Perth Glory suffered a deflating collapse at HBF Park on Friday night, surrendering a first-half lead to fall 2-1 to a resilient Brisbane Roar side. The result was a bitter pill for the home fans, who watched their team dominate early before fading against the Roar's physical and disciplined approach.
Taggart's Historic Strike Overshadowed by Controversy
The match began with high intensity, as both midfields clashed fiercely. Perth's Rhys Bozinovski and Gio De Abreu set the tone with robust challenges, earning vocal support from The Shed. However, the game's opening goal came from a moment of individual brilliance. In the 19th minute, Trent Ostler's clever flick found Adam Taggart, who unleashed a powerful strike that gave Roar keeper Dean Bouzanis no chance.
The goal was historic, drawing Taggart level with Andy Keogh as Perth Glory's all-time leading scorer in the A-League era with 59 goals. The moment was witnessed by Socceroos coach Tony Popovic, who was in attendance. Yet, the joy was short-lived.
Roar's Fightback and a Decisive Header
Brisbane's equaliser arrived in contentious circumstances just before halftime. A shot from Samuel Klein struck the raised arm of Taggart, who was attempting to block with his back turned. After a lengthy VAR review, referee Adam Kersey awarded a penalty. Chris Long calmly converted from the spot, silencing the home crowd and shifting the momentum entirely.
Perth struggled to regain their composure after the break, and Brisbane capitalised. The winning goal came from another moment of defensive uncertainty. The Glory failed to clear a bouncing ball in their box, and Samuel Klein's looping header arced over goalkeeper Sam Sutton and across the line.
The Roar then expertly managed the game, employing time-wasting tactics that frustrated the Perth players and supporters alike. Despite pushing for an equaliser, Glory's chances were limited. Bouzanis made crucial late saves to deny both Taggart and substitute Jayden Pennington, sealing the three points for the visitors.
Frustration for Glory as Roar's Tactics Prevail
The defeat marks a significant setback for Perth Glory, who showed promise but ultimately lacked the clinical edge and game management to secure the result. Brisbane Roar's physical, confrontational style, which has troubled many teams this season, proved effective once again. They disrupted Perth's rhythm and defended resolutely after taking the lead.
For Glory, the positives were few beyond Taggart's milestone. The team's inability to maintain their early intensity and respond to Brisbane's tactical shift will be a major concern as they look to rebound in their next fixture.
