the grand final is after that.”
