Brisbane Roar got a goal in the 50th minute from Joanne Burgess Saturday at Campbelltown Stadium, and it held up as the Roar beat Sydney FC for the first time in more than two years. The win moves Brisbane four points clear of second-place Sydney in the Westfield W-League (Australia).The two teams played in sweltering heat with temperatures reaching 105 degrees (40C), forcing both sides to take timeouts for water breaks, one halfway through the first half, the other halfway through the second half. In addition to the loss, Sydney FC suffered a big blow, losing midfielder Kylie Ledbrook to a torn knee ligament.
Sunday, the Newcastle Jets take on the Melbourne Victory. A handful of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) players will be on the field. Former Boston Breakers Allison Lipsher (GK) and defender Niki Cross (who finished last season with WPS champions FC Gold Pride) are in the lineup for the Jets. Sky Blue FC midfielder/defender Kendall Fletcher plays for Melbourne. Forward Jodie Taylor, who led the Ottawa Fury with eight goals and three assists this past summer in the United Soccer Leagues (USL) W-League, is also in the lineup for Melbourne.