In Melbourne City’s three seasons in the competition, there have already been several epic battles between Canberra United and the three-time champions.
United were the first side to knock off the team that went undefeated to their first Premiership and Championship, with Karly Roestbakken scoring her first ever goal to defeat them in Melbourne.
City have had the better of the rivalry though, winning four of the five matches including a semi-final epic at Canberra Stadium during Season nine.
Get your tickets for Sunday’s blockbuster clash now.
Here are three of the best between these two sides |
Season Eight, Round Four | Canberra United 2 def. by Melbourne City 4 – Central Coast Stadium
Both sides hit the road for a Canberra United home game with Gosford as the backdrop, and it was City that got off to the perfect start when Marianna Tabain scored just five minutes in to shock the hosts and put them on the back foot. Larissa Crummer doubled the advantage six minutes later to leave Canberra struggling, but Ashleigh Sykes stemmed the flow just before the half hour mark with a goal of her own.
Avi Luik extended the lead back to two goals four minutes ahead of the break though and that was the separation City needed, with Canberra unable to get any closer than a goal in the second half. Michelle Heyman scored with 30 minutes to play, but City sealed it with Kim Little’s strike three minutes from time as they charged through an undefeated first season.
Season Nine, Round Six | Canberra United 2 def. Melbourne City 1 – C.B. Smith Reserve
Canberra headed into this clash on a strong run of form with 12 goals in the past three games, but were up against a City side still undefeated in 18 matches since joining the competition.
The teams were locked goalless at the break after a tense first half, but Canberra broke the deadlock four minutes into the second half when Jenna McCormick powered home a header to put her side ahead.
Beverley Yanez struck back just four minutes later however and the game was poised on a knife edge heading into the final half hour of the contest.
Two of United’s young brigade stood tallest as Nicki Flannery fired in a cross for Karly Roestbakken and the then-15 year old made no mistake from close range to slide the ball past Lydia Williams and record a famous victory away from home.
Season Nine, Semi-Final | Canberra United 0 def. by Melbourne City 1 – Canberra Stadium
With the ledger squared at one-all during the regular season, the semi-final at Canberra Stadium was a match with plenty of hype surrounding it.
Kicking off late on a Sunday night due to excessive heat during the day, conditions were still harsh and both teams felt the effects as they fought tooth and nail throughout the match.
Both sides went close at times but defence’s held strong and the two could not be separated after 45 or 90 minutes, and extra time beckoned in testing conditions.
Chances were few and far between as the two teams tired in extra-time and it was City midfielder Jessica Fishlock who found the breakthrough with 13 minutes to play.
United were unable to find an equaliser and fell in the semi-finals a week after claiming the club’s third Westfield W-League Premiership, and City went on to win their second Premiership the following weekend.
What is in store this weekend as City make their first ever trip to the fortress that is McKellar Park? Let us know your thoughts on Social Media using #CBRvMCY.
