Brisbane Roar have survived a second-half onslaught from Western Sydney Wanderers to grind out a 1-0 victory at Marconi Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Returning Roar goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold pulled off a number of fine saves to deny the home side and earn Brisbane their first win of the season.
The opening exchanges in particular were slow with Brisbane struggling to move the ball into their forward third.
Wanderers meanwhile were having a little more luck, creating a bunch of half-chances but Arnold was equal to every challenge.
Indeed, it took Brisbane until the half-hour mark to even register a shot, American Chimoa Ubogagu forcing a save from Western Sydney goalkeeper Jada Mathyssen-Whyman.
That seemed to click the Roar into gear however and they soon began to pepper the Wanderers’ goal before the breakthrough finally came after 39 minutes courtesy of a well-struck free-kick from Carson Pickett.
The American defender unleashed a low-driven strike from just outside the penalty area to put her side on the front foot.
The second half saw an increase in attacking play with both sides seeking a desirable outcome.
Ultimately however it was Arnold in goal for Brisbane who was to play the hero, denying a number of Wanderers’ attempts.
First, Servet Uzunlar struck a powerful shot only for Arnold to palm it to safety before the Brisbane custodian pulled off a spectacular double save to deny Leena Khamis just on the line.
Western Sydney continued to push hard but the Roar defence refused to budge, leaving the home side pointless from their first two games.
