A game in which both teams did things the hard way ended in Brisbane’s first win of the season after a spectacular ending.
Brisbane’s misfortune that has plagued the their season continued when in the 5th minute they conceded an own goal. Jessie Rasschaert, under some pressure from Melinda Barbieri she over hit a back pass that flew straight into the net.
Roar’s Mia Bailey was making her first start for the club and had conceded before facing a shot, although through no fault of her own.
Brisbane has a chance to equalise when Katrina Gorry played through Larissa Crummer, but Victory keeper Melissa Maizels rescued her side in her first match of 2022.
Lynn Williams doubled the score when an in swinging corner kick effectively bounced off her and marginally crossed the line.
Crummer pulled one back for Roar on the 56th minute. Katrina Gorry hit a dipping shot from outside the box and Maizel’s failed to gather it on the bounce. Brisbane’s number nine had no trouble finishing into an unguarded net.
Victory had to play without Kyra Cooney-Cross for the last 20 minutes. The Victory star received a straight red card for as she slid into a challenge with Crummer. Luckily the Brisbane striker was uninjured. For the second time this season Melbourne were a player down.
The Roar were denied a claim for a penalty on the 81st minute when Williams appeared to bundle over Rasschaert after a corner but the referee waved it away.
Katrina Gorry changed the game with a trademark missile in the 85th minute. She lined up and struck from nearly 30 yards to level the scores in spectacular style.
Shea Connors took the lead for The Roar with a 90th minute tap in. The striker had been industrious and dangerous all game and was a deserved scorer.
Ayesha Norrie made the result certain with an injury time goal to make it 4-2. Crummer raced down the line and cut it back for the skipper to finish the game as a contest.
Key Takeaways:
ANOTHER COLLAPSE FOR THE VICTORY
Melbourne Victory conceded some calamitous goals in the derby last round. Casey Dumont gifted the first chance to Hannah Wilkinson and a defensive collision handed City another.
This week, their fortune turned and they had the lead before they had fashioned a shot on target.
Jessie Rasschaert’s own goal was reminiscent of the one conceded in the first round against Perth. Although this was more spectacular.
It was unfortunate way to open the game for the Roar. They were on the back foot early and a team that likes to counterattack were chasing the lead.
A relatively even opening half ended with Victory 2-0 up despite them not creating many clear chances on goal.
BRISBANE ENJOY THE LATE DRAMA
Brisbane Roar have conceded late in all of their games so far this season. goals in the closing minutes against Perth twice and Canberra last week had left them winless after three games.
Against Melbourne Victory they finally got to experience a late winner instead of heartbreak.
Shea Connors scored her third goal in as many weeks when she tapped home in the 90th minute.
The visitors had come back from 2-0 down at half time to snatch a dramatic 4-2 win. They have struggled to close out game so far this season but over ran Victory to secure their first win of the season.
GORRY THE KEY FOR THE ROAR
It may be stating the obvious that Katrina Gorry is a class above, but is still worth stating. She has the ability to control the game, create opportunities and maintains possession.
She has been limited in her game time so far this season but Brisbane’s hopes for this season may rely on Gorry’s ability to feature for more minutes.
The Roar also have Rie Kitano to draw on and Hollie Palmer is still to return to the field. However Gorry remains an essential player for Gareth McPherson’s side. When she is on they are a different proposition.
When Gorry scored the equalizing goal it was the most likely result from her her having space and time to shoot despite the distance.
FINAL SCORE:
A-League Women, Round 5: AAMI Park
Melbourne Victory 2 Jessie Rasschaert (o.g 5m) Lynn Williams (26m)
Brisbane Roar 4 Larissa Crummer (59m), Katrina Gorry (86m) Shea Connors (90m) Ayesha Norrie (90+5m)
