Our Roar Women have claimed top spot on the Westfield W-League ladder for 48 hours after coming away with a 4-1 victory over Canberra United at Suncorp Stadium on Friday afternoon.
Four different scorers found the back of the net for the Roar in a win that provides a massive boost for their finals aspirations with one round to play.
We celebrated Clare Polkinghorne’s 10 years of service to BRFC post-match
Finding her way back into Mel Andreatta’s starting XI for the first time this season, Hayley Raso capped of a dream return to Suncorp Stadium with the game’s first goal in the 18th minute.
“Credit to our team — we had a good performance, finished off strong and we need that leading up to the finals,” Raso said post-match.
Head Coach Mel Andreatta was stoked with her side’s ability to regain control of the contest during the second half in testing conditions.
“Its been a pretty hot day and they’re a team that really tests you. It was a fast game and there was a flat period but we were able to regain control. It was promising as we move ahead into the next game,” Andreatta said.
The Roar had a two-goal lead just after the half-hour mark when Celeste Boureille snuck in at the back post from an in-swinging corner.
They were tested by the visitors in the second half, who cut the margin to one partway through the second period, but onceding in the 61st minute only motivated the Roar Women to quickly extend their lead with another two goals.
Yuki Nagasato netted her third of the season before Allira Toby polished off the job minutes later.
After dominating play throughout the 90 minutes, Brisbane’s efforts were rewarded with an important three points.
Just one round remains before finals begin and the competition is closer than ever. Our Roar Women finish the season away to Adelaide United on Friday night.
“The table is just too tight, the last game of the season will really be all on the line for everybody,” Raso continued.
“I don’t think there is a favourite this season, Its just whoever turns up on the day and performs will win that game.”
STORY OF THE GAME
- Hayley Raso makes her first appearance in the starting XI for the 2018/19 season and finds her way back onto the scoresheet with a clean strike in the 18th minute.
- Further goals from Celeste Boureille — her first of the season — Yuki Nagasato & Allira Toby — her fourth in as many home games — got the Roar Women over the line.
- We celebrated 10 years of incredible service to BRFC from Clare Polkinghorne with friends & family post-match.
GOALS
Brisbane Roar — Raso 19 ’ — 1-0
Punishing Canberra United for a mistake inside the box, Hayley Raso claims a loose ball on the edge of the area and finds the bottom corner with a first time strike.
Brisbane Roar — Boureille 32 ’ — 2-0
Celeste Boureille times her run to perfection, meeting a deep corner from Carson Pickett at far post and volleying the ball into the net, taking her side to a 2-0 lead and securing her first goal of the season.
Canberra United — Flannery 61’ — 2-1
Nickoletta Flannery claims a goal for the away side with a bullet-like header into the far corner off a precise corner from Olivia Price.
Brisbane Roar — Nagasato 70 ’ — 3-1
Picking up the ball outside the 18-yard box, Yuki Nagasato streams towards goal and pulls the trigger with class with the ball soaring into the top right corner of the net.
Brisbane Roar — Toby 73’ — 4-1
A penetrating pass from Chioma Ubogagu finds the feet of Allira Toby who hits it from close range, extending an incredible run of scoring form.
MATCH DETAILS
Westfield W-League 2018/19 – Round 13: Brisbane Roar v Canberra United
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Friday, 25 January
Brisbane Roar 4 (Raso 18’, Boureille 32’, Nagasato 70’, Toby 73’)
Canberra United 1 (Flannery 61’)
Half-time: 2-0
Crowd: 2,589
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