Brisbane Roar will be determined to bounce back on home soil as they take on Western United at Perry Park this Sunday evening.
The fourth-placed Western United side will also be continuing their push for finals, but Roar will be up for the three points in front of home support.
WHAT WAS SAID
After committing to the club on a two-year deal earlier this week, defender Leia Varley is determined to regain momentum this weekend in what is set to be a massive clash of two teams pushing for finals.
Varley also scored her first ever Ninja A-League goal in our 8-2 victory against Western United in December and will be looking to replicate this on Sunday.
“I think if I can get another one this weekend, it’ll help us get the momentum we need,” Varley said.
“I think we’ve got to focus on ourselves. I think we’ve let the focus of our opponents get the best of us and not trust our football style.”
“Western [is a] physical team, obviously they’re pushing for finals as well so I’m expecting a big game.”
“I think we’ll come out firing and kickstart something good for the rest of the season.”
LAST TIME WE MET
In their last meeting, Roar equalled the best winning margin in club history with a massive victory 8-2 win against Western United at Ironbark Fields.
Sharn Freier opened the scoring in the ninth minute to open her 24/25 season goal-scoring account.
In the 17th minute, free-kick specialist Momo Hayashi scored yet an absolute worldie that curled into goal to extend Roar’s lead.
Laini Freier then put her name on the in the 26th minute after an assist from sister, Sharn put the ball right at her feet.
Moments later, Leia Varley fouled Emily Roach in the box for Chloe Logarzo to convert the penalty and get Western United on the board.
Varley redeemed herself by scoring her first ever Ninja A-League goal with a brilliant header off Chelsea Blissett’s corner a couple minutes later to make it 4-1.
Just before the break, in the third minute of added time, Laini Freier chipped United goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln to secure her second of the night.
In the 53rd minute, Sharn Freier secured a brace after scoring a header off another set piece corner play.
Laini Freier made competition history with back-to-back hattricks in just her second start for the club.
Captain Tameka Yallop got her name on the scoresheet with a header to secure the three points away from home with an incredible 8-2 victory.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Games: 5
Brisbane Roar wins: 2
Western United wins: 3
Brisbane Roar have locked in its Ninja A-League squad ahead of their Round 16 clash against Western United at Perry Park on Sunday.
Midfielder Laini Freier will be sidelined this weekend after suffering a concussion in last Sunday’s match against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Leia Varley is set to return in front of home support after missing last week’s match due to an ankle injury.
Roar will be determined to get their season back on track with a big three points on home soil this Sunday. Get your tickets HERE
Brisbane Roar Ninja A-League Squad: 1. Keeley RICHARDS, 2. Leia VARLEY, 3. Deborah-Anne DE LA HARPE, 6. Holly MCQUEEN, 8. Mariel HECHER, 9. Danelle TAN, 10. Grace KUILAMU, 12. Tamar Levin 13. Tameka YALLOP, 14. Zara KRUGER, 16. Chelsea BLISSETT, 17. Evdokia POPADINOVA, 18. Emily PRINGLE, 20. Tanaye MORRIS, 23. Isabella Hoyos 32. Alicia WOODS, 33. Olivia SEKANY, 99. Emma GIBBON
INS: 99. Emma GIBBON
OUTS: 19. Laini FREIER (concussion)
UNAVAILABLE: 4. Kijah STEPHENSON (ACL), 7. Momo HAYASHI (ankle), 11. Sharn FREIER (ankle), 22. Ruby CUTHBERT (hamstring)
MATCH DETAILS
Ninja A-League 2024/25 – Round 16: Brisbane Roar vs Western United
Perry Park, Bowen Hills
Sunday, 16 February (5:00pm AEST KO)
TICKETS
