Brisbane Roar suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Melbourne City in Isuzu UTE A-League Round 13 action at AAMI Park on Saturday afternoon.
A second half Ben Mazzeo header proved decisive in a tightly fought affair for what was Roar’s first away trip of the new year.
Roar came close to breaking the deadlock in the third minute when Florin Berenguer’s header from a corner was scrambled off the line by the City defence.
The home side returned fire through Medin Memeti who drag a first time strike wide of the far post ten minutes later.
Jacob Brazete had a big opportunity in the 37th minute when he created space at the back post after a sweeping move from the visitors but couldn’t fire his effort either side of Patrick Beach.
Macklin Freke was called into action and showed his prowess on a number of occasions in the second stanza producing a pair of fine saves to deny Steven Ugarkovic twice as well as a Memeti strike from close range.
City found the games only goal in the 65th minute when Mazzeo headed home from a Zane Schreiber corner.
Roar battled hard for an equaliser with their best opportunities falling to Jay O’Shea, who forced Patrick Beach into a strong save with an effort from the top of the box in the 75th minute and debutant, Pearson Kasawaya, who flashed an effort wide of the post from a tight angle.
Saturday’s match also marked a milestone for Scott Neville who came off the bench to play his 100th Brisbane Roar A-League Men’s match on his 36th birthday.
Focus for Ruben Zadkovich’s side now shifts to next Saturday’s trip to face Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium.
MATCH DETAILS
Isuzu UTE A-League Men 2024/25 – Round 13: Melbourne City vs Brisbane Roar
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Saturday, 11 January
Melbourne City – 1 (Ben MAZZEO 65’)
Brisbane Roar – 0
