BRISBANE Roar’s AFC Champions League woes have continued with a 3-0 loss to Japanese side Kashima Antlers.
Desperate to respond in a positive manner after being thumped 6-0 two weeks earlier by South Korean outfit Ulsan Hyundai, the Roar last night paid the price for sloppy defending and their failure to keep possession.
Trailing 1-0 at half-time after a 43rd minute goal from Yuma Suzuki, the Roar started the second half with purpose and endeavour.
However, two goals in the space of three minutes ensured the Roar would leave Kashima empty-handed and with their hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout stages for the first time in tatters.
The Roar have just one point from three Group E matches, are yet to score and have conceded nine goals.
Roar skipper Matt McKay was disappointed with his side’s performance.
“We came here to win the game and we didn’t do that,” McKay said.
“We’re not clinical in front of goal.”
Brisbane had a great opportunity to take the lead in the 26th minute but Brett Holman’s shot lacked the necessary power to beat Kashima goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata.
Sogahata was again called into action seven minutes later to keep out a stinging volley from Roar defender Avraam Papadopoulos.
The hosts took the lead two minutes before half-time when fullback Yukitoshi Ito delivered a cross that found an unmarked Suzuki, whose finished sweetly.
Kashima doubled their lead in the 76th minute when defender Naomichi Ueda tapped home from close range after Roar goalkeeper Jamie Young failed to hold the ball.
Antlers sealed their win in the 79th minute when Yasushi Endo took advantage of space given to him by Roar fullback Corey Brown before burying the ball in the corner of the net.
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