Central defender Kennedy scored her first ever goal for the English Women's Super League leaders in startling fashion, firing a thunderous, unstoppable 25-metre strike after just five minutes of the group D tie in Vienna.
It led the Campbelltown-born defender to enjoy miming a 'phone home' celebration for a goal that really was worth it.Â
But City, who had beaten champions Barcelona in their opening fixture and had expected St Polten to be much easier to dispatch, were in for a rude shock at Viola Park as Melanie Brunnthaler levelled and Kamila Dubcova then put the hosts ahead either side of halftime.
🚀 Alanna Kennedy's first European goal is one to remember!— DAZN Women's Football (@DAZNWFootball) Watch live for free on DAZN ▶� https://t.co/dIfKpURfZv#UWCL #UWCLonDAZN pic.twitter.com/3XNUXfU3EqOctober 16, 2024
Japan international Aoba Fujino levelled, like Kennedy, with her first goal for the club, it was in-form 21-year-old Fowler who secured the three points in the 80th minute when she soared highest in a crowded goalmouth to head home Lauren Hemp's corner.
Her goal crowned an outstanding performance which earned Fowler the player of the match award, while the late goal ensured City won their sixth game on the trot in a brilliant start to the season.
💪 Mary Fowler with City's 3rd in Vienna as the carousel continues!— DAZN Women's Football (@DAZNWFootball) Watch live for free on DAZN ▶� https://t.co/dIfKpURfZv#UWCL #UWCLonDAZN pic.twitter.com/kjwx4jaKyEOctober 16, 2024
The win came even though manager Gareth Taylor made six changes to City's line-up following Sunday's 2-1 win at Liverpool to help manage the players' workload, with star striker Khadija Shaw getting a rest until coming on after halftime.
It allowed Fowler to lead the line, which she did with real quality, while nearly scoring a long-range second just after halftime, only to be thwarted by a fine save from Carina Schluter, who tipped the shot just over the bar.
