The Western Sydney Wanderers were left to rue chances missed as the Brisbane Roar capitalised for a 3-0 win in Red and Black territory.

Brisbane Roar strikers Emily Gielnik and Gabe Marzano made the home side pay with their clinical finishing in the second half to give the visitors a perfect record in Season 8.

Five Things We Learned – Western Sydney Wanderers

  1. Ready, Set, Wanderers: When it comes to the Wanderers, there’s no questioning the first 45 minutes and their opening half performance against Brisbane Roar was no exception.A dominating midfield performance saw Western Sydney press high and park themselves in Roar territory asking questions of the defence and forcing some truly world class saves from marquee keeper, Haley Kopmeyer. But, it was the story of the Tortoise and the Hare an impressive first stanza faded in the second half opening the orange door.

  2. The Winters Effect: Keelin Winters really does bring wow factor to the Wanderers. Her right place, right time positioning, ability to make space and find a pass couldn’t be faulted but she couldn’t buy a goal having countless attempts narrowly miss or brilliantly saved. With Winters converting, WS could (probably should) have shut the game down by half time.

  3. Out Wide: The Wanderers were not afraid to use the width of the pitch and Erica Halloway’s standout contribution down the right side highlighted just how dangerous they can be. Halloway posed a constant threat, pushing forward to make attacking breaks and whipping the ball in.

  4. Caught In The Middle: Offseason recruitment has seen a real injection of physicality and pace into WS and that was obvious in the sheer number of chances created. But, all those positives broke down when the ball reached the middle. In a game like this one, WS should have never (ever, ever) finished without getting on the scoresheet.

  5. One To Watch: In her first home game, Ellie Carpenter earned the praise of the crowd making two last second goal saving tackles to deny the Roar clear chances. She showed composure and confidence on the ball beyond her years, was vocal from the back and showed glimpses of go forward making a late surge to create another big chance for WS.

Five Things We Learned – Brisbane Roar

  1. Patience and Defensive Pressure Prevails: While the final score didn’t reflect the game it was a credit to the Roar’s patient play and ability to absorb pressure.Roar were well prepared for their opponents allowing the Wanderers to take the game to them and relying on steady defence to, essentially, wait Western Sydney out. As the game developed, the Roar were able to swing the momentum and take control.

  2. Taking Chances: This is undoubtedly where the game was won for the Roar and lost for the Wanderers. The Roar made the most of their chances through some impressive, straight through the middle counter attack which saw three goals and Emily Gielnik pull off an audacious over the shoulder finish for her first.

  3. Danger Zone: Roar tried their best to hang onto their game plan and playing style under constant pressure. The decision to play short passes out from the back continued to invite the Wanderers in and on any other day the Roar would have been punished for it.

  4. Captain’s Performance: The absence of key Matilda’s players meant the Roar would need to fill pivotal gaps and stand in captain Amy Chapman was nothing short of all things to all people/positions. Playing in a Katrina Gorry-esque deep midfield role Chapman was a constant force all over the park, dropping deep into the defence and igniting the counter attack on multiple occasions.

  5. Whatever It Takes: It wasn’t their best performance but the Roar did what it took to compose themselves and take their chances. This weekend’s win makes it 2 from 2 and 6 points for the Roar and while they build to top form, it’s the sort of gritty win that could keep them atop the ladder.

“Did You See That?!” Moments

Wanderers Disallowed Goal: Despite the score, the Wanderers were the first to find the back of the net only to have their goal disallowed and called back for a Wanderers free kick just outside the box. No advantage played.

Up next

It doesn't get easier for the Wanderers with the Sydney Derby in Round 3 as they meet their cross-town rivals Sydney FC.

Brisbane head home with 6 points for the season and will look to extend their run against a rested Adelaide United.

Western Sydney Wanderers 0

Brisbane Roar 3 (Emily Gielnik 63’, 75’ pen, Gabrielle Marzano 91’)

Sunday 25 October 2015 Marconi Stadium, Sydney Kick-off: 3pm

Referee: Lara Smith

Western Sydney Wanderers: Teagan Micah (gk), Carmelina Moscato, Chloe O’Brien (Eliza Ammendolia 85’), Kendall Johnson, Rachael Soutar, Erica Halloway, Michelle Carney (Elizabeth Grey 70’), Keelin Winters, Hannah Beard (Alix Roberts 46’), Ellie Carpenter, Linda O’Neill

Substitutes – Jada Whyman (gk) Cautions – Ellie Carpenter 75’

Brisbane Roar: Haley Kopmeyer (gk), Amy Chapman, Angela Beard, Gabrielle Marzano, Ayesha Norrie, Alisha Foote (Ashley Spina 72’), Summer O'Brien, Ruth Blackburn, Emily Gielnik, Maili Forbes (Elise Franco 88’), Sofie Persson (Cortnee Vine 46’)

Substitutes – Carrie Simpson (gk) Cautions – Angela Beard 45’, Maili Forbes 59’