Vine returns to haunt Sydney FC in thumping
Anna Harrington |
Cortnee Vine has come back to haunt Sydney FC, scoring as Melbourne City thumped her former A-League Women club 5-0.
Elsewhere, Wellington came from behind to draw 1-1 with Melbourne Victory.
The reigning champions (2-0-0) are enjoying a perfect start to their title defence and sent a warning to the competition with four goals in the opening half hour, after a one-hour lightning delay.
Sydney skipper Charlotte McLean suffered a right hamstring injury in the 87th minute in a further blow to the injury-ravaged Sky Blues.
Aideen Keane was magnificent, involved in City’s first three goals and winning the penalty for their fifth.
For the opener, Avaani Prakash and Rebekah Stott combined with Keane, who ripped a terrific ball across goal for Vine to score at the back post in the 13th minute.
Matildas attacker Vine starred at Sydney before spending two years in the National Women’s Soccer League in the US for North Carolina, then joining City this season.
“Obviously i’m super happy with the performance from the girls – a 5-0 win, a clean sheet away from home, couldn’t ask for much more,” Vine told Paramount Plus.
“Lots of different emotions. Honestly I was a little bit upset coming into this game; I’ve had a lot of history with Sydney at this field especially.
“It was a lot of emotions for me but we held together and we got the result.”
Three minutes after Vine’s goal, fellow recruit Momo Hayashi let rip with a wonderful long range strike to double the lead.
In the 24th minute, Keane went on a terrific run then cut back for Deven Jackson to score.
Six minutes later, Vine lifted a cross to the near post and McLean headed into her own net.
Ayres completed the rout from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute after Megan Mifsud brought down Keane.
City will on Tuesday depart for Uzbekistan for their Women’s Asian Champions League group stage match, when they should regain Shelby McMahon (hamstring).
Sydney (0-1-1) travel to face Brisbane on Saturday.
Earlier at Hnry Stadium, Victory took the lead when Victoria Esson failed to deal with a Sophie Harding chip and the ball spilled to Holly Furphy, who controlled it beautifully and finished from close range.
But Wellington hit back when Brooke Nunn beat Angela Beard out wide then cut back for star striker Makala Woods to power home an equaliser.
Wellington’s Pia Vlok had a late would-be winner ruled offside.
“I’m frustrated with the first half. I thought we allowed them to bully us,” Phoenix coach Bev Priestman said.
“There were a lot of fouls going on in the game, but I’m pleased with the response.”
AAP