The United States star struck a fine finish to salvage a point at the Madejski Stadium, cancelling out Amalie Eikeland’s quickfire opener.
The result marked two points dropped for the away side, who had chances to snatch victory but struggled to breach a stoic Royals defence.
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What happened
Recent trips to the Royals had thrown up some fascinating fixtures. Although City had always returned to Manchester with all three points, we had been made to work for the wins with three of our last four triumphs gained by 3-2, 5-2 and 4-3 scorelines!
Taylor’s side almost raced into the perfect start, as Mewis went close within the opening minute, firing just wide.
However, it was the hosts who broke the deadlock just a minute later, as Eikeland flicked home a corner at the near post, after Ellie Roebuck had done brilliantly to deny Lauren Bruton’s initial effort.
City responded well to the early setback but struggled to break down a well-organised Reading outfit. Georgia Stanway thought she had equalised – only to see her attempt cleared off the line by Deanna Cooper in the midst of a goalmouth scramble, which also saw Grace Moloney thwart Ellen White.
Moloney then tipped another Stanway strike over the bar, before Mewis watched a cross-shot trickle just wide and had a goal disallowed for offside.
Keira Walsh then stung the palms of the Reading shot-stopper and Chloe Kelly curled just over, as City pushed for a first-half leveller.
The equaliser would not arrive in the opening 45 minutes but City would not have to wait too long after the restart, as Mewis cut inside before arrowing a lovely effort into the far corner.
The momentum swung into City’s favour and the visitors pressed for a second. Kelly and Lavelle each dragged low efforts wide and Stanway forced Moloney into another smart stop.
Desperate for a winner, Taylor threw on Jess Park and Laura Coombs, switching Kelly to the right flank.
The decision almost paid off with a minute of normal time remaining - only for Mewis to head straight at Moloney - before Park’s long-range effort was gathered at the second attempt.
Try as we might, City could not find the elusive second goal and the points were shared.
What it means
City stay fifth in the FA Women’s Super League table with eight points from our opening five games: two wins, two draws and one defeat.
Arsenal lead the way with a 100% record, followed closely by Everton and Manchester United (13 points) and Chelsea (10 points).
Stat attack
The draw ended City’s 100% record at Reading with the visitors having won all five of our previous visits.
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How we lined up
Taylor made three changes to the side, which lost at Chelsea last weekend, as Alex Greenwood, Rose Lavelle and Stanway were restored to the starting XI.
Roebuck took her place in goal, shielded by a backline of Demi Stokes, Greenwood, captain Steph Houghton and Lucy Bronze.
Walsh protected the back four, employed behind the World Cup-winning duo of Lavelle and Mewis, while White led the line upfront, flanked by Stanway and the in-form Kelly.
Up next...
The league breaks for international duty for the next fortnight.
City return to domestic action with the eagerly-anticipated 2019/20 FA Women’s Cup Final against Everton at Wembley.
The game kicks off at 2:30pm (UK time) on Sunday 1 November.
Watch highlights of the game on ManCity.com the following day, plus Full Match Replays on CITY+.
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