Playing their third game in just 12 days, Melbourne Victory Women fell short 0-2 on the road to Brisbane Roar.
Victory had a big task on their hands; travelling to face the high-scoring Brisbane Roar in a mid-week fixture.
Melbourne Victory did well to contain the home side’s initial pressure, with Courtney Newbon making some exceptional saves. However, Victory resistance could only last for so long against the Roar.
A powerful Emily Pringle shot forced an excellent stop onto the woodwork by Courtney Newbon, but Grace Kuilamu pounced on the rebound and put the Roar 1-0 ahead in the 22nd minute.
Brisbane continued to attack in the heat against a hard-worked Victory side, forcing the defensive line to be alert at all times.
A second goal soon followed in almost identical fashion to the first; this time from a powerful Sharn Freier strike parried by Courtney Newbon into the awaiting Grace Kuilamu who scored her second of the night.
Just like that, the Roar found themselves two goals up heading into the break – a perfect start for the home side.
Jeff Hopkins introduced Laura Pickett to begin the second half as Victory had a mountain to climb against one of the league’s top sides.
Defensively, Victory were much improved in the second 45, only conceding a single shot on target during the half.
However, Victory ultimately struggled in the final third to create clear chances at goals.
The introduction of Ella O’Grady and Sofia Sakalis on the hour mark helped add a spark at times. Still, Victory’s key chances were limited to two shots on target by Emily Gielnik in counter-attacking scenarios.
Comfortable with their lead, Brisbane were happy to play out the remainder of the game and seal a 2-0 win over Victory.
As such, the Roar extend their gap to three points over Victory in the Ninja A-League Women’s ladder, further cementing their second place on the table while the Navy Blue still maintain their third position.
Victory Women will stay on the road for their next fixture, this time travelling to take on the Newcastle Jets on January 11.
