Catch all the action highlights from the Ninja A-League encounter between Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar.
Sydney FC clinched only their third victory of the Ninja A-League season, triumphing over finals contenders Brisbane Roar with a thrilling 3-2 win at Leichhardt Oval.
The Sky Blues struck first in the 13th minute, with midfielder Mackenzie Hawkesby delivering a spectacular shot that darted low past the keeper and nestled in the far corner, setting the tone for an exciting Sunday match.
Brisbane levelled the score shortly after the interval when recently named CommBank Matildas player Laini Freier netted a stunning long-range effort to make it 1-1.
The visitors quickly took the lead, with Brazilian Mariel Hecher finding the net, before Sydney FC captain Natalie Tobin delivered a goal-of-the-season candidate to pull her side back level.
Ultimately, it was substitute Shea Connors who provided the decisive moment, coming off the bench to score her first goal of the season, securing a surprise victory for Sydney FC.
This win marks only the third for Ante Juric’s Sydney FC this season. Despite remaining at the bottom of the table, they now trail 11th-placed Newcastle Jets by just a point.
Meanwhile, Brisbane sits in fifth place on the ladder after suffering their second defeat in three games, managing only one win in their last seven matches.
The Sky Blues started brightly, taking the lead within the first 13 minutes, orchestrated by none other than Hawkesby.
Receiving the ball on the right edge of the box, she turned sharply and unleashed a powerful shot into the far corner, putting her side ahead 1-0.
Sydney should have doubled their lead shortly after, but forward Princess Ibini failed to convert from close range after Brisbane keeper Olivia Sekany had initially denied a strong strike from Indiana Dos Santos.
That would be the last action for Sekany, who was soon forced off due to injury. Misreading a delivery into the box, she fumbled the ball while attempting to claim the cross and fell awkwardly, remaining on the ground until medical staff arrived.
After a six-minute delay for treatment, she was carried off on a stretcher and replaced by Keeley Richards.
Despite the setback, Sydney FC continued to press, almost extending their lead before halftime as Hawkesby’s low shot was expertly saved by Richards, who managed to deflect it just enough for her teammate to clear off the line.
Brisbane came out with renewed energy for the second half and equalised thanks to their new Matildas star.
After capitalising on a poor forward pass from Sydney defender Jordan Thompson, Freier looked up, noticed goalkeeper Bethany Mason-Jones off her line, and executed a brilliant dink over her head into the net.
After drawing level, Brisbane quickly took control of the game. Following a missed header by Sydney FC’s Maddie Caspers from a free-kick in the 55th minute, the away side surged ahead just five minutes later.
Teenager Grace Kuilamu attempted an audacious backheel on a low cross, which was initially saved, but Brazilian Hecher reacted quickly to pounce on the loose ball and score.
The Roar’s lead was short-lived, however, as captain Tobin responded with a stunning goal, launching a powerful free-kick from nearly 30 metres that flew past an outstretched Richards into the net.
In the 72nd minute, the Sky Blues regained the lead, courtesy of substitute Connors.
Brought on in the 67th minute, Connors got her first goal of the season after a clever combination with Caspers, slotting home to put Sydney ahead 3-2.
Though Sydney FC had further opportunities to extend their margin, they ultimately held on to claim all three points.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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