Our Roar Women were unlucky to leave Lions Stadium empty handed after a thrilling contest against Adelaide United on Sunday afternoon.
A second-half goal for the Reds proved decisive, inflicting the Roar Women’s first defeat of the campaign.
Head Coach Mel Andretta says her side needed to be more ruthless in front of goal after forcing Reds keeper Sarah Willacy into action regularly.
“To have the chances that we had – we have to put the ball in the net,” Andreatta said following today’s match.
“It’s definitely the way we worked in winter, and how we recruited. We will keep working on what we do in training to give ourselves every opportunity to convert those chances.
“When it’s across the team that so many people had chances, it’s obvious what we’re trying to do is working, it’s just being composed and confident at the end.”
Japanese World Cup winner Yuki Nagasato made her Westfield W-League debut in orange, leading the line and impressing across the 90 minutes.
“Yuki was certainly the right option as a nine. She was clever with her back to goal, and was dangerous getting in between the lines and going forward,” Andreatta added.
Both teams pushed hard for a goal in the opening exchanges at Lions Stadium with neither side able to break the deadlock.
A pin-point pass from Hollie Palmer saw the Roar counter quickly in the 35th minute, with the end strike from Celeste Boureille unlucky not to give Brisbane the lead.
An entertaining first half saw both teams enter the sheds without a goal – a score that didn’t reflect the game’s intensity.
The home side dominated chances throughout the second half, but went behind as Adelaide opened the scoring with a goal from Veronica Latsko 10 minutes after the break.
As the match went on both goalkeepers were heavily involved throughout the contest with Mackenzie Arnold showing her class, pulling off several strong saves.
A disappointed Roar Women Head Coach says her side will take plenty from today’s clash in preparation for their next round contest against the Jets.
“We’re looking forward to this time ahead and certainly there is no need to panic. We’re going to keep working hard and doing what we do but better,” Andreatta concluded.
“As we learn and build a better understanding, I believe we will get better and secure a positive result in our next game against Newcastle.”
STORY OF THE GAME
- Japanese World Cup winner Yuki Nagasato made her Westfield W-league debut.
- An incredible save from Mackenzie Arnold in 44th minute saw the first half finish with the scores locked at 0-0.
- Adelaide hit the lead with a goal just five minutes after half-time through Michelle Heyman.
- BRFC Player of the Match Carson Pickett worked hard up and down the left throughout the match, playing a crucial role in the Roar’s attack and defence.
GOALS
Adelaide United – Latsko 50’ – 1-0
Adelaide right winger Veronica Latsko finds a gap in the Roar’s defence, forcing Arnold off her line before finding the back of the net.
MATCH DETAILS
Westfield W-League 2018/19 – Round 3: Brisbane Roar v Adelaide United
Lions Stadium, Richlands
Sunday, 18 November
Brisbane Roar 0
Adelaide United 1 (Latsko 50’)
Half-time: 0-1
Crowd: 1,286
