Makala Woods exclusive interview

Wellington Phoenix’s Makala Woods is arguably the biggest impact player of the A-League Women in 2026. The American attacker answers Ben Gilby‘s questions in an exclusive interview for Impetus (19/3/26)

Above: Makala Woods, second white shirt from the right, reacts after scoring Wellington Phoenix’s third goal against Brisbane Roar on Saturday. Photo: Ryan Imray for Impetus.

At the turn of the year Makala Woods received a phone call from New Zealand offering her an injury-replacement contract with Wellington Phoenix. Little did she know at the time, that a move to the other side of the world would result in her becoming one of the A-League Women’s most impactful players.

Now, after being named Impetus’ A-League Women player of the month for February, scoring four goals, and armed with a new contract for the whole of 2026/27, the 23-year-old looked back on the events that let to an incredible first two and a half months in Wellington.

“I ended my Iceland season in October, which was an odd time to end the season. At one point I was just going to stay home and keep training until the (European) summer (transfer) window, which is a bigger window, and it’s easier (to get a move), but the Nix unfortunately had some injuries, and called up my agent. So I got on a plane and came here!”

Woods’ career has been a long and winding one, despite being relatively young still. It’s one that’s taken her, literally, all across the world.

“I started young, at three, four, five years-old,” she said, “My whole family’s athletic – my little sister, my Dad played in college, my mum played at college, so it was a sort of no-brainer. I honed in on it, locked in on it, kept with it, and I was 12 when I thought ‘I’m kinda good at this’, so I went full for it.

“I honed in on it, locked in on it, and I went on a travel team, when you travel round the States and play different players. My team was really, really good with a lot of really great players.

“I then committed to the University of Illinois and went there for four years. It wasn’t exactly how I thought my college career would go. I sat on the bench for my freshman’s and sophomore year. I came off the bench my junior year and the start of my senior year.

“After my senior year, COVID happened, so we all got an extra year of eligibility. I was like ‘I still feel like I have more to give’, so I went into the transfer portal and went to the University of Kentucky.

Above: Makala Woods during her time with the University of Kentucky. Photo: South-East Conference.

“I had a great time (there), a great season…I scored a lot more and got some nice accolades, so I don’t think I would be able to play pro if it wasn’t for Kentucky.”

“I then went to Iceland and played for a team called Tindastóll. I got some form and scored some good goals and then came here to Wellington.”

Woods puts the impact that she’s had at the Phoenix down to the fact that it’s a type of football that she is very familiar with.

“I feel that the A-League is very similar to college soccer in America with that physicality and transitional type of play – it’s not new to me. I thrive in an environment like that, so that was really easy…it’s very aggressive, it can get very snippy at times…sometimes it’s not the prettiest of football, but sometimes it’s just the grit and that is very similar to what I am used to (from America). Every day you’ve got to bring it!”

That familiarity has meant she’s felt overwhelmingly positive about the move to New Zealand.

“I play my best on the pitch when I’m happy off the pitch. Where I’m at, who I’m with, surrounded with – even hobbies – reminding myself that this is not the end all or be all, because I’m more than just an athlete. There is a Makala outside of the football, so when I’m very strong and grounded in who I am as a person, I think it allows me to be so much more free on the field, so now it’s not as dire if I mess up, or if we lose.

“I have this mindset that there’s nothing really to lose, all I’m trying to do is experience something. So when I go to another country or another club, I’m getting a new experience.”

That experience has been boosted by developing an extremely strong bond with both her team-mates in such a short space of time.

“I have a great team of girls behind me. They make my life really, really easy! They’ve all set me up so well. I think forwards get a lot of credit for the work that they do. I think we’re just the end product of their hard work. When they set me up with these balls, I kind of have no choice but to put it in the back of the net. The girls have set me up for success so well.”

The American is also full of praise for Wellington head coach Bev Priestman who she believes is having such a powerful influence over her.

Above: Makala Woods (yellow shirt) battles away with Perth Glory’s Tijan McKenna. Photo: Ryan Imray for Impetus.

“She’s so sweet! I love Bev, I think she’s great. She’s the perfect balance of ‘this is serious, this is a professional environment, we want to win, we have standards,’ but also ‘I care about you as a human being.'”

“She’ll hold us accountable, but also make sure we’re OK off the pitch. Out of all the coaches I’ve ever had I think that’s what you’d want in someone. She’s not going to sugar coat it, she’s not going to beat around the bush, but she’s very caring – she cares deeply about every single one of us. That’s so special, and she’s really, really smart.

“I think her soccer knowledge is so cool. She’s a high level coach, and I’ve never been coached by someone that esteemed. Her vision of the game, and how she sees things, it’s really awesome.”

Those strong bonds with team-mates and coaches have proved to be particularly important due to the added challenge of extremely long journeys to play away matches. It was something that took a bit of adjusting to initially for Woods.

“At first it was so cool, I was, like ‘Oh my God! I’m going to Australia, it’s really cool’, but it’s been tough. It’s rough. It’s really hard. Flying like that, being on a plane, it does all add up at some point, and it is something that you don’t understand unless you live it and are doing it every week.

“It is really difficult but we have beautiful facilities here (in Wellington), we have so much to help us recover. We have an amazing team that make sure we’re always on it and doing what we need to do. So it is tough, and it is hard, but I think we are equipped for it.

“I also think it’s what makes the team so special – we know how to be so uncomfortable but still be successful…”

Whilst Nix’s number 31 is having the time of her footballing life, she admits that being so far away from her family is incredibly tough.

