The clash
Melbourne City FC will be looking to return to winning ways when they host Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park on Friday.
City suffered their first loss in five matches last weekend, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Melbourne Victory at Epping Stadium. Despite controlling proceedings, City’s unbeaten run was broken after American import Christine Nairn scored from the corner flag with two minutes of regulation time remaining.
It was a tail of missed opportunities for Head Coach Rado Vidosic’s side, as Tameka Butt was twice denied by shot stopper Casey Dumont. Butt was instrumental throughout the 90-minutes, as was captain Steph Catley and Rebekah Stott with their run and dash out of defence.
City now sit in fifth position on the league ladder, one point behind Brisbane Roar who sit in fourth. It’s all to play for this Friday, as both teams will be looking to keep their finals hopes alive.
Brisbane sat out Round 10 with the bye, meaning the team from the Sunshine State has a game in hand and will be looking to capitalise on their week off.
In Round 9, Mel Andreatta’s side earned a share of the spoils, coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Canberra United at McKellar Park.
Canberra took an early 1-0 lead in front of their home fans, when Rhoda Mulaudzi dispossessed Claire Polkinghorne before rounding Mackenzie Arnold and firing her effort in from a tough angle to beat two Roar defenders and hand her side an early advantage.
In the 38th minute, Roar hit-back with a brilliant goal. Right-back Carson Pickett swung in a perfect cross which was met by Allira Toby’s towering header, giving Khamis no chance in goal.
Team news
Head Coach Rado Vidosic had added two players to the extended squad ahead of the clash with Brisbane. See full team news here.
Last time they met
The last time City faced Brisbane Roar was in the last season’s Westfield W-League semi-final at Perry Park in Brisbane, where City ran out 2-0 winners to book their spot in the Grand Final.
Defensive midfielder Aivi Luik opened the scoring from range, before Jess Fishlock doubled City’s lead with a looping effort over Roar shot-stopper, Mackenzie Arnold’s head.
What was said
Head Coach Rado Vidosic
“Being more clinical [is the key] moving forwards, we’ve been talking about composure in the attacking third.”
Where and when
City host Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park on Friday 11 January, kick-off 5:20pm. Get your tickets here.
