Tag: soccer

Roar vs Western Sydney Wanderers: Scott Neville’s One Last Roar at Suncorp

An emotional night awaits at home as Brisbane Roar not only aim for back-to-back victories but also prepare to bid farewell to club legend Scott Neville on Friday, 31 January, in a milestone match that will mark the end of his illustrious 18-year career. Roar vs Western Sydney Wanderers kick off 6:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

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Milestone Match

The 36-year-old defender is set to become just the eleventh player in A-League history to reach the prestigious 300-game milestone. Earlier this month, Neville celebrated his 100th appearance for Brisbane Roar, an achievement made even more remarkable by his resilience in returning from an eleven-month ACL injury layoff. His farewell fixture adds another layer of significance to what is already a crucial contest for the Roar.

Roar vs Western Sydney Wanderers

Brisbane enter the clash with renewed confidence after securing a thrilling 4-3 victory over Sydney FC, their first away triumph against the Sky Blues since 2018. The performance highlighted the team’s attacking prowess, with Ben Halloran, Henry Hore, Adam Zimarino, and Lucas Herrington all finding the net in a memorable display. That win ended a five-game winless streak and injected fresh momentum into the squad ahead of Neville’s farewell.

Head coach Ruben Zadkovich’s squad could see an exciting addition, with Young Socceroos forward Nathan Amanatidis in contention to make his Roar debut. The 19-year-old, awaiting domestic transfer clearance, is known for his sharp attacking instincts and could provide an immediate boost to Brisbane’s frontline. Meanwhile, Hore’s return to Suncorp Stadium following his K League stint with Gangwon FC adds another dimension to the team’s attacking options.

The ninth-placed Wanderers arrive in Brisbane determined to spoil Neville’s farewell after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to league leaders Auckland. With the A-League table still tightly contested, they will be eager to turn their fortunes around and climb higher up the ladder.

For Neville, the occasion carries a touch of irony. “It’s kind of a full-tilt moment that my last game will be against Western Sydney Wanderers,” he reflected. “But the main priority is the three points.”

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As the Roar faithful prepare to say goodbye to one of the A-League’s most enduring figures, Friday night’s clash transcends the usual fixture list. It’s a moment to celebrate resilience, loyalty, and the pursuit of victory—one final chance to honour a club legend while maintaining crucial momentum in the season.

Published 28-January-2025

Roar vs Jets: Brisbane Eyes First Win in Bottom-of-Table Clash

Brisbane Roar’s challenging A-League season continues as they prepare to host Newcastle Jets on Tuesday, 7 January. Both sides find themselves languishing at the bottom of the table, desperate for a win to reignite their campaigns. Roar vs Jets kick off 7:00 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

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The Roar, still searching for their first victory after ten matches, enter the fixture with just two points to their name. Friday night’s 3–1 loss to Central Coast Mariners underscored the struggles that have defined their season so far.

Home form needs addressing

Brisbane’s failure to claim even a single point at home this season has been a glaring issue for coach Ruben Zadkovich’s side. Ben Halloran’s 71st-minute strike against the Mariners showed glimpses of potential, but the team’s inability to maintain momentum and hold onto the equaliser resulted in another disappointing outcome at Suncorp Stadium.

There were moments of promise in Friday’s match, with Thomas Waddingham’s one-on-one opportunity and Keegan Jelacic’s creative movements causing problems for the opposition. However, turning these opportunities into tangible results remains elusive for the Queensland side.

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Roar vs Jets

Tuesday’s opposite side, Newcastle Jets, sit just above Brisbane with six points, making this a crucial fixture for both teams. The match presents a golden opportunity for the Roar to narrow the gap and potentially bag their first points at home this season.

With both teams eager to improve their positions on the ladder, Tuesday’s clash shapes as a pivotal encounter in the context of both clubs’ seasons. For Brisbane faithful, the wait for that first win of the campaign continues.

