Fresh from dominating the 2010/2011 A-League season, the all-conquering Brisbane Roar will face up with the Sunshine Coast Fire for the fourth time on Sunday afternoon.
The two teams will meet as part of Brisbane’s annual ‘Roar Roadshow’, where the defending A-League Champions travel through Queensland as they prepare for the new season.
A clash with the Sunshine Coast Fire has become an annual fixture for the Roar, who have managed two wins from the three matches played between the clubs.
The Fire managed a famous victory over the Roar in 2008, during the inaugural season of the Sunshine Coast club. A second-half strike from David Muta was enough for the Fire to notch a 1-0 victory and bragging rights over their A-League neighbours.
The Roar responded in 2009, naming a strong line-up for the clash with the Sunshine Coast, and the Fire were on the receiving end of a 4-0 scoreline. Robbie Kruse, Massimo Murdocca, Sergio Van Dijk and Henrique all got on the scoresheet as the Roar showed their class.
In 2010 the teams met again in pouring rain, with the Roar running out 3-1 victors. New Zealand international Kosta Barbarouses was the chief destroyer, bagging two goals, while Brazilian winger Henrique netted one of his own. For the Fire, Corey Towle scored a consolation goal.
Having notched wins over Redlands United and Peninsula Power in the last week, early signs are positive for Brisbane as they ease their way into their 2011/2012 campaign. As for the Fire, a 10 game unbeaten streak means the side comfortably leads the Queensland State League, and is on pace for a third Premiership in four years.
The match will be the first time the new Sunshine Coast Stadium plays host to a national team, and there will be plenty of atmosphere when the sides take to the pitch. Kick-off is set for 2.30pm on Sunday, with the gates opening at noon. A player autograph session will take place between 12.30 and 1.30pm.
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