Brisbane Roar have moved up into second place on the Ninja A-League after they defeated Sydney FC 3-1 at Leichhardt Oval on Wednesday night.
Bottom of the league at kick off thanks to the Wanderers shock win over Melbourne City, Sydney FC were looking to get a first win under new Head Coach James Slaveski following the departure of club legend Ante Juric.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE NINJA A-LEAGUE
The home side almost found themselves behind in the 6th minute; American goalkeeper Heather Hinz thwarting Brisbane on the goalline following a goalmouth scramble.
The away side did find the breakthrough soon after though as Dutch import Bente Jansen robbed teenage defender Willa Pearson of the ball inside her own box before brilliantly back-heeling the ball for Daisy Brown to roll home her fourth goal of the season.
Sky Blues defender Abby Lemon prevented the Roar from making it 2-0 in the 27th minute as she headed Alicia Woods’ in-swinging corner off the line and away to safety.
Roar star Jansen was then inches away from bagging her side’s second just a minute later but the former Ajax attacker’s left-footed effort flew narrowly past the foot of the post.
SHOCK RESULT: Wanderers stun league leaders Melbourne City to clinch third-straight win
The home side dragged themselves level in the 37th minute and it was a moment to savour for midfielder Hana Lowry.
Collecting the ball from Mackenzie Hawkesby, Lowry weaved her way through some traffic on the edge of the Brisbane box before firing a low effort beyond the diving Chloe Lincoln and into the back of the net to score her first goal since January 2024.
BIG NEWS: Sydney FC confirm shock departure of Head Coach Ante Juric: Full Details
The Sky Blues would find themselves behind heading into the break though as one of the smallest players on the pitch – Roar captain Momo Hayashi – leapt highest at the back post to nod her side back in front with what was the last action of the first half.
The Japanese skipper then sealed all three points for her side in the 74th minute and it was another one to add to her already impressive showreel.
Collecting the ball 30 yards out from goal Hayashi looked up, took aim and fired a stunning strike that flew past the diving Hinz and into the back of the net to make it 3-1.
The win sees Brisbane Roar move into second on the Ninja A-League ladder and just a point behind league leaders Melbourne City, who were beaten 1-0 by the Wanderers earlier in the day.
Having just been named Ninja A-League Coach of the Month for January, Roar boss Alex Smith has overseen a sixth win of the campaign whilst his side are also now unbeaten in seven games.
As for Sydney FC, the Sky Blues remain rock bottom of the Ninja A-League following their sixth loss of the campaign.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT THEY SAID
Hear from new Sydney FC Head Coach James Slaveski following the loss to Brisbane Roar.
Daisy Brown made it three goals in three games as the Roar defeated Sydney FC. She spoke to Teo Pellizzeri after the full time whistle sounded at Leichhardt Oval.
