It took just two minutes for Glory to open their 2017/18 Westfield W-League goalscoring account, with Sam Kerr’s coolly- slotted strike setting the tone for a dominant home performance in the Grand Final rematch against reigning champions, Melbourne City.
The 4-1 triumph truly made a statement to the rest of the league and it was a night to remember for new US import Rachel Hill in particular, as she marked her debut by scoring twice and providing an assist for another new recruit, Nicola Bolger.
While the attacking prowess of the side is well-documented, the defensive display from recent signing, Amanda Frisbie, plus a goalkeeping masterclass from Melissa Maizels, were also very encouraging to see.
Glory’s attention moves on to Brisbane this week, with the Roar having also claimed a big Round One win, downing traditional heavyweights, Sydney FC, 3-1.
The Queenslanders were too good for last year’s semi-finalists, with rising star, Allira Toby, leading the way by bagging two of their goals.
It’s shaping up to be an intriguing clash at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday and Despotovski is looking forward to it.
“As a group, we’re all excited,” he said. “It will be a tough game as it always is when we play Brisbane.
“I’m expecting more of the same from them, with [Katrina] Gorry pulling the strings and their front four attacking with plenty of pace.
“With [Clare] Polkinghorne at the back, they’re very solid defensively as well, but if we win the midfield battle we should be good for at least one goal and then it’ll be up to our defence to hold them off.
“Our confidence levels are high after Friday night, but we need to make sure that we’re not over-confident and that we don’t underestimate Brisbane, because we’ll need to be at 100% to beat them”
Key Match-Up: Amanda Frisbie v Allira Toby
Frisbie introduced herself to the Glory faithful in fine fashion against City, showing impressive composure on and off the ball to enable the midfielders to push forward and create. Toby’s performance for Brisbane, meanwhile, was one of the highlights of Round One, with the Ipswich-born forward showing great determination in what could be a breakout campaign for the her. It will be great to see these two come head-to-head on Sunday as they look to build upon their impressive Westfield W-League starts.
One-to-Watch: Rachel Hill
It was to be double debut delight for the US U-23 international on Friday night, with her well-taken brace showcasing her undoubted talent in front of goal. The attacker, on loan from NWSL outfit Orlando Pride, was absolutely everywhere against City, notching an assist to go along with her two strikes. And the 22-year-old will be hoping to keep the momentum going against the Roar this Sunday.
3 – Rachel Hill was involved in three goals in @WLeague Round 1 (2G, 1A), the only player to both score and assist. Everywhere. pic.twitter.com/TIKCf7XIJK
— OptaJason (@OptaJason) October 29, 2017
Last Time We Met: Round 2, Perth Glory 0-0 Brisbane Roar
It’s almost been a full year since the two sides clashed, with the last match-up back on November 16th, 2016.
It was a frustrating afternoon for both sides, with Kerr unable to penetrate Mackenzie Arnold’s goal despite her best efforts.
Having scored seven goals between them in their respective season-openers, however, it’s hard to foresee Glory and Roar battling out another goalless stalemate at Suncorp Stadium.
Match Details
Sunday, 5 November 2017
Brisbane Roar FC v Perth Glory
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-Off: 2:30pm (Local) (12:30pm (WST))
Referee: Maddison Kennedy
Assistant Referee 1: Isabella Blaess
Assistant Referee 2: Danielle Potticary
Fourth Official: Rachel Mitchenson
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 501 from 2:00pm (AEDT) and SBS VICELAND from 2:00pm (AEDT)
Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #WLeague #YGHAT
To purchase tickets visit www.w-league.com.au/tickets
Brisbane Roar FC squad: 1.Mackenzie ARNOLD (gk), 2.Carson PICKETT, 3.Amy CHAPMAN, 4.Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 6.Celeste BOUREILLE, 7.Ayesha NORRIE, 8.Kaitlyn TORPEY, 9.Wai Ki CHEUNG, 10.Katrina GORRY, 11.Natalie TATHEM, 12.Allira TOBY, 13.Tameka BUTT, 14.Summer O’BRIEN, 15.Abbey LLOYD, 16.Hayley RASO, 18.Lucinda PULLAR, 30.Kirsten VEREEN (gk)
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 3.Amy CHAPMAN (promoted), 8.Kaitlyn TORPEY (returns from international duty), 13.Tameka BUTT (promoted)
Outs: 19.Hollie PALMER (not selected)
Unavailable: 20.Gerogina WORTH (illness – 1 week)
Perth Glory squad: 1.Gabby DAL BUSCO (gk), 2.Sarah CARROLL, 3.Kim CARROLL, 4.Natasha RIGBY, 5.Patricia CHARALAMBOUS, 6.Danielle BROGAN, 7.Nicole STANTON, 8.Shawn BILLAM, 9.Rachel HILL, 10.Raquel RODRIGUEZ, 11.Nicola BOLGER, 12.Shannon MAY, 13.Jaymee GIBBONS, 16.Amanda FRISBIE, 17.Marianna TABAIN, 18.Melissa MAIZELS (gk), 20 Samantha KERR (c)
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 5.Patricia CHARALAMBOUS (promoted), 13.Jaymee GIBBONS (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: Nil
#CREATEDESTINY
