Our Roar Women have fallen just short in an entertaining encounter against Adelaide United at Marden Sports Complex on Friday night.
The Roar dominated chances and majority of play throughout the contest, but contrary to the run of play an early goal from the Reds took the them to a decisive 1-0 lead.
Despite the result, Mel Andreatta’s side did secure a second-place finish & earn the right to host a semi-final next weekend.
“It’s not the result we wanted after creating some excellent chances throughout the match. We move on and are focused on finals football,” Andreatta said.
“It was pleasing to see our sixth 17-year-old (Danielle Ward) make her debut tonight.
“In the second half I thought we defended as a group much better which lead to an improved performance and we could have taken the three points with the amount of possession and chances we had.”
Despite conceding early, the Roar remained composed in their style of play and continued to create positive attacks but were unable to link up successfully in the front third.
An end-to-end first half came to close with the home side holding onto their slender lead despite Brisbane carving the better of the opportunities.
The Adelaide structure became progressively more defensive throughout the duration of the second half as Brisbane searched for an equaliser.
The Roar’s best chance came from the penalty spot late in the second half, although Sarah Willacy was up to the task when facing Yuki Nagasato’s spot kick.
The early goal proved to be enough for the home side to secure the three points.
“To put ourselves in a position to have a home final for the second consecutive season is a great achievement and we can’t wait to play in front of our supporters, friends and family in Brisbane and get the job done,” Head Coach Mel Andreatta concluded.
The Roar began the round in second & will finish the season in the same position, earning a home semi-final next weekend against Sydney FC (details TBC).
STORY OF THE GAME
- Young defender Danielle Ward made her Westfield W-League debut alongside captain & birthday girl Clare Polkinghorne
- The Roar Women almost tripled their opponents for shots, but were forced to pay after conceding an early goal
- A penalty awarded to Brisbane in dying minutes was denied by Reds goalkeeper, Sarah Willacy.
GOALS
Adelaide United – Jonsdottir 13 ’ – 1-0
A floating ball from the right wing found the head of Jonsdottir inside the box who finds the back of the net a looping header.
MATCH DETAILS
Westfield W-League 2018/19 – Round 14: Brisbane Roar v Adelaide United
Marden Sports Complex, Adelaide
Friday, 1 February
Adelaide United 1 (Jonsdottir 13’)
Brisbane Roar 0
Half-time: 1-0
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