THE Capalaba FC Bulldogs came away with a clean sweep win against last season’s champions the Brisbane Roar in a National Premier League Queensland round one match on February 15.
Supported by the home ground advantage at John Frederick Park, the Bulldogs took all three points scored during the match.
Capalaba FC president Jason Ganter said during the early stages of the game, Capalaba had held the field position and seemed on the verge of scoring, rattling the cross bar twice in the first ten minutes.
With a five-minute spell in Capalaba’s half, the Roar created a couple of opportunities but were not able to force Capalaba FC goalkeeper JJ McLean into any saves.
A breakthrough came in the 39th minute when after winning the ball deep in their own half, the Bulldogs evaded the Roar’s defence to score the first goal of the match.
Mr Ganter said the Bulldogs performed strongly in the second half, with the Roar struggling for possession while Capalaba created a number of chances in the last 30 minutes of play.
In the 77th minute Katy Couperus extended the lead to three with a shot from wide on the left which the Roar keeper fumbled into the goal.
Head coach Daniel Baker said he was delighted with the result but mindful of the long season ahead.
“The squad are beginning to really gel together and taking on board what we've been doing at training,” Mr Baker said.
“We played at a high tempo and created a lot of chances which shows the level we should be aiming for throughout the season.
“Three points in your first game is always important and helps to build the momentum for the season ahead. To score three and keep a clean sheet is a bonus on top.”
Captain Stephanie Latham said the team had played a new formation they had been working on during the pre-season, and she was pleased with the way it had turned out.
“It was really positive to see the girls look comfortable playing this new formation,” Latham said.
“We were patient in our defending from the front line and pressed at the right times to win the ball higher up the field.
“We also played out from the back line well and managed to link our midfielders up with our forward line through varying combinations.
“Obviously there is still some fine tuning to work on at training but I’m hoping we can carry this momentum into next week’s game against Sunshine Coast.”
Latham said she hoped the momentum from the week’s win would carry the team into the next weekend’s game against the Sunshine Coast Wanderers.
“The girls are really hoping to get the same level of support from the club, the atmosphere here tonight was incredible,” Latham said.
The Capalaba FC NPL women’s team will play at home again next weekend when they take on Sunshine Coast Wanderers.
The game kicks off on Sunday, February 24 at 5:15pm.
