A-League

Brisbane Roar Set to Face Auckland FC

Published

1 month ago

10/17/2024

Brisbane Roar will mark their 20th Isuzu UTE A-League season with a crucial opening match against newcomers Auckland FC on Saturday, October 19, at Go Media Stadium. Both teams have their eyes set on making a bold statement in Round 1 of the 2024/25 campaign.

Roar’s Fresh Start Under Zadkovich

New Brisbane Roar head coach, Ruben Zadkovich, enters the season with a significantly revamped squad, boasting 11 new signings. The Roar’s roster now features talents like Rafael Struick, Neicer Acosta, and Ben Halloran, each eager to make an impact.

Midfield general Jay O’Shea has been appointed as captain ahead of his sixth season with the club. O’Shea, now the seventh player to wear the armband for Brisbane, is determined to lead the team back to the A-League Finals, a stage the Roar have not reached in recent years.

Zadkovich emphasized stability and fan loyalty as key focuses:

“I really wanted to bring stability to the club and build sustainable practices in our Football Department. Now, it’s about execution—going out there and winning games for the fans.”

Auckland FC: The New Kids on the Block

This season opener will be a historic moment for Auckland FC, as they play their first-ever A-League match. Coached by Steve Corica, the squad features notable players like former Johnny Warren Medal winner Jake Brimmer, ex-Roar winger Joey Champness, and Japanese international Hiroki Sakai. Auckland will look to start strong in front of a packed Go Media Stadium.

Pre-Season Momentum

Brisbane Roar wrapped up their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw against Adelaide United, courtesy of a Neicer Acosta free-kick. Auckland FC, on the other hand, will enter the game having built up their squad chemistry under Corica’s leadership.

The match promises to be a thrilling contest, with eight Brisbane players potentially making their league debuts, including young talents like Ivan Ozzi, top scorer for Young Roar in the 2024 NPL.

Team Lineups and Key Stats

Brisbane Roar Key Players:

•   Jay O’Shea (C) – 78 line-breaking passes last season, leading the league.
•   Rafael Struick – New signing eager to prove his worth.
•   Neicer Acosta – Scored his first Roar goal during pre-season.

Auckland FC Key Players:

•   Jake Brimmer – Johnny Warren Medallist and midfield maestro.
•   Hiroki Sakai – Japanese international bringing top-tier experience.
•   Joey Champness – Ex-Brisbane Roar winger with a point to prove.

Brisbane Roar Squad:

1.  Macklin FREKE (GK), 4. Ben WARLAND, 6. Joe CALETTI, 7. Rafael STRUICK, 8. Walid SHOUR, 10. Florin BERENGUER, 11. Neicer ACOSTA, 15. Hosine BILITY, 16. Thomas WADDINGHAM, 17. Harry VAN DER SAAG, 19. Jack HINGERT, 21. Antonee BURKE-GILROY, 23. Keegan JELACIC, 24. Sam KLEIN, 26. Jay O’SHEA (C), 27. Ben HALLORAN, 29. Matt ACTON (GK), 35. Louis ZABALA, 43. Adam ZIMARINO, 49. Ivan OZZI

Unavailable: Scott NEVILLE (knee), Corey BROWN (suspension), Marcus FERKRANUS (knee), Quinn MACNICOL (international duty)

Auckland FC Squad:

1.  Michael WOUD, 2. Hiroki SAKAI, 3. Scott GALLOWAY, 4. Nando PIJNAKER, 5. Tommy SMITH, 6. Louis VERSTRAETE, 7. Cam HOWIESON, 9. Max MATA, 10. Guillermo MAY, 12. Alex PAULSEN, 14. Liam GILLION, 15. Francis DE VRIES, 17. Callan ELLIOT, 18. Finn MCKENLAY, 21. Jesse RANDALL, 22. Jake BRIMMER, 23. Dan HALL, 27. Logan ROGERSON, 28. Felipe GALLEGOS, 35. Jonty BIDOIS

Unavailable: N/A

Key Stats:

•   Brisbane Roar’s squad brings a wealth of experience with 1,727 A-League games between them—more than any other team in the competition.
•   The Roar have a 26% win rate in opening matches, winning 5 of their 19 previous Round One fixtures.
•   Auckland FC will make history as they debut in the A-League, backed by a sell-out crowd at Go Media Stadium.

Match Details:

Isuzu UTE A-League Men 2024/25 – Round 1
Auckland FC vs Brisbane Roar
Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Saturday, October 19, 2:00pm AEST (Live on Paramount+)

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