Brisbane Roar's impressive undefeated streak in the A-League Men competition has been shattered in dramatic fashion, falling 2-1 to Macarthur FC in a storm-affected Friday night thriller at Campbelltown Stadium.
Lightning Strikes Twice for Sawyer from the Spot
The match itself was preceded by a significant delay, with kick-off pushed back by over an hour from its scheduled 6:00 PM AEDT start due to dangerous lightning in the area. When play finally commenced, it was the visiting Roar who looked more likely, aiming to extend their unbeaten sequence to seven matches.
Their persistence paid off just three minutes after the half-time interval. New signing Matthew Dench, making his debut, broke the deadlock with a calm, first-time left-footed finish. The 22-year-old utility player capped off a slick attacking move involving Youstin Salas, Henry Hore, and Justin Vidic, handing Brisbane a deserved lead.
Substitute Sawyer Steals the Show
The momentum of the contest shifted decisively in the second half following the introduction of Macarthur striker Harrison Sawyer. The former Brisbane Roar youth product became the central figure, converting two crucial penalties to turn the game on its head.
The first spot-kick was awarded in the 66th minute after a foul by Roar defender Lucas Herrington on Bernardo Oliveira. Sawyer remained ice-cool, slotting the ball low past goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis to equalise.
Just seven minutes later, Sawyer was involved again, earning a second penalty after being fouled by Brisbane substitute Noah Maieroni, who had only just entered the fray. The striker repeated the trick from twelve yards, once more sending Bouzanis the wrong way to complete the comeback and secure a vital three points for the Bulls.
Fine Margins and Missed Opportunities
Speaking after the final whistle, the match-winner was quick to credit his teammates. "We knew it would come down to fine margins," Sawyer told Paramount Plus. "They're a physical team... but tonight we were a bit more physical. My teammates did a lot of hard work. I just kicked the ball in from 12 yards (twice)."
The result marks just Brisbane's second loss of the 2025-26 season, with both defeats occurring on the road. The Roar had earlier chances to take control of the match, with striker Chris Long denied by Macarthur keeper Filip Kurto in the fourth minute and captain Jay O'Shea firing over from distance.
Macarthur's first clear opportunity came via a Callum Talbot volley in the 26th minute, but it was comfortably saved. The Bulls now look ahead to a Tuesday night fixture against Melbourne City at AAMI Park. Brisbane Roar, meanwhile, must regroup before their next challenge, a New Year's Eve encounter against the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford.
