Sydney FC have fallen to a record Westfield W-League loss against newcomers Melbourne City FC at Lambert Park, Leichhardt on Sunday.
A brace to Larissa Crummer, coupled with strikes to De Vanna, Goad, Tabain and Ayres earned City their first Westfield W-League points in front of a record attendance of 960 at the venue.
The match opened at a frenetic pace as both sides went end to end in a pacey opening 10 minutes. Melbourne City were the first to settle into their rhythm as they dictated the midfield as the Sky Blues struggled to retain possession.
Mariana Tabain was the first to have a sight at goal as her snapshot sailed high over the bar, but City didn’t have to wait long to take the lead as Westfield Matilda Larissa Crummer bagged her first of the campaign as she tapped home after rounding Michelle Betos in the eleventh minute.
The Sky Blues eased into the match as Spencer caused havoc out wide as Goad and Crummer both missed gilt edged chances to increase the City margin in the opening half hour.
Following a narrow miss from a Leena Khamis header, City cruised to a four nil margin at halftime as De Vanna, Goad and Crummer scored within five minutes of each other to send City in at the interval with a healthy lead.
Sydney FC emerged the brighter of the two in the opening exchanges of the second half with Leena Khamis immediately finding space in the City area to shoot although Burke was equal to the challenge.
With the Sky Blues threatening through Khamis and Simon, City increased their margin as Marianna Tabain pounced on a parried save from Betos to fire home despite Rollason’s best efforts on the goal line.
As Sydney FC pushed numbers forward with the full backs and wingers rotating, they were given the opportunity reduce the deficit from the penalty spot, however Burke was equal to Polias’ effort from twelve yards as she preserved her clean sheet.
With full time approaching City again increased their lead as substitute Ayres sprung the Sky Blues offside trap to side foot home and seal the final score at six nil.
Sydney FC next travel to McKellar Park, Canberra to take on the reigning Champions while City take on Melbourne Victory women in the Melbourne Derby at AAMI Park on Sunday.
