W-LEAGUE: Roar edge out Victory

Melbourne Victory suffered their first loss at home since Season Three of the Westfield W-League after a 1-0 loss to Brisbane Roar.

Victory dominated possession and attack for most of the game, with the visitors securing the 3 points after a Vedrana Popovic free kick. As well as sitting last on the ladder, Victory will have to wait on news regarding Matilda Ashley Brown who was stretchered off towards the end of the game with what looked to be a knee injury.

Victory dominated most of the possession and attack during the first 15 minutes, with Stephanie Catley delivering into the box from the left hand side a number of times to no avail. Brisbane took advantage of the first free kick of the game paid by referee Rebecca Durcau, with Vedrana Popovic putting the visitors 1-0 up at the 17th minute mark after Brianna Davey was unable to stop her powerful shot.

There was an evident momentum shift after the goal, with Brisbane pressing through midfielder Tameka Butt, however all three of her attempts floated over the crossbar.

Captain Louisa Bisby had Melbournes first long range shot of the game at the 38th minute mark, the long range kick from outside the box going just wide of goalkeeper Hoshima Kishi. Amy Jackson also had the chance to score the first for the Victory, her volley at the 40th minute missing just to the right. 

Players were welcomed back on to a sunbathed pitch in Melbourne during the second half, and Victory took the first opportunity of the half to try and grab an equaliser. US import Jessica McDonald had her first real opportunity of the game after a Stephanie Catley stopover and cross into the box, however the shot hit the upright.

Brisbane substitute Emily Gielnik, the equal highest goal scorer against Melbourne, had the opportunity to double the visitors lead after Jacksons header landed right in the path of the striker, with her shot floating just wide.

McDonald had a number of chances late in the half to snatch a draw for the home side, however most shots drifted just wide of the goals. After the game, McDonald stated that Melbourne had "great opportunities… we just couldn't finish."

Victory will also be concerned about forward Ashley Brown who was stretchered off late in the game with a suspected knee injury. The Matilda looked lively after being substituted on in the second half. 

Melbourne play their next game against Newcastle in Geelong, while fourth placed Brisbane host Sydney.