Melbourne City FC will look to bounce back from a tough loss last weekend when it faces Brisbane Roar in the Liberty A-League this Saturday.
The fixture looms as an important opportunity to edge closer to a guaranteed Finals spot so the City girls will seek to put their best foot forward against a quality Roar outfit.
Following four consecutive wins that saw City rocket up the Liberty A-League table, the team faced its biggest test of the season when it travelled to play league-leaders Sydney FC last Saturday.
Despite some promising opportunities for the visitors, the home side proved too strong on the day, ultimately securing all three points with a 3-0 win.
City took it right up to the reigning Premiers on their home turf though, recording a similar number of shots and shots on target, whilst controlling possession by 58% to 42%.
However, an outstanding goalkeeping display from Jada Whyman and clinical finishes from Paige Satchell and Rachel Lowe, the latter on two occasions, was enough to withstand City’s huffing and puffing, ultimately unable to blow the Sydney FC house down.
However, the City girls will be eager to bounce back against quality opposition when they face Brisbane Roar later this afternoon.
The Roar finished second on the table in 2020/21 and have maintained several of their key personnel from that season, but have thus far struggled to replicate their form as they currently occupy 7th place in the A-League Women standings with seven points from seven games played.
Most recently, they nearly suffered a shock loss to league newcomers Wellington Phoenix having been 2-0 down after 24 minutes. The Roar came back to life soon after though, and eventually secured all three points thanks to an 87th minute penalty for Katrina Gorry, who has starred for Brisbane this season.
Saturday’s clash looms as a pivotal fixture just after the midway point of City’s Liberty A-League season; a win would significantly strengthen City’s Finals prospects given that only one of our final six games is against a current top four team. A loss, however, puts City right back amongst the chasing pack, undoing much of the good work the team has done against difficult opposition in the first half of the season.
Match Details
Liberty A-League: Round 9
Brisbane Roar FC vs Melbourne City FC
Saturday 29 January December, kick-off 5:05pm
Moreton Daily Stadium
