Brisbane Roar was put through its paces in another pre-season encounter, going down to Japanese youth team Kawana Waters 2-1 on Thursday night.
Tim Smits pegged a goal back for the Roar after Kawana went ahead though Kazushi Mitsuhira and Takanori Chiaki, the latter of which coming four minutes from time, and sealing the result.
Smits piped up two minutes later with a consolation goal, tapping in his own rebounded header off the crossbar.
Trialist Robert Malcolm played a solid role in defence, and captain Craig Moore was the general down back for Brisbane.
Despite some promising attacking moves from the Hyundai A-League side, the Japanese defence held tight, even with some fine foot work from Adam Sarota in the centre of the pitch.
Sarota felt his presence up forward as well, when he was on the end of a Sergio van Dijk pass on the edge of the box, but his shot went over the bar.
Brisbane lifted its intensity after half time to make amends for the slow start, and van Dijk nearly drew the scores level.
The striker had a clear shot from the top of the box, but his left foot shot went wide of the post.
Sarota was again in on the action with a better chance than his shot in the first half.
Henrique squared the ball to the top of the penalty area, and with an empty goal awaiting, Sarota clean missed the ball in his attempt to cancel out Kawana’s opener.
The Roar’s next pre-season encounter is against Brisbane City next Tuesday night.