Published 03-January-2025

Roar vs Mariners: Brisbane Seek First Home Points in New Year Clash Against Central Coast

Brisbane Roar aims to kick off 2025 on a positive note as they host Central Coast Mariners this Friday, 3 January, with Brisbane still searching for their first points on home soil this season. Roar vs Mariners kick off 6:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

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Wooden spoon form continues

The Round 12 A-League clash presents an opportunity for Brisbane to bounce back from their recent 1-0 defeat to Western United. Despite creating numerous chances in their final match of 2024, the Roar were unable to find the back of the net at Ironbark Fields.

The loss to Western United highlighted both promise and frustration for Brisbane supporters. Jacob Brazete, making his first start for the club, nearly opened the scoring in the 29th minute after connecting with Harry Van Der Saag’s cross. Keegan Jelacic also came close to breaking the deadlock, only to be denied in a one-on-one situation with Western’s GK Matt Sutton.

The decisive moment came late in the first half when Antonee Burke-Gilroy’s challenge on Angus Thurgate resulted in a penalty, which Hiroshi Ibusuki converted. Despite subsequent chances from Ben Halloran and Thomas Waddingham, the Roar couldn’t find an equalizer.

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Roar vs Mariners

Friday’s match against Mariners marks the beginning of an important home stand for Brisbane, with Newcastle Jets visiting Suncorp Stadium just four days later. These back-to-back home fixtures could prove crucial in turning around their fortunes at Suncorp Stadium.

The fixture represents more than just another fixture for the Roar—it’s a chance to start the new year with renewed purpose and finally reward their home supporters with points on the board.

Published 31-December-2024

Roar vs Perth Glory: Brisbane and Perth Seek First A-League Win

Brisbane Roar returns to Suncorp Stadium this Saturday, 21 December, hosting Perth Glory in a must-win contest for two sides languishing at the bottom of the A-League ladder. Roar vs Perth Glory kick off 4:00 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

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At the bottom of the ladder

The match holds added significance for Brisbane, who have lost all three of their home matches this season and are yet to claim even a single point at Suncorp Stadium. Despite their poor position on the ladder, Brisbane’s youth has shown promising signs in recent weeks.

Talismanic striker Thomas Waddingham continues to shine, netting his fourth goal of the season in last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Western Sydney Wanderers. Waddingham’s tally is surpassed only by Wellington’s Kosta Barbarouses (5) and Western Sydney’s Nicolas Milanovic (5). Another positive for the Roar has been the emergence of 17-year-old defender Lucas Herrington, who delivered a composed performance on debut last week.

Roar vs Perth Glory

The match marks the start of a crucial period for Brisbane, who will play three of their next four games at home over the Christmas and New Year period. Head coach Ruben Zadkovich emphasised the importance of Saturday’s clash against his former club, describing it as a critical opportunity for his team.

Adding intrigue to the encounter, several former Glory players now feature prominently for the Roar, including Scott Neville, Keegan Jelacic, Antonee Burke-Gilroy, and Adam Zimarino. Both Zadkovich and assistant coach Chris Coyne also have deep ties to the Perth outfit.

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The pressure is also mounting for Perth Glory. A lacklustre season reached a low point with last week’s heavy 4-0 defeat to Newcastle Jets, and their inability to break their winless streak could further damage morale. The stakes are clear: both teams need three points to avoid being stranded at the foot of the table.

Published 17-December-2024

Roar vs Melbourne City: Defensive Struggles Loom as Brisbane Host High-Flying City

Brisbane Roar will aim to secure the elusive first win of the season when they host Melbourne City on Friday, 6 December, following a thrilling 4-4 draw with Macarthur FC last weekend. Roar vs Melbourne City kick off 7:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

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Roar notches first point in a heart-stopping draw

The Roar returns to home turf with renewed determination after securing their first point of the season in a pulsating encounter at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Head coach Ruben Zadkovich’s side showcased moments of attacking brilliance but also revealed defensive frailties in a match that swung wildly with four lead changes.

