Texan forward Ashlyn Miller has scored in back-to-back matches and says the Roar’s energy and fan support are driving their unbeaten start to 2026 in the Ninja A-League.
On Friday night, the Roar played out a gripping 2–2 draw with the Central Coast Mariners at
Spencer Park, extending their unbeaten run to six matches.
“I thought we did well putting our game plan on the field,” Miller said. “We had a lot of chances
to put the ball into the back of the net and put in a real shift.” Miller scored the opening goal in the ninth minute, latching onto a piercing pass from Bente Jansen, taking a touch to the right, and burying it into the bottom-right corner.
“Bente put a phenomenal ball in, and I just felt pressure on my back,” Miller said. “I knew I had
to take a touch and hold the player off, and the only thing going through my mind was side
netting.”
After the match, fans in orange swarmed the stands near the player tunnels for photos and
autographs, and Miller spoke about how their support lifts the team. “Every time we play at home it feels like we have an extra man on the field because we get so much energy and encouragement from the fans. After the game, they turn up and have the biggest smiles on their faces, and this is what it’s all about. They cheer on until the very end and I couldn’t ask for a better fan base.”
The 22-year-old attacker is in her first season with the Brisbane Roar, bringing experience at
youth international level for the USA, four years of NCAA Division I soccer with the University of
Texas, and a short-term stint with National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side San Diego
Wave.
Miller said head coach Alex Smith made her move to the other side of the world an easy
decision. “I was coming out of college and wanted something new and fresh,” she said. “When I
got on the phone with Alex, he believed in me, and honestly, that’s the biggest thing you want
from a coach — belief.”
Since arriving in Brisbane, she has quickly settled both on and off the pitch. “Texas is hot, so I’m
used to the heat. But the UV here is unreal and I’ve never experienced sun like that, so I’m
always wearing sunscreen,” she laughed. “Still, I’m really loving it. I love the city, where I live,
and the group of girls here. They’ve made this feel like home.”
On the field, Miller has noticed a difference between USA college soccer and the A-League. “In
the States, it’s more of a ‘dump and run’ style where you just put it over the top and run,” she
said. “Here, Alex loves to play true football, and I love being on the ball and playing more to
feet.”
Miller and the Roar are riding a wave of momentum and head into their next clash in the Ninja
A-League on Wednesday night away against Sydney FC. “We’re undefeated in 2026 right now.
We’re on a roll, confidence is high, and we are so hungry. We want it.”
