The 2019-20 Westfield W-League postseason is underway, with the Semifinal Round taking place this past weekend. The Orlando Pride went undefeated in the round, with Alanna Kennedy and Sydney FC defeating the Melbourne Victory on Friday followed by Pride teammates Claire Emslie and Emily van Egmond and Melbourne City earning a 5-1 rout over Western Sydney a day later.
The two clubs will face off this weekend in the Grand Final in Melbourne. That match will take place behind closed doors to further reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure through the Australian football community.
Friday, March 13:
Sydney FC 1, Melbourne Victory 0
In the first Semifinal of the weekend, Sydney FC earned a 1-0 shutout victory on the road at the Melbourne Victory. Houston Dash forward Veronica Latsko scored the eventual game-winner in the 14th minute of play for the Sky Blues to secure their spot in their third-consecutive Grand Final. Pride defender Alanna Kennedy played the entirety of the match for Sydney, leading the side with 63 touches while winning all five of her tackles, recording three interceptions and 11 clearances to help keep the clean sheet for the Sky Blues.
Saturday, March 14:
Melbourne City 5, Western Sydney Wanderers 1
After an unbeaten regular season campaign, Melbourne City continued their dominance on Saturday with a 5-1 rout over the Western Sydney Wanderers to punch their ticket to the Grand Final. Pride forward Claire Emslie opened the scoring in the match, finding the back of the net in the 13th minute, the first of three finishes in the opening 45 minutes for the home side. Emslie also recorded the assist on the first of two finishes from Kyah Simon in the match, sitting tied for the team lead with four chances created on the afternoon. Orlando teammate Emily van Egmond logged 63 minutes, having her own part in City’s third goal of the afternoon after her dangerous cross led to an eventual finish from Rebekah Stott.
Grand Final Fixture:
