Take a look at all the action from the Ninja A-League encounter between Western Sydney Wanderers and Brisbane Roar.
A season-opening goal from the returning Holly Caspers propelled Western Sydney Wanderers to a 2-1 victory over Brisbane Roar at Wanderers Football Park.
The Wanderers struck early, taking the lead in the seventh minute when the in-form Sienna Saveska capitalised on a slip-up at the edge of the Brisbane box, expertly curling the ball past Olivia Sekany to find the net.
Despite struggling to create significant opportunities, the Roar managed to equalise in the 67th minute thanks to a sensational effort from Zara Kruger, who expertly curled the ball into the top corner from long range.
However, the home side clinched all three points with an 88th-minute strike from substitute Caspers, who found the back of the net with a precise shot beyond Sekany in her first appearance after a 71-day injury layoff.
Even though they remain at the bottom of the ladder, this win marks only the Wanderers’ second victory of the season, bringing them within a point of defending champions Sydney FC, now in 11th place.
Brisbane, on the other hand, currently sits 5th in the standings, having suffered defeats in four of their last five matches.
The home side came out firing, taking the lead early in the match as Saveska seized on a defensive error in the Roar’s box to slot the ball past the keeper, scoring her seventh goal of the season.
In response, Brisbane sought to quickly level the score, creating several decent opportunities, the best of which saw a Wanderers player scramble the ball off the goal line in the 12th minute.
Smith’s side struggled for composure in the first half, with their closest attempt coming from a low shot by Emily Pringle, which was once again cleared off the line.
Searching for inspiration in the second half, the Roar found a moment of brilliance from teenager Kruger in the 67th minute.
Receiving the ball in the Wanderers’ half, Kruger composed herself and unleashed a stunning shot into the net from nearly 30 metres out, leaving goalkeeper Sham Khamis with no chance.
In need of fresh inspiration, head coach Geoff Abrahams introduced forward Caspers, marking her return after 71 days on the sidelines due to injury.
Now fit after recovery from a toe injury, the 25-year-old made a memorable return to the pitch, netting what would ultimately be the winning goal just 12 minutes after her introduction.
After winning the ball back inside the Brisbane half, Danika Matos spotted Caspers making a run and played the ball into her path; the substitute then coolly slid the ball past the oncoming keeper for a 2-1 lead.
Brisbane pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but resolute defending from the Wanderers kept them at bay.
As the final whistle blew, joyous cheers erupted from the Wanderers players, celebrating a vital morale-boosting victory that brings them closer to the teams above them in the standings.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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