Brisbane Roar are set to face Sydney FC in Round 17 of the Ninja A-League on Sunday evening at Leichhardt Oval.
Sydney FC will be desperate for a win after being winless in their last five games and sitting 12th on the ladder, but Brisbane will be determined to bounce back to winning ways.
WHAT WAS SAID
Head Coach, Alex Smith believes that the international break served as a “chance to refresh” as they strive for three points to continue their push for finals football.
“It’s been a good break for us,” Smith said.
“[Gave] the girls a chance to have a mental break and get ready for the last seven games of the season.”
Defender Emily Pringle shared that the squad is in high spirits and looking forward to the chance to bounce back against Sydney FC on Sunday.
“The vibe is really good,” Pringle said.
“Everyone feels rested and recovered and excited to get after the rest of the season. Every point matters now so really excited for the final stretch.”
“[Sydney FC] are a really good squad and playing them away will be tough but we’ve been training well and preparing well so should be a fun game to watch.”
LAST TIME WE MET
Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC last met in Round 2 at Perry Park, in a match that saw the hosts secure their first win of the season.
After a solid performance in the first half from a tight-knit defence, Chelsea Blissett was the one to open the scoring in the 48th minute after a free kick from captain Tameka Yallop was served into the box.
After a scoreless second half, Brisbane Roar secured their first win of the season in front of home support.
HEAD-TO-HEAD:
Games: 19
Brisbane wins: 6
Sydney wins: 9
Draws: 4
TEAM NEWS
Brisbane Roar will be determined for three points as they face Sydney FC this Sunday at Leichhardt Oval.
Momo Hayashi will make her return after overcoming an ankle injury that has seen the exciting midfielder sidelined since Round 12 against Adelaide United.
Laini Freier has been named in the 18-player squad for Sydney after being on international duty and making her national team debut with the CommBank Matildas in the SheBelieves Cup.
Grace Kuilamu and Zara Kruger were crowned PacificAus Four Nations Tournament champions after starring for the Young Matildas in Canberra.
Chelsea Blissett and Evdokia Popadinova will miss Sunday’s match after the pair sustained leg injuries during training.
Brisbane Roar Ninja A-League Women Squad: 1. Keeley RICHARDS, 2. Leia VARLEY, 3. Deborah-Anne DE LA HARPE, 6. Holly MCQUEEN, 7. Momo HAYASHI, 8. Mariel HECHER, 9. Danelle TAN, 10. Grace KUILAMU, 12. Tamar Levin 13. Tameka YALLOP, 14. Zara KRUGER, 18. Emily PRINGLE, 19. Laini FREIER, 20. Tanaye MORRIS, 22. Ruby CUTHBERT, 23. Isabella Hoyos 32. Alicia WOODS, 33. Olivia SEKANY
Ins: 7. Momo HAYASHI, 19. Laini FREIER
Outs: 16. Chelsea BLISSETT (leg injury), 17. Evdokia POPADINOVA (hamstring), 99. Emma GIBBON
Unavailable: 4. Kijah STEPHENSON (ACL), 11. Sharn FREIER (ankle), 22. Ruby CUTHBERT (hamstring)
MATCH DETAILS
Ninja A-League Women 2024/25 – Round 17: Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar
Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Sunday, 2 March (KO 4:00pm AEST)
