Brisbane Roar has fallen just short in its Westfield W-League season opener against Melbourne Victory on Thursday night.
In front of a 2,139-strong crowd at Dolphin Stadium, goals either side of the break to Tameka Yallop & Indiah-Paige Riley wasn’t quite enough as the Victory took the points.
The Roar faced an uphill battle after conceding twice in the game’s opening stages, but Head Coach Jake Goodship was pleased with his side’s reaction.
TICKETS: Be there next Thursday night as we return to Lions Stadium
“We had some nerves in the first 20 minutes as we expected, but for 70 minutes I thought we were the better team. Unfortunately it was just one of those games,” Goodship said.
“We dominated in & out of possession & I was really proud of the performance – it’s just unfortunate we couldn’t make it count in the final third.
The Roar found a way back into the contest through a history-making strike from Tameka Yallop who became the first player to score 50 Westfield W-League goals for the Club. Fittingly, it was two Westfield Matildas teammates in Katrina Gorry & Hayley Raso who played a pivotal role in the lead-up.
The Victory’s lead extended again against the run of play with a tick under 20 minutes to play in the second half before 17-year-old Indiah-Paige Riley’s second goal for the Club set up a grandstand finish.
Among plenty of experienced heads was two league debutants as NPLW QLD star duo Claire Farrington & Rylee Baisden both earned spots in Goodship’s starting XI.
“I thought Claire [Farrington] was great & she grew into the game. Rylee [Baisden] was exceptional too & was unlucky to have her goal disallowed,” Goodship continued.
“There are plenty of positives to take out of the game ahead of next week. If we can play in the first 20 minutes like we did in the last 70, we’re in a great position.”
The Roar Women next return to Lions Stadium for the first of four home games there this season, facing Western Sydney Wanderers next Thursday night (6:30pm KO). Get your tickets HERE.
GOALS
Melbourne Victory – Own goal 11′ – 0-1
A misdirected header inadvertently finds its way into the back of the net for an own goal.
Melbourne Victory – Dowie 14′ – 0-2
Dowie is fouled in the area before converting from the spot.
Brisbane Roar – Yallop 24′ – 1-2
Gorry, Raso & Yallop combine as the latter pokes home for a historic 50th goal for the Club from close range.
Melbourne Victory – Dowie 76′ – 1-3
With a second touch, Dowie finishes well across goal into the bottom left corner.
Brisbane Roar – Riley 80′ – 2-3
Riley makes the most of some hesitation between Victory defenders, poking home her second Westfield W-League goal.
MATCH DETAILS
Westfield W-League 2019/20 Round 2: Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory
Dolphin Stadium, Redcliffe
Thursday, 21 November
Brisbane Roar 2 (Yallop 24′, Riley 80′)
Melbourne Victory 3 (Own goal 11′, Dowie 14′ (pen.), 76′)
Half-time: 1-2
Crowd: 2,139
