Roar break ALW losing streak as teenager sinks Phoenix

Brisbane have ended a three-match losing streak, with teen sensation Grace Kuliamu securing a 1-0 win over Wellington Phoenix.

The 17-year-old scored her sixth A-League Women career goal in the second half in front of a crowd of 2866 at Perry Park on Sunday to take the Roar to fourth spot on the ladder.

Wellington are eighth and will rue a suite of missed opportunities.

The Roar had slid down the ladder in the five weeks leading into the clash after being in the top two and one of the title favourites. Four losses in five matches had them in sixth spot leading into Sunday’s fixture.

The Phoenix had won three of their previous five games.

Brisbane were without defender Holly McQueen due to suspension, and it got worse when back Leia Varley was replaced after 30 minutes with an ankle injury.

Matildas forward Sharn Freier also missed the match with an ankle complaint.

The visitors dominated the opening half, with attacking midfielder Alyssa Whinham the outstanding player on the field.

Whinham created plenty and seemed to be everywhere. Her four shots on goal were not as dangerous as she would have liked, and the hosts hung on.

Wellington led the shots on goal 8-2 and corners 6-0 at the break.

Brisbane captain Tameka Yallop had an early shot, but it was well blocked as the Roar struggled to create chances.

New Zealand international Grace Jale was also at her creative best with two nifty back-heels in the first half.

Jale also set up Whinham, who shot wide early in the second half.

Kuilamu almost scored when the dynamic striker turned on a dime and fired a right-foot shot from just outside the box that hit the woodwork.

It took until the 62nd minute for the Roar to have their first corner, with Kuilamu rising high to head home after a pinpoint curling corner from Matildas star Yallop.

Kuilamu has scored five goals this season and after playing just 15 ALW games in total has announced herself as a star of the future.

Yallop was denied by the leg of goalkeeper Carolina Vilao in the 71st minute after a sublime pass by Kuilamu.

Jale shot just wide for the visitors soon afterwards, but the Roar dominated the second half, with Yallop, Kuilamu and Laini Freier all showcasing their class.