Rising star Thomas Waddingham continues to shine brightly in Brisbane’s campaign. The 19-year-old striker’s clinical first-half brace against Macarthur highlighted his growing importance to the team. As Roar prepare to take on a disciplined Melbourne City defence, Brisbane faithful will be counting on Waddingham to find the back of the net once more.

Roar vs Melbourne City

Melbourne City arrives at Suncorp Stadium sitting fifth on the ladder with nine points from five matches. While Brisbane’s attack has kept pace with City’s, matching their eight goals this season, defensive woes tell a very different story. Conceding 14 goals in just five matches—in stark contrast to City’s five—Brisbane’s backline faces a formidable challenge.

The return of experienced defender Scott Neville could not have come at a better time. Making his first appearance since recovering from an ACL injury, Neville completed a solid 65 minutes against Macarthur, offering much-needed stability to Brisbane’s defence. His return after a 312-day absence adds depth and leadership to a backline in need of fortification.

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For Brisbane, maintaining their attacking momentum while finding defensive stability will be critical in securing their elusive first victory of the campaign. With home support roaring from the stands, could Friday night lights at Suncorp Stadium mark the turning point of their season?

Published 02-December-2024

Clare Polkinghorne Honoured as Packed Suncorp Stadium Cheers Her Farewell

An unforgettable night at Suncorp Stadium celebrated the illustrious career of Clare Polkinghorne, Australia’s most-capped player, as over 47,000 fans gathered to send off the Brisbane-born defender in style. Despite the Matildas falling 3-1 to Brazil, the evening was a tribute to Polkinghorne’s remarkable 18 years in international football.

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Gutierres brace sparks early drama

The match began with high intensity as Brazil’s Amanda Gutierres made an immediate impact, scoring twice in the opening 13 minutes. Gutierres showcased her class with a composed finish in the sixth minute, followed by a perfectly executed strike off an assist from Aline Gomes. The early deficit tested the Matildas’ resolve, but they remained determined to fight back in front of their home crowd.

The breakthrough came late in the first half, igniting hope among the fans. Ellie Carpenter delivered a pinpoint cross, and Emily van Egmond’s clever dummy allowed Caitlin Foord to power the ball past Brazilian keeper Natascha Honegger. The well-executed goal brought the Matildas within striking distance at halftime, energising the packed stadium.

Queiroz quashes Matildas’ momentum

However, any resurgence was short-lived. In the 52nd minute, Giovana Queiroz capitalised on an error by Alanna Kennedy to restore Brazil’s two-goal advantage. The match, which featured nearly 22 minutes of stoppage time, was marred by frequent interruptions and physical confrontations, further frustrating the Matildas’ efforts to mount a comeback.

Clare Polkinghorne farewell shines bright

While the scoreboard didn’t favour the Matildas, the evening was defined by a moment of pure celebration. Clare Polkinghorne left the pitch in the 63rd minute to a standing ovation from the Suncorp faithful, with cheers echoing in recognition of her unparalleled contribution to Australian football. Adding to the occasion, she received a pre-match tribute, including a framed jersey presented by Queensland rugby legend Darren Lockyer.

The match also marked a major milestone for Emily van Egmond, who became only the fourth Australian to achieve 150 international appearances. Moments like these highlighted the pride and resilience of the Matildas, even as Brazil’s tactical execution saw them hold on for the win.

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Despite the result, the Matildas showed flashes of brilliance and will be eager to bounce back in their rematch against Brazil on Sunday, 1 December, at the Gold Coast. Polkinghorne’s farewell may not have ended with a victory, but her legacy leaves an indelible mark on Australian football.

Published 30-November-2024

Brazil Challenge Awaits as Matildas Head to Suncorp Stadium

A month after their first victory over Germany in 19 years, the Matildas return to Suncorp Stadium this Thursday, 28 November, at 8:00 p.m. to take on football powerhouse Brazil.

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Celebration match for local hero Clare Polkinghorne

The fixture carries special significance as veteran defender Clare Polkinghorne prepares for her final international window in front of her home crowd. Notably, the last time Australia faced Brazil on home soil, Polkinghorne kicked off the scoring in a 3-1 victory for the Matildas.

