Melbourne Victory played out a 0-0 draw with Brisbane Roar in its Westfield W-League season opener on Sunday.
Summary
Both teams struggled to create many chances of note at CB Smith Reserve, with the best opportunities coming late on.
Victory goalkeeper Gaby Garton, one of five players who made their debuts for the club, denied Emily Gielnik, while Annalie Longo squandered a late chance for the host.
Garton, Kayla Morrison, Claudia Bunge, Catherine Zimmerman and Natalie Tathem made their Victory debuts, the latter unfortunately suffering an injury in the first half.
Victory made a solid start and Melina Ayres and Kyra Cooney-Cross both had efforts from distance, the former shooting straight at Roar goalkeeper Georgina Worth in the fourth minute before the latter fired well wide.
Brisbane also looked threatening as Mariel Hecher cut in from the left before shooting over from inside the area in the 12th minute.
Unfortunately, Victory saw Tathem substituted approaching the half-hour mark due to injury.
Both teams continued to push but struggled in the final third, although Cooney-Cross saw a 20-yard effort fly just past the post before half-time.
Victory was on top to begin the second half and Cooney-Cross’ inswinging corner was punched away by Worth in the 69th minute.
Garton was relatively comfortable throughout and the Victory goalkeeper made a low save to deny Gielnik from an angle.
Garton’s next save, though, was the best of the game, the goalkeeper tipping a Gielnik strike onto her crossbar to keep Victory level.
Victory also had a great chance at a late winner, Longo shooting over after a pass from captain Angela Beard in the 86th minute.
Result
Westfield W-League 2020/21 Round 2
Melbourne Victory 0
Brisbane Roar 0
Next up
Victory faces City in a Melbourne Derby clash at Frank Holohan Reserve on Sunday, January 10.
