Melbourne Victory Women suffered defeat in their season-opening fixture against Brisbane Roar at Spencer Park.
Falling behind early in the first half, Victory fought back and took the lead heading into the break, with debut goals from Rhianna Pollicina and Kennedy White.
However, it would be the hosts to take their chances and come from behind to run away as 3-2 victors in a lightning-filled clash.
Team News
Kicking off 20 minutes later than scheduled due to lightning in the area, Jeff Hopkins’ starting XI included three off-season arrivals that made their full Victory debuts, being Zoe McMeeken, Rhianna Pollicina and Kennedy White.
The returning Grace Maher was also set for her first appearance at the Club since 2020, but was ruled out and replaced just prior to the match by youngster Rosie Curtis.
Match Action
The new-look Victory side started well in Brisbane; controlling possession, dominating territory and creating an array of chances.
Debut-duo McMeeken and White almost combined for the opener just nine minutes into the game, with the New Zealand youth international whipping a delivery into the box that the American forward headed inches wide.
White quickly stood out with her speed and physicality, battling well against opposing defenders to allow her space to take shots on goal.
Sofia Sakalis was a creative force from the right wing, slipping through Holly Furphy with an excellent incisive pass that was halted by some proactive goalkeeping from Chloe Lincoln.
Keeping Victory level with a crucial save with an outstretched leg in the 19th minute, Courtney Newbon would not be able to do anything about Bente Jansen’s stunning curling strike in the 22nd minute.
Despite falling behind to the hosts, who began to enjoy the momentum on home soil, Victory managed to successfully fight back.
Receiving a pass on the edge of the box from Sakalis, Pollicina would produce a magnificent strike into the top corner in the 34th minute on debut.
Bringing the game back level, Victory would not stop here, taking the lead late in the first half.
In the 41st minute, Alana Jančevski’s whipped free-kick to the back post was headed back goalward by Captain Kayla Morrison and finished off by White.
It was a justified lead for Victory, who finished the half with 60% possession and 15 shots on goal, compared to their opponent’s four.
Half-time: Brisbane Roar 1 – 2 Melbourne Victory
Returning from the break unchanged, Victory would aim to build upon their lead and gain some breathing room over the hungry Roar.
Rachel Lowe would have an exciting chance just prior to the hour mark with an impressive driving run into the box, but the attacking midfielder could not beat Lincoln in net.
Five minutes later, Matildas winger Sharn Freier would arrive at the right place at the right time for a simple tap-in to equalise for the hosts.
Hopkins would provide a special moment for Sienna Techera in the 66th minute, bringing the speedy winger on for her A-League Women’s debut the day before her 19th birthday.
The Roar were keen to push back for the lead and forced shot-stopper Newbon into a number of excellent saves.
Brisbane would ultimately find the winning goal, with experienced Matilda Tameka Yallop rising highest to head home the Roar’s third and final goal.
The game would be halted for over an hour after the lightning strikes returned in the area, leaving just four minutes to be played following the lengthy pause.
While Kiwi defender Claudia Bunge would be brought on for the final moments, Victory were unable to find an equaliser.
Despite leading in the majority of statistical categories, including over double the Roar’s expected goals, Victory did not see reward for their performance in the end and came away with nothing in Brisbane.
Match Details
Brisbane Roar 3 (JENSEN 22′, FREIER 64′, YALLOP 86′)
Melbourne Victory 2 (POLLICINA 34′, WHITE 41′)
Brisbane Roar starting XI: 1. Chloe LINCOLN (GK), 11. Marianna SEIDL, 2. Leia VARLEY, 5. Aimee MEDWIN, 24. Sharn FREIER, 32. Alicia WOODS, 14. Zara KRUGER (4. Kijah STEPHENSON 64′), 8. Josie STUDER, 17. Bente JANSEN, 27. Ashlyn MILLER, 10. Grace KUILAMU (13. Tameka YALLOP 79′).
Substitutes not used: 12. Tahlia FRANCO (GK), 15. Kiera MEYERS, 18. Amali KINSELLA, 22. Ava PIAZZA.
Booking: VARLEY 82′.
Melbourne Victory starting XI: 1. Courtney NEWBON (GK), 66. Alana JANČEVSKI, 18. Kayla MORRISON (C), 24. Laura PICKETT, 19. Zoe McMEEKEN (3. Claudia BUNGE 89′), 27. Rosie CURTIS (28. Sienna TECHERA 66′), 10. Rhianna POLLICINA, 23. Rachel LOWE, 9. Holly FURPHY, 5. Sofia SAKALIS, 16. Kennedy WHITE.
Substitutes not used: 30. Payton WOODWARD (GK), 14. Fiorina IARIA, 17. Poppy O’KEEFFE, 41. Jessica YOUNG.
Booking: None.
Coming Soon
After taking on the Wanderers in Western Sydney on Sunday, November 9, Victory will take on the Central Coast Mariners in a Grand Final rematch at the Home of the Matildas on Saturday, November 15.
