Sunday’s victory was magical for the Roar, but for Texan forward Ashlyn Miller it meant something more, with her family having flown in from Dallas to be there.
Amongst the sea of orange in Spencer Park’s grandstands was Miller’s family, who had travelled 23 hours from the United States to catch her in action in the Ninja A-League finals series. Her parents had made the trip down under before in November at the start of the season, but this visit was a full family trip, with her grandma and sister both making the journey to Australia for the very first time.
After weathering early pressure and conceding the opener, the Roar grew into the game and delivered, claiming a 2-1 first-leg victory over the Wellington Phoenix in front of a sold-out home crowd.
Miller was central to the Roar’s attack on the night, tearing up the right flank with relentless energy. It was her cross in the second half that proved the difference, glancing off a Phoenix defender before finding Daisy Brown, who brought it under control and blasted it home to seal the winner.
The 22-year-old has been key for the Roar this season, racking up three goals and five assists in her first year in the A-League. Her family in Dallas has not missed a single moment of it, no matter the hour.
“We’re up at 2am in the morning to watch the games on ESPN+,” they laughed. “We’re so glad now to be in the same time zone and watch her in person.”
“We love Spencer Park. Brisbane has been so welcoming and so amazing,” her mum said.
Watching their daughter thrive in a professional environment, in front of a roaring crowd, has meant everything to Miller’s parents.
“She has had a wonderful experience and really gelled with the girls. It’s really cool as parents to be able to see her in a pro environment and doing so well.”
Miller will be back in action when the Roar flies across the Tasman to take on the Wellington Phoenix at 12.30pm AEST in the semi-final second leg.