“I think the hardest part is that you can feel very lonely in the sense that everyone back home – the time difference is so different – there are times when I can’t talk to my mum, my dad, and my sister depending on how busy I am here, and with them, because we’re 17 hours ahead.

“My family is such a huge part of my support system, but they stay up until 2am to watch our games and I still get that call from my dad afterwards with him giving me his opinion although it’s not asked for! I know I am supported, but I miss them a lot.”

Above: Makala Woods celebrates with her Wellington Phoenix team mates after scoring against Brisbane Roar on Saturday. Photo: Ryan Imray for Impetus.

Despite that powerful support network being so far away, the 23-year-old is incredibly happy to be with the Phoenix. She is simply in awe of the players she takes to the field with each week.

“I admire the crap out of Pia (Vlok). I think she has handled all of the press, all of the media, all of the hype so well with all of the grace and all of the wisdom of someone a lot older than her. I mean, she’s 17 and she has the world at her feet. She is so cool, calm, and collected at all moments, no matter what.

“I wish I had that now! I mean, if I had that at 17…! I still need that now! I respect the hell out of her, she is just quality. When I think of her, I think of quality. Just good, true football. Driving at people one-v-ones, the balls, wow, it’s insane.”

“Then I have Lu (Lucía León) next to me and she’s tiki-taka-ing it around three people, and I’m like ‘Oh my God! I’m just out of my league here! These girls are just a whole new level! It’s just fun. Just quality players all around. It’s super, super cool.”

The impact of Woods, and the talented group of players around her, has meant that Wellington Phoenix stand on the brink of their first ever qualification for Finals football in their fifth season in the competition. They realistically could only need four points to make it – but more than that should secure a first ever A-League Women Finals match being played in New Zealand.

For the American, the success comes down to the playing group’s desire to do the hard yards, and put the good of the team ahead of any personal ambition. The Nix are fighters, as Woods concluded the conversation.

“Everyone is on the page of ‘I don’t care who gets it done as long as it gets done.’ We just want to win, and I don’t think whether anyone is on the bench, off the bench, injured, not injured, we just want to win for the club. We just want to win for each other.

“It’s just an unselfish, selfless group of girls.”

A group of girls who are propelling themselves towards A-League Women history.

(c) Impetus 2026

Follow Impetus on social media –

Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball

Instagram: @impetusfootball

Top of the table draw may prove consequential

Melbourne City 0-0 Adelaide United

by Alyce Collett (18/3/26)

Above: Karly Roestbakken (blue uniform front) battles it out with Erin Healy (red uniform front) during this afternoon’s clash between Melbourne City and Adelaide United. Photo: via the A-Leagues.

Melbourne City and Adelaide United have played out a potentially very consequential 0 all draw in a mid week top of the table catch up game. It was a fiery game at times – with plenty of physical aggression from both sides – but despite the lack of goals both sides came away from the match with plenty to think about.

This result keeps the race for the minor premiership well and truly alive, with Adelaide now only four points behind its rivals in the title race with a game in hand.

In the first half both sides chose to use very different methods to try and get to goal but both ran into problems.

Melbourne City found themselves with a problem of an outnumbered Bryleeh Henry on more than one occasion, while Adelaide was getting some dangerous crosses in, but just could not get the ball on the heads of their tall targets like it normally would.  Emily Condon and Karly Roestbakken were also proving very helpful – albeit playing very different roles – in their respective sides’ pushes into attack.

What was not helping Adelaide was that one of those usual targets in Erin Healy was doing a lot more defensive work than usual, and so was not in the usual prominent positions on the field in attacking play like she normally would be.

Interestingly though Adelaide did dominate possession (62% to 38%) and final third entries (43 to 19) but both sides only managed to get two shots away in the first half, and no one got a shot on target.

City did lift in the second half – evening out possession, getting plenty of shots away and actually getting some shots on target unlike their visitors – but at times they struggled to get close get meaningful shots away. Henry and Aideen Keane continued to try and really get things going for the home side, but the very experienced centre back pair from Adelaide – Ella Tonkin and Matilda McNamara – never let the rising pressure get to them, and defended well to not concede.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (3-5-2): Mieres, Turner, Otto, Stott, Roestbakken, Davidson, McMahon, Mckenna, Henry, Jackson, Keane. Substitutes: Barbieri, Apostolakis,Butrus, Hughes, Jugovic, Uchendu.

ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Melegh, Tolland, McNamara, Tonkin, E. Hodgson, Morgan, Condon, M. Taranto, A. Taranto, Healy, Dawber. Substitutes: Holmes, I. Hodgson, Jenkins, Rossi, Zois, Gooch.

Referee: Caitlin Williams.

Attendance: TBC.

Follow Impetus on social media: 

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram and TikTok.

NPLW Vic R5: Controversy, classics, Keilor & Clarke

By Kieran Yap 18/3/26

Above: Keilor Park celebrating their win against Melbourne Victory. Photo: Passion Creations

Boroondara’s perfect record ends, but they remain undefeated. Keilor Park secure a memorable win against Victory , Markovski nets another brace, Keyt scores another winner and Spring Hills won a classic against The Preston in Round Five of the NPLW Vic.

Preston Lions and Spring Hills have both been sides with mixed results so far this season, but impressive performances and strong recruitment have made them essential viewing. When they faced off on Friday night of Round Five, it was always going to be an intriguing contