Melbourne Victory has gone down 3-1 to a clinical Brisbane Roar outfit at the Cleveland Showgrounds in the Foxtel National Youth League on Saturday.
Victory got on the front foot early on and threatened to break the game open when captain Joey Katebian launched two free-kicks within a number of minutes to cause some heart flutters for the Roar defence.
The skipper was amongst the action again, with the referee waving away claims for a penalty after Katebian went down under a stern challenge from Mark Rodic.
Victory goalkeeper Lucas Spinella was brought into the game prior to the half-hour mark, making a marvellous save to thwart Harry Sawyer from 10 metres.
Brisbane soon found its groove though and broke the deadlock thanks to Dane Ingham’s shot, which took a deflection before flying into the net.
Roar only had to wait three minutes to double its lead courtesy of a long-range Jesse Daley drive, ensuring the home side would hold a two-goal lead heading into the break.
Melbourne fought back after the restart and went close to pinching a goal back from Katebian’s boot.
He did finally get his goal from a free-kick, which crashed in off the post to provide the visitors with a lifeline.
Victory’s reprieve was ultimately short-lived though after Harry Sawyer stepped up to convert from the spot following a foul on Ingham.
Victory will be seeking its first points in Round 3 against Perth Glory at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Brisbane Roar 3 (Ingham 31′, Daley 34′, Sawyer 70′)
Melbourne Victory 1 (Katebian 67′)
