An inspired display from Roar goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz has ensured Brisbane came away with a point in a tense 1-1 draw with Central Coast Mariners on Sunday afternoon.
In a frantic three minute spell, Rola Badawiya opened the scoring for the competition’s newest side in the 26th minute, before Ayesha Norrie equalised only a minute later for the visitors.
But Norrie’s brilliant equaliser was almost undone immediately, when Jenna McCormick gave away a penalty for a strong challenge on Wurigumula. Thankfully for Brisbane, Silkowitz stood up and denied Isabel Gomez’s penalty with a smart save to her right, continuing a fine start to life in the Sunshine State.
Silkowitz was again called into action to make a couple big stops in the second-half, ensuring Roar would come away with a point in-front of 3,281 people at Industree Group Stadium.
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Emily Husband’s side have split their opening three games evenly to start their return to the Liberty A-League (one win, one draw, one loss) and could make a good case for feeling they should have more than four points to their name.
Brisbane – on the other hand – have seven points from four games to begin the season, where they’ve played three of those contests on the road.
Garrath McPherson’s side assumed control of the contest early, with both Hollie Palmer and Tameka Yallop getting a foothold in the middle of the park, but were unable to really test Central Coast’s backline.
The Mariners’ slow start was far from surprising, having not played in 23 days due to the FIFA women’s international break and having the bye last round as a result of Sydney FC’s involvement in the AFC Women’s Club Championship.
However, they slowly worked their way into the contest and made Roar pay from a corner, as Annabel Martin’s delivery found an unmarked Badawiya – who nodded home from the edge of the six yard box to open her Mariners account.
Central Coast’s lead only lasted a matter of seconds when Leah Scarpelli’s long ball found fellow American Mia Corbin, who brought the ball to ground and into the path of Norrie who made no mistake with a stinging volley.
The drama didn’t stop there though as Ashley Irwin sent a long ball through to Wurigumula, who was brought down inside the box by a strong challenge from McCormick, giving Gomez the chance to restore the home side’s lead.
Silkowitz, however, had ideas, making a strong save to deny Gomez and keep the scores level.
Central Coast continued to push after half-time, with Alexia Karrys-Stahl breaking down the left and cutting back to an open Badawiya, who this time was denied by the American keeper.
Husband’s charges huffed and puffed and came close yet again, as Annalise Rasmussen’s header was tipped onto the crossbar by an inspired Silkowitz, before fellow substitute Peta Trimis also blasted over from close range moments later.
Brisbane held firm under enormous pressure, led by the likes of Silkowitz, Scarpelli and the rest of the Roar defence, taking home a point from Gosford.
THE TALKING POINT
It was the three minute patch that essentially decided the contest on Sunday afternoon.
Rola Badawiya and Ayesha Norrie traded blows within seconds, with the latter essentially levelling the scores straight from the restart. However, one late challenge from Jenna McCormick on Mariners attacker Wurigumula inside the penalty area, almost had the visitors on the back foot again.
Enter Jordan Silkowitz. The American keeper stood strong and telegraphed Isabel Gomez’ penalty brilliantly, denying the Mariners a would-be winner.
THE STAR
It could only be one.
Jordan Silkowitz has been one of the signings of the season so far, but her performance against the Central Coast Mariners was her best yet. A penalty save, coupled by a number of quality stops in the second-half helped save a point for the visitors.
Silkowitz had big shoes – and gloves – to fill with the departure of fellow American Hensley Hancuff and so far, she’s doing a fine job between the sticks for Garrath McPherson’s side.
Two top draw performances in their 1-0 win over Sydney FC and now the stalemate with the Mariners, have helped preserve four points, which could be all-important in the race for a finals spot.
WHAT THIS MEANS
Central Coast are still on the hunt for their first home win since returning to the Liberty A-League, but have shown plenty of promise in their opening four games.
The Mariners could welcome star goalkeeper Casey Dumont to the side, after the club announced her arrival on Saturday, bolstering their back-line significantly. Up next is a home clash against the red-hot Wellington Phoenix on November 18, which will arguably be the club’s most difficult task yet this season.
Brisbane – on the other hand – are in a decent spot after four games, with seven points to their name and sitting in the top four.
They return to Queensland for a run of back-to-back home games, starting with Western United on November 19.
