Brisbane Roar 0-0 Western United
By Alice de Koster-Kitto 17/2/25
Above: Kahli Johnson in possession for Western United. Photo: Western United
Brisbane Roar and Western United have played out a historic 0-0 draw, in a gripping match at Perry Park. Following a string of missed opportunities, and dangerously close calls, neither side managed to find the back of the net in this drama-filled match, a result that is the first of its kind within this fixture.
The match was set to be a contentious one from the start, with both sides being in great attacking form this campaign, the physicality on the pitch made for an exciting, and unpredictable game.
Western United went into the meeting as the favourites to win, and goals were to be expected from the visitors, although in an unexpected turn, it was Brisbane Roar who held the majority of the chances within the first quarter, although Western did hold the possession.
Tameka Yallop took the first shot of the evening, with a strike from the centre of the box, which was saved in the bottom right corner. The Brisbane captain continued a streak of chances just minutes later, when a shot assisted by Evdokiya Popadinova was just high of the net.
The 17th minute saw one of many excellent strikes from Aimee Medwin, as she challenged Roar keeper Olivia Sekany inside the box, coming dangerously close to putting Western United in the lead. The gloves of Sekany proved to be a saving grace for the hosts throughout the remainder of the game, with the momentum of Western’s attack building as they began to assert their expected dominance.
Medwins strike was shortly followed by a shot from distance by Western United captain Chloe Logarzo, which ended just wide.
Though a goal seemed imminent from Western United, it was not enough to break through Roar’s defense in the first half. With three minutes of added time, Brisbane Roar managed to regain some of the energy they displayed at the start, dominating the possession during the final few minutes of play.
Despite both sides continual efforts, neither was able to find the back of the net, leaving the match scoreless at the break.
A strong effort from Kahli Johnson, put Western United back in favor at the top of the second half, as they searched for the lead. Johnson’s efforts continued throughout the remainder of the game, as she involved herself in several chances, notably yet another incredibly close shot from Aimee Medwin, which was ultimately palmed away by Sekany. Medwin and Johnson’s pairing continued to put Brisbane in danger, causing panic within the defence, and sustained the impeccable campaign the pair have had thus far.
As stoppage time approached, Western United changed their tactics, allowing Brisbane Roar space in the midfield, in order to prevent them from getting behind their defence. The tactical shift seemed to be of benefit, as Chloe Logarzo found herself a fantastic opportunity within the empty space, allowing her to strike from just outside the box, however a heavy foot allowed the shot to be pushed wide.
Frustrations began to rise for both Brisbane and Western, as a stalemate seemed increasingly likely, a result that was not predicted considering the scoring history of these sides.
Western United’s Adriana Taranto proved to be a danger to Brisbane Roar, and a stand out on the pitch, particularly towards the tail end of the match, with two late attempts which were only kept out of the net by the safe hands of Olivia Sekarny.
Despite Western United’s dominance throughout the match, Brisbane held their own amid adversity in current weeks, with three of their star players, Sharn Freier, Laini Freier, and Momo Hayashi being out with injuries, as well as a last-minute change to the starting line up, when Chelsea Blissett was ruled out ahead kick-off, and replaced by Leia Varley.
The drama continued for Roar, as Varley was taken off with injury at the 65th minute, making way for Holly McQueen. The unexpected substitution, meant that shuffling of the formation needle to occur, leaving Brisbane with only 10 players momentarily.
It seemed that the scoring was opened by Brisbane Roars Danelle Tan, during the final minute of added time. Although the goal was originally accepted, and the match was called a 1-0 win toward Brisbane, shortly after the whistle blew, it was concluded that Tan was offside, and the match ended in a 0-0 draw.
The match proved to be a historic result for these sides, as it marked Brisbane Roars first draw of the season, and the only draw to occur during this fixture in history. Although it is not the result either side was hoping for, it does not leave either of them in a bad position, as they maintain their top 6 places on the ladder.
Following an international break, round 18 of the Ninja A-League will see Brisbane Roar take on table leaders Melbourne City at home, as they look to regain the edge they had at the top of the season and prove they can still hold their own over such a dominant side.
The pressure will be on for Western United, as they take on Perth Glory at Sam Kerr football centre. Although they will go into the meeting the favourites, the same had been said for this evening’s match, and they will need to prove that they can still dominate, as they look to continue their so far, wonderful campaign.
Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (3-4-2-1): Sekany, de la Harpe, Hoyos, Blissett, Pringle, Hecher, Woods, Kruger, Kuilamu, Yallop, Popadinova. Substitutes: Richards, Varley, McQueen, Tan, Morris.
WESTERN UNITED (4-3-3): Lincoln, Sardo, Mihocic, Maher, Grove, Eggesvik, Dehakiz, Logarzo, Medwin, Johnson, A.Taranto. Substitutes: Dall’oste, De Domizio, Prakash, Hieda, Cerne.
Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.
Attendance: 2,356.
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