Adding to the occasion, vice-captain Emily van Egmond stands poised to earn her 150th cap, which would make her just the fourth Australian footballer to reach this milestone.

Matildas squad shuffle

Interim coach Tom Sermanni has made several squad adjustments ahead of the Brazil encounter. The Matildas will compete with a 34-player squad following the withdrawal of WSL midfielders Katrina Gorry and Clare Wheeler due to injuries sustained in recent club matches.

Gorry suffered a shoulder injury in the same game she opened her scoring account for West Ham with a brace; Wheeler, on the other hand, sustained a lower leg injury playing for Everton in the Merseyside derby.

Manchester City forward Mary Fowler has also pulled out of the upcoming matches against Brazil and Chinese Taipei, citing a need to rest and recover after a hectic playing schedule.

World Cup hero Cortnee Vine remains unavailable, having announced an indefinite break from football to prioritize her mental health. Vine, whose penalty secured Australia’s historic World Cup semi-final appearance, continues to manage the challenges that have accompanied her rising profile.

The extended roster reflects strong domestic talent, with 16 players currently competing in the A-League Women competition. Notable returns include Alex Chidiac, Emily Gielnik, and Chloe Logarzo, all recalled following impressive domestic form.

Milestone victory over Germany

The Matildas head into this international window buoyed by their historic 2-1 victory over Germany in October—their first triumph against the European powerhouse in 19 years.

Despite an early goal from Germany’s Selina Cerci in the fifth minute, the Matildas showcased resilience and tactical evolution under interim coach Tom Sermanni. Kyra Cooney-Cross delivered a stunning 35-yard strike to equalise before halftime, followed by Clare Hunt’s first international goal which secured the triumph.

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Following the Suncorp Stadium opener, the Matildas will rematch with Brazil at the Cbus Super Stadium in Gold Coast on 1 December. The team will then travel south for two matches against Chinese Taipei in Melbourne and Geelong on 4 and 7 December, respectively.

Published 25-November-2024

Roar vs Sydney FC: Brisbane Hunt for Glory in Home Opener

Brisbane Roar will seek redemption in their home opener this Friday, November 1, as they face Sydney FC looking to recover from their season-opening defeat. Roar vs Sydney FC kick off 6:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.

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Opening day setback

The Roar began their 2024/25 campaign with a 2-0 loss to competition newcomers Auckland FC at a packed Go Media Stadium. An eighth-minute own goal from debutant Harry Van Der Saag set the tone, with Logan Rogerson’s 75th-minute strike sealing the result for the hosts.

Despite the setback, the match showcased promising signs for the club’s future, featuring seven players in their Roar debuts. Newcomers Neicer Acosta and Thomas Waddingham demonstrated their potential, forcing Auckland goalkeeper Alex Paulsen into crucial saves. The squad received an additional boost from the return of Ben Halloran, while Sam Klein’s integration added fresh tactical options to the team’s approach.

Head coach Ruben Zadkovich maintains a positive outlook despite the opening day result. “It was an even game, very patchy,” Zadkovich says. “There were some moments for us where I thought we did really well and started to control it.”

“It was a very even game but a couple of moments that went against us.”

The coach’s commitment to youth development remains a cornerstone of his strategy, evidenced by the debuts of Sam Klein and local Queensland product Ivan Ozzi. “There’s nothing better in my position than being able to reward young players that are fighting to become professional footballers,” Zadkovich notes.

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Roar vs Sydney FC

Brisbane now turn their attention to Friday’s crucial clash against Sydney FC, who enter the match following a 1-nil loss to Auckland FC. The fixture presents an early opportunity for the Roar to demonstrate their resilience and secure their first points of the season in front of their home supporters.

Fans can secure their tickets here to witness the Roar’s first home fixture of the 2024/25 season as they aim to get their campaign back on track against Sydney FC.

Published 30-October-2024