32 Unbeaten, Seven Goals, But Bugger All Fans

Berisha flying with six goals in four games

You have to hand it to the soccer community in Brisbane.  When it comes to supporting the Brisbane Roar, they will always find a way not to do it.  Going into the game Brisbane were reigning champions and premiers, had not lost in 31 games, had won three from three this season, were top of the table, had scored six goals and had not conceded a goal.  But even that proved a tough sell with less than 12,000 turning out to watch the match.  The mind boggles as to just what the Roar have to do to attract larger crowds.

Those that turned up were treated to an absolute spectacle with the home side running rampant over Adelaide United.  An early goal to former player Dario Vidosic had the visitors on the front early but the match turned on its head with Roar launching a withering five goal burst in just sixteen first half minutes.  From there the match was all over and Roar rounded it out with another two goals in the second half.

Albanian import Besart Berisha announced himself as perhaps the most lethal striker in the league with a string of quality finishes.  His hat trick in just six minutes after Henrique had equalised from the penalty spot showed just how dangerous this man is.  Each time he made beautifully timed runs or drifted into space off the defenders and put away his shots with unerring accuracy.  Henrique rounded out the first half performance with a second penalty.  In the second half Berisha once again showed his qualities when he grabbed a fourth before fellow import Issey Nakajima-Farran opened his account for Roar with a tap in.

This match was just something truly special.  Adelaide looked like they were really up for the challenge early on but Roar absolutely destroyed them.  Vidosic's goal was a little lucky as he was clearly offside but once Roar found their groove Adelaide had no answer.  Nichols won our first penalty when Jon McKain made a badly timed tackle in the box, but the next three goals were superb and all came from outstanding passing.  Henrique then did Cassio for pace before winning another clear cut penalty.  Berisha's fourth was all strength and determination before our last goal saw the ball virtually walked into the net.  Along the way Roar once again pushed their possession stats into the mid 60 percent mark and pulled Adelaide apart again and again.  But on top of this we defended well and worked our backsides off.  It was a performance that was so impressive.

But like I say, it was such a disappointing crowd.  I honestly don't know what soccer fans want.  Roar games are affordable, easy to get to, at good times and the football is outstanding.  But still the crowds don't come.  I'm totally at a loss and the Roar's new owners must be scratching their heads as well.  Maybe it's time for them to fund a free to air advertising blitz ahead of the next home game.  I honestly don't know what the answer is.  I just hope that the soccer community starts watching this side soon.  God knows they deserve it.