Sydney FC win title in 'heart attack' grand final finish
Sydney FC have put an end to Melbourne City’s undefeated finals campaign, defeating the home side 1-0 in the A-League Women grand final at AAMI Park on Saturday.
Shea Connors scored the solitary goal for the visitors in the 68th minute after a superb assist from teen sensation Indiana Dos Santos pushed Sydney into the lead.
The 28-year-old had not scored a goal all season for Sydney FC, with the side notably coming out victorious in all games in which they were first to put points on the board throughout the current season.
“It was so special it’s been such a hard year,” Connors said in her post-match interview with Channel 10.
“It was really tough… I’m just so proud that we were here. The way we defended after that was probably better than the goal itself.
“I literally thought I was going to have a heart attack on the field after I scored.”
Shea Connors of Sydney FC celebrates scoring.
The visitors came out flying in the opening minutes of the match, with two clean strikes on goal from Mackenzie Hawkesby – who was named player of the match – rattling Melbourne’s defensive line.
A quick turn of the ball saw Melbourne begin their domination inside Sydney’s half, with a curling back-post set piece slamming into the chest of goalkeeper Jada Mathyssen-Whyman.
“They’ve dominated with possession… but it hasn’t been so strong so far,” former Matildas star Grace Gill said on Paramount + commentary.
“A lot happening in the midfield and a lot of touches on the ball. But there’s not a lot happening.”
Incredible scenes! 🏆🥹 This is the moment Sydney FC were crowned Liberty A-League champions.
📰 https://t.co/p24KPdSbO2#LibertyALeagueGF pic.twitter.com/cAz82vHWL3
— Liberty A-League (@aleaguewomen) May 4, 2024
Melbourne’s Julia Grosso was shown a yellow card for tripping Matildas winger Cortnee Vine near the centre circle.
“Vine hasn’t had too many opportunities to run at Grosso, but that will change now that Gross has a yellow card,” commentator Teo Pellizzeri said.
Melbourne had five shots on target and had 65 per cent of the possession, compared to Sydney’s two shots on goal.
“If you tuned in after the first five minutes you probably missed the best part of the half,” Gill said at half-time.
The first half stalemate was broken in the 67th minute when three-time Championship winning coach Ante Juric made a crucial substitute, with Shea Connors coming on for captain Princess Ibini-Isei.
Bryleeh Henry of Melbourne City after the final whistle.
In what was Connors’ second minute on the field, Dos Santos sliced a through-ball to Connors, who powered past Melbourne goal keeper Melissa Barbieri to score.
Laura Hughes missed a chance to level the scores, rocketing a kick over the crossbar.
Tori Tumeth received City’s second yellow card, taking down Daniela Galic near the sideline. Teammates were fast to diffuse what looked to be a heated interaction between the pair following the incident.
Shea Connors celebrates with her teammates after scoring.
“That was undeniably a yellow card,” said Gill.
Sydney FC faced a “nervous nine minutes” of extra time, just holding on to the final minutes to secure the win.
“I’m so proud of the girls. City are a great team and they play some good football,” Vine said in her post-match interview.