Can’t beat Melbourne’s defence

Melbourne City arguably have the best defence in the league.

They’ve only conceded three goals so far this season – the best defensive record along with the Western Sydney Wanderers.

And tonight’s match against the Roar was no different.

City’s defence was top notch. Although Brisbane had their chances, Melbourne were able to confidently extinguish most attacking opportunities before the ball got to Lydia Williams.

Emma Checker and Rebekah Stott kept it tight at the back, whilst Ellie Carpenter and Steph Cately provided the defensive press on Brisbane’s wide players.

Countless times Melbourne had Brisbane trapped in their own half in the corner with no way to play out.

The pressure Melbourne puts on teams forces them to make mistakes, which they can then capitalise on.

City have won a lot of games, but they haven’t won them by very big margins.

Melbourne can score goals, but the fact that they can keep them out is what is going to make the difference as the season goes on.

 

Brisbane and Melbourne are two quality sides

I guess we already knew, but this Round Seven match definitely provided confirmation. It was a top four fixture as the Roar took on City, with both teams playing some quality football.

It was a game of Matildas vs Matildas, with class all over the park.

The Hayley Raso vs Ellie Carpenter clash out wide had more than a few people excited.

Raso had a number of opportunities to bury one in the back of the net for her team, whilst Carpenter used her speed and crosses to set up the City attack.

Their one-on-one situations were equally matched and exciting, with both players pushing for the upper hand.

City’s goals were all class too. The first came from Milica Mijatovic who cleanly finished into the bottom corner, and the second a neat goal from Aivi Luik.

In a game with so much international experience on both sides, and two teams who are both in fine form right now, this clash wasn’t one to miss.

Here's a look at the opening goal from @mijatovicmilica

Still 0-1 #WLeague #BRIvMCY https://t.co/UM8Ws4GRAi

— The Football Sack (@TheFootballSack) January 2, 2020 ">

 

So far, this is a very fun match-up to watch. Matildas v Matildas. Thorns v Thorns - esp Raso v Carpenter bringing the speed. #BRIvMCY #Wleague

— Nathalie Brough (@nbrough) January 2, 2020 ">

 

Crowds are growing 

It was a great crowd for Brisbane’s home game against City tonight.

Although Dolphin Stadium isn’t the biggest venue (it holds a maximum of 10,000 people) the atmosphere inside the ground seemed electric.

There were almost 3000 fans inside the stadium, but the loud and passionate chanting made the thousands seem like tens of thousands - you could hear Brisbane’s fans singing for their side almost not stop throughout the match.

Chants of “BRFC” and songs about Clare Polkinghorne and Hayley Raso could be heard through the television broadcast, and the chants continued into the final moments of the game even as Brisbane lost 2-0 to the top of the table stars.

Women’s football and its fans are certainly growing, and it was amazing to see such a large and vibrant crowd supporting their female team on a Thursday night.

Crowd | 2,693 here at Dolphin Stadium.

0-2 #WLeague #BRIvMCY pic.twitter.com/7XgCXy4WMl

— Brisbane Football Review (@BNEFootball) January 2, 2020 ">