W-League: Defending champions Canberra United suffer 2-1 loss to Brisbane Roar in round one

The defending champions conceded two goals in the opening 11 minutes before pegging one back through Matildas striker Michelle Heyman in a 2-1 round-one loss to the Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

Canberra went behind when former captain Ellie Brush was beaten by Roar striker Tameka Butt leading to the game's opening goal.

Things got worse for the visitors when Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams produced a howler, inexplicably dropping a speculative shot from Ruth Blackburn that trickled into the net.

Williams redeemed herself with a number of great saves to keep her team in the game, but Canberra couldn't find the equaliser.

United coach Rae Dower said her side had opportunities to get back in the contest despite two of its most experienced players making key errors.

"It shows what a cruel game it can be and they won't make those mistakes again in their whole life," Dower said.

"Everyone's human and everyone makes mistakes and we still were good enough I think to overcome that and get something out of the game.

"In the end, we probably forced it at times with that mentality of playing catch-up football and turned over the ball in some really key areas."

United composed itself after the double blow and got back in the game when Heyman finished off a lovely through ball from US import Kendall Fletcher.

Heyman produced a beautiful first touch to round the Roar goalkeeper and collect the 51st goal of her career.

United had several half chances in the second half, but couldn't crack the Roar defence.

Dower fielded a youthful line-up with Mexican international Veronica Perez, Caitlin Munoz, English star Jodie Taylor, striker Emma Kete and defender Emma Checker unavailable.

Kete and Checker are expected to return from hamstring injuries for next Saturday's home clash with Sydney FC, while Perez and Munoz will also be back on deck.

Taylor won't be available for United until round four because of international commitments.

Canberra product Meg McLaughlin started up front after missing all of last season with a knee reconstruction while 16-year-old Nickoletta Flannery made her W-League debut off the bench.

"[Meg] did really well. Out of necessity we pushed her longer than she was really ready," Dower said. "In saying that, she created some really good opportunities, she's so dynamic and explosive.

"We all know Nicki could do better, but by her own admission the occasion got to her, but what a great learning environment."

United is aiming to become the first team in the eight-year history of the W-League to win back-to-back championships.

Williams and Heyman will be unavailable for the match against Sydney FC as part of the Matildas squad touring China.

BRISBANE ROAR 2 (Tameka Butt 8, Ruth Blackburn 11) bt CANBERRA UNITED 1 (Michelle Heyman 39) at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.