Brisbane Roar has fallen just short in its opening A-League 2020/21 clash, going down narrowly to last season’s grand finalists Melbourne City on Tuesday night.
A second half goal from City’s Connor Metcalfe proved to be the difference in an entertaining encounter to open both side’s new campaigns.
The Roar had their chances throughout the contest, piling early pressure on but unable to trouble the scorers. A one-on-one chance for Dylan Wenzel-Halls, in which he was denied by a superb reflex save from Tom Glover was the closest either side came to a goal in the opening half.
Defending PFA Player of the Year Jamie Young also ensured the scorers weren’t bothered, also winning a one-on-one battle late in the opening stanza.
Metcalfe opened the scoring with a well-placed finish seven minutes after the break before City were forced to play out the remaining quarter of the match with ten men after Adrian Luna was given his marching orders for a second yellow card.
Warren Moon’s men had their chances in the final stages of the match, but weren’t able to hit the target as the visitors held on for a narrow victory.
“It was a good game. We had plenty of chances to score ourselves but unfortunately weren’t able to take them,” Moon said
“It was a disappointing night, but the performance was there which is pleasing. On another night, we score two or three.
“As a group we’re disappointed. We’ll find the positives in the performances and the fact we created changes, but it still stings.”
The Roar face a short turnaround to its first away trip of the new season, up against City’s cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Saturday evening before returning home a reverse fixture against the Victory at Dolphin Stadium on January 10.
GOALS
Melbourne City – Metcalfe 52′ – 0-1
A one-two on the edge of the box opens up space for Adrian Luna to curl a shot into the top right corner.
MATCH DETAILS
A-League 2020/21 Matchweek 1: Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne City
Dolphin Stadium, Redcliffe
Tuesday, 29 December
Brisbane Roar 0
Melbourne City 1 (Metcalife 52′)
Half-time: 0-0
