Defeat knocks Roar out of title race
MELBOURNE City have reached the W-League decider at the expense of premiers Brisbane Roar after a 2-0 semifinal win yesterday.
Former Roar midfielder Aivi Luik came back to haunt her old club, breaking a tense deadlock in the 66th minute with a long-range effort that deflected off Brisbane skipper Clare Polkinghorne’s shoulder.
Jess Fishlock added another six minutes later, the veteran Welsh international’s shot passing through the outstretched gloves of Mackenzie Arnold to silence a stunned crowd at Perry Park.
It was a rich reward for City and a harsh but fitting punishment for the Roar, who had numerous chances but simply weren’t clinical enough to finish them.
But they had what looked a strong penalty claim turned down six minutes out from the break after Matildas attacker Hayley Raso was clattered by Luik. Having not conceded a single goal against City all season, the two strikes brought an abrupt end to Brisbane’s season and shattered their hopes of capturing the W-League double.
They rallied to find a way back into the match and nearly pegged a goal back in the 77th minute through substitute Abbey Lloyd. Her headed attempt on goal rattled the crossbar and bounced straight down – but unfortunately for Roar it didn’t cross the line.
Two-time reigning champions City, who finished fourth on the ladder, will now face Sydney in next Sunday’s grand final having won it from the same position last season.