Brisbane Roar has suffered just its second Hyundai A-League defeat of 2020 with a narrow 1-0 loss to Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Sunday.
An unfortunate own goal early in the second half proved to be decisive in the second game of Sunday’s double header between the two sides.
Head Coach Robbie Fowler felt that his side deserved more out of the contest.
“I thought our team play and our shape was good. [We] probably lacked a little bit in the final third in terms of getting shots away but overall I thought it was generally a good performance,” Fowler said post-match.
“You come here and Melbourne City are a good team, spend a lot of money on good players and we’ve more than matched them three times this year.
“I just felt that we maybe could’ve got more out of the game.”
City had the better of the chances throughout the opening half with Jamie Young twice called into action late in the period, before the Roar came home with a wet sail, controlling the majority of the final third of match.
A free-kick from Jay O’Shea that went inches wide of the bottom corner was the closest Brisbane came to breaching City’s defences.
“We come to places like this with a game plan and we’ll try and keep that game plan for as long as we can, we’ll try and keep a clean sheet,” Fowler continued.
“Our keeper’s not really had that much to do. In general, we’ve probably done a good job. I can’t fault my players tonight because the effort and the desire was there.”
The Roar will look to return to the winner’s circle when they return to Suncorp Stadium to face Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday night (7:30pm KO). Tickets available HERE.
“There’s still a lot to play for. We weren’t getting carried away when we had good results and we won’t get carried away with this result,” Fowler added.
“Our boys are really hurting and they know that they probably could’ve got more out of the game.
“Whoever turns up at Suncorp next Friday night, will make it a good atmosphere. That’s what we want and we want everyone to get right behind our players.”
GOALS
Melbourne City – Own goal 55’ – 1-0
A first-time volley from Brillante strikes the base of the post and unfortunately rebounds off the keeper & over the line.
MATCH DETAILS
Hyundai A-League 2019/20: Round 21 – Melbourne City v Brisbane Roar
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Sunday, 1 March
Melbourne City 1 (Own goal 55’)
Brisbane Roar: 0
Half-time: 0-0
