Brisbane Roar FC has enjoyed a spectacular day with its men’s and women’s teams both recording victories before thousands of fans joined the players on the Suncorp Stadium pitch for the historic first-ever full club photograph.
The Roar posted a 2-1 win over Central Coast Mariners to make it two wins from two rounds and have rocketed to the top of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 table – two points ahead of their nearest rivals.
Young winger Brandon Borrello netted both goals for the Roar to finish off two superb build-ups.
The 20-year-old striker earned praise from his Head Coach John Aloisi after the match.
“Brandon had a break-through season last time but I think he can be even better this season. There’s still a lot more goals to come from Brandon Borrello,” Aloisi said.
The Roar Women got the doubleheader off to a winning start with an upset 2-1 win over reigning Westfield W-League Champions Canberra United.
Despite playing in the heat of the day, the Roar Women scored two goals in two minutes early in the first half then weathered a strong comeback from the visitors but could have added at least another goal themselves but for strong goalkeeping from Canberra’s Lydia Williams.
“We stuck to our plan and have now put down the first stage of a good platform for a successful season,” Roar women’s coach Belinda Wilson said.
After the two games, members and fans were invited onto the pitch in a club-wide show of solidarity after several challenging months for the club.
Players, coaches and club officials mingled with the chanting, flag-waving supporters and signed hundreds of autographs and posed for dozens of photographs, creating a stream of positive postings on various social media platforms.
“It was a wonderful way to say thank you to those members and fans who have continued to support us through a difficult period,” said Brisbane Roar FC interim chief executive David Pourre.
Hyundai A-League: Brisbane Roar 2 (Brandon Borrello 14’, 60’) def Central Coast Mariners 1 (Josh Bingham 88’)
Westfield W-League: Brisbane Roar 2 (Tameka Butt 9’, Ruth Blackburn 11’) def Canberra United 1 (Michelle Heyman 39’)
