Teen Sensation Shines as Brisbane Roar Breaks Drought with Heroic Victory

Brisbane Roar managed to secure a much-needed 1-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix in the Ninja A-League, even in the absence of Sharn Freier. Young talent Grace Kuilamu stepped up to the plate, delivering the decisive goal that ended their recent dry spell.

The Roar missed CommBank Matildas star Freier, who was sidelined by an ankle injury, amidst a challenging three-match losing streak. However, the 17-year-old sensation Kuilamu shone brightly, scoring the winning goal in the 62nd minute on Sunday afternoon.

Kuilamu’s fifth goal of the season propelled Brisbane into fourth place at the conclusion of Round 14, leaving them six points adrift of undefeated leaders Melbourne City. Meanwhile, Wellington, sitting in eighth, missed a chance to break into the top six.

The match at Perry Park began evenly, with Alyssa Whinham proving to be a constant threat for the Phoenix as they sought their first away victory against the Roar.

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Whinham had a couple of promising opportunities to score as the rain started around the half-hour mark, while an excellent ball from Wellington centre-back Alivia Kelly nearly set up a breakthrough goal just before half-time when Manaia Elliott’s cross-cum-shot went narrowly wide.

The Roar came agonisingly close to taking the lead shortly after the break, with the impressive Kuilamu hitting the post with a powerful shot from distance.

However, Kuilamu found the net just four minutes later. Following a corner, Laini Freier blocked Wellington goalkeeper Carolina Vilao’s view, who felt there was a case for a foul, allowing Kuilamu to capitalise and score.

Wellington’s Elliott had another long-range attempt as the Phoenix pushed for an equaliser, but her effort sailed over the bar with 19 minutes remaining.

As the game progressed, the pace picked up, with Vilao forced to make a crucial save to deny Roar captain Tameka Yallop. At the other end, Grace Jale nearly levelled the score, coming tantalisingly close.

Substitute Evdokiya Popadinova almost added some flair to the scoreline with a powerful shot that struck the underside of the crossbar, but the Roar ultimately held on for the victory.