Adrian Warren
A stunning strike from teenager Shelby McMahon has ensured Melbourne Cityโs place in next weekendโs A-League Women grand final, as her goal secured a second 1-0 semi-final win over local rivals Melbourne Victory.
The 17-year-old Young Matildas midfielder lashed in a fierce right-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 34th minute of the second leg encounter at the City Football Academy on Saturday.
Minor premiers City will play the winner of Sundayโs other semi-final between Wellington and Brisbane at Melbourneโs AAMI Park next Saturday.
The Roar carry a 2-1 lead over from the first leg at home into the second leg at Porirua Park.
The Victory, who finished sixth on the ladder, had 56 per cent possession and five more shots, but City goalkeeper Malena Mieres made several saves.
โThey hit the crossbar at the end and a couple of dangerous crosses and shots, but, overall, I thought we managed the game well,โ City coach Michael Matricciani told Paramount+ and Network Ten.
โOur game plan worked, and we created our four or five chances as well.
โWhen Shelby puts that sort of goal away, itโs a special moment.โ
Victory coach Jeff Hopkins said he was extremely proud of how this team played.
โThere were moments there when the game and things might have been a little bit different, but every credit to City, they stuck with it, they defended really well,โ he stated.
โFor a big part of the first half and a big part of the second half we took the game to City and had a real good go.
โThe way that we went about things and the way that we attacked, our tactical plan was great.
โProbably in the real key moments of the game we were just wanting a little bit.โ
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