Brisbane Roar were edged out 1-0 by Brisbane City in their NPL Queensland opener at Imperial Corp Stadium on Saturday evening.
A 17th minute Malakai Love-Semira strike proved decisive in a tight tussle in wet conditions in Nemarket.
Young Roar’s side for Saturday’s Round One Clash was headlined by James Nikolovski, Louis Zabala, Taras Gomulka, Ayom Majok and Rylan Brownlie who have all played A-League minutes this season.
Love-Semira netted the games only goal when he bundled home a Solomon Weldemariam cross at the near post in the 17th minute with a first-time finish.
Roar’s best chance of the opening stanza came midway through the half when Rylan Brownlie and then Lucas Herrington came close with quick fire pair of strikes on the end of a Taras Gomulka corner.
The second half proved to be an equally tense affair with neither side able to add to the scoring despite having big chances at both ends.
Former Young Roar player Braydon Doolan came closest for the hosts when he rattled the woodwork with a strike from the edge of the area in the 57th minute.
Ty Cobb forced City keeper, Karl Johan-Pechter into a strong save with an effort at the back post in the 69th minute after some good work down the right but the visitors.
Defender, Andrew McLeod also had a big opportunity ten minutes from time when the blasted a ball over the bar from after a Gomulka set piece fell to his feet at the top of the box.
A deflected Gomulka strike had the crowd off their feet in the 89th minute before falling inches wide of the target with Johan-Pechter left stranded.
Roar’s best opportunity of the night came in second half stoppage time when a Gomulka free-kick found Jack Benham unmarked inside the area but the midfielder couldn’t place his header on target as City held on for a 1-0 win.
Young Roar continue their 2024 NPL Queensland campaign next Saturday night when they head to Wolter Park to face last year’s Grand Finalists Moreton City Excelsior.
MATCH DETAILS
NPL Queensland 2024 – Round 1: Brisbane City v Brisbane Roar Academy
Imperial Corp Stadium, Newmarket
Saturday, 24 February
Brisbane City – 1 (Malakai LOVE-SEMIRA 17’)
Brisbane Roar – 0
