The much awaited 10th W-League season kicked off at Allianz Stadium with Sydney FC’s poor form from last season’s closing games hanging around like a bad smell as they to Brisbane Roar 3-1.
Sydney FC were hot favourites for a possible title triumph last season but the closing stages saw them crumble before the big prize was theirs.
Their poor form continued when Brisbane’s Abbey Lloyd set up Katrina Gorry for a piledriver into the back of the net after only 17 seconds on the field.
One of the fastest W-League goals in history had Sydney FC on the ropes right at the beginning of the match.
Georgia Yeamon-Dale had Sydney FC’s first shot of the match but it flashed wide with the Sky Blues looking to hit back as quickly as possible.
Sydney’s Amy Harrison intercepted a pass in midfield and danced through Brisbane’s defence, leaving Gorry for dead, before spotting Mackenzie Arnold off her line.
She almost stole the show with a long-range strike but Arnold did enough to safeguard her post.
Brisbane doubled their lead eight minutes before the interval when new Hong Kong recruit Wai Ki Cheung pulled off a one-two with Ayesha Kirby before whipping in a delightful first time ball into Allira Toby. The 23-year-old headed past Shamiran Khamis to double Brisbane’s advantage. The Roar were looking confident heading into the break.
The first chance after the restart fell again to Brisbane as they continued their dominance. Celeste Boureille pounced on a loose ball in the box from a corner but her shot was inches wide.
Sydney FC’s 15-year-old debutant Julia Vignes had Sydney’s closest chance of the second half, pouncing on Hayley Raso’s loose ball and sliding her shot into the path of goalkeeper Arnold.
Brisbane defender Summer O’Brien gave away a penalty in the 78th minute after a high foot challenge on Leena Khamis. Substitute Emily Sonnett stepped up and converted calmly into the top-right corner to halve the deficit with 10 minutes remaining.
Allira Toby put the contest beyond doubt after placing herself in prime position to receive Natalie Tathem’s cross and loop her header over Khamis after 84 minutes. The 23-year-old completing her brace as she rounded out the scoring in a massive 3-1 victory to open the season.
Waz
Guest
2 games a weekend on SBS Viceland
Betty B
Guest
good news then
saul
Guest
Thanks
saul
Guest
I checked the TV guide and WSW vs Newcastle is on SBS2 tomorrow AT 2PM . There is no information available about it being broadcasted on SBS2 on the W league website which is disappointing. ABC should've kept the W league coverage as they showed it on their main channel . I'm going to write to them asking to put up the details of FREE TO AIR Fixtures Locked Bag A4071 Sydney South, NSW 2000, Australia Thanks for that link
jupiter53
Roar Pro
It seems that at least this weekend both the Friday game and a Sunday game are being broadcast live on SBS Viceland. Perhaps this is what will happen every weekend.
Lionheart
Guest
Great to see a growing number of foreign players, with class, joining the W League. Some of the crosses in this game, from Cheung and Pickett, were better than what we're seeing in the A League. And the defence from stalwarts like Polkinghorne was first class. Lots of youth too - great future for the Matildas I'd say.
Betty B
Guest
I don't think so. Fox is broadcasting more games, but I think that's cut out ABC or SBS, sadly. I might be wrong but here's where my info comes from: https://www.myfootball.com.au/news/westfield-w-league-201718-draw-released
saul
Guest
Are the games broadcast on free to air this year?
Waz
Guest
Very enjoyable game, and our first win as a club this season, yay. The girls looked great, had Sydney over a barrel in the first half and should have been further ahead but Sydney came ba k strongly in the second half. Overall a good game to kick the season off.
Betty B
Guest
Nice win for Roar in a decent match for viewers. Roar have an impressive team again this year, with Tameka Butt still to join the attack. Also a good win for Perth over City.