A commanding performance from our Young Roar has led to a 3-1 victory in the Foxtel Y-Leage Grand Final against the Western Sydney Wanderers at ANZ Stadium.
The Young Roar were in control for most of the match, able to put three timely goals past the Wanderers for their first Youth Premiership.
It was a complete team performance for the Roar, who caused havoc in both attack and defence on their way to a historical win, with goalkeeper Macklin Freke instrumental between the posts.
“It was a bit of a nerve-racking last 20 minutes, but we got the job done,” Freke said.
“I can’t fault the performance, everyone played unreal today. I’m really proud of the boys. It was an unreal season from the boys and great to finish it with a win.”
Both sides went through a feeling out process in the first 20 minutes in their first encounter since 2015.
Our Young Roar struck first in the 22nd minute after Daniel Leck’s strike from the top of the box deflected off a pair of players before landing at the feet of Brady who made no mistake finding the back of the net.
Following the first goal, the Roar made several desperate defensive saves in a matter of minutes as the Wanderers mounted an offensive.
A goal to Daniel Leck in the 38th minute wrestled full control to the Roar, with clean passing in the front third the feature of Leck’s goal.
In the second half, the match began to balance out before the Roar opened up a three goal gap in the 61st minute.
Mirza Muratovic netted his sixth goal of the campaign thanks to a brilliant dash and equally impressive through ball from Shannon Brady.
Wanderer Tass Mourdoukoutas bred life into his side, pouncing on a chaos corner ball in the 79th minute to reduce the deficit to two.
The Roar stood strong in a gritty closing period, denying a Wanderers side who were pushing hard for a potentially crucial goal, with Freke making a number of key saves.
Young Roar Head Coach Drew Sherman was rapt for his side post-game and credited their hard work.
“It’s pleasing they managed to see the game out,” Sherman said post-game.
“It’s an experience for them, an important part of their development and a chance to win something. They worked really hard & I’m proud of them.”
The victory also means the Roar has become just the third club to win Hyundai A-League, Westfield W-League and Foxtel Y-League titles.
GOALS
Brisbane Roar – Brady 22’– 1-0
Daniel Leck’s shot deflects off two players in the box to Shannon Brady on the other side of the area, who makes no mistake, darting a low bullet into the bottom right corner of the net.
Brisbane Roar – Leck 38’– 2-0
Leck scores his seventh goal of the campaign, finishing off a beautiful move and a composed cross from Wellsmore for the assist.
Brisbane Roar – Muratoivc 61’ – 3-0
At the end of a counter, Brady shows composure, darting a cute through ball to Muratovic who slips behind his man in the box and angles his shot across the face of goal into the bottom corner.
Western Sydney Wanderers – Mourdoukoutas 79’ – 3-1
From a corner, Mourdoukoutas is the first to react on the loose ball among a pack of players, sliding a strike past Freke.
STORY OF THE GAME
- The Young Roar controlled the Foxtel Y-League Grand Final in Sydney, topping off an outstanding season with Conference A and Championship honours.
- The Young Roar scored three excellent goals with Daniel Leck’s strike in the 38th minute the pick of the bunch
- The Roar managed to hold off a late push from last year’s premiers on the way to a milestone win for the Club.
MATCH DETAILS
Foxtel Y-League 2018/19 – Grand Final: Brisbane Roar Youth vs Western Sydney Wanderers FC Youth
ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Friday, 1 February
Western Sydney Wanderers 1 (Mourdoukoutas 79′)
Brisbane Roar 3 (Brady 22′, Leck 38′, Muratovic 61′)
Half-time: 0-2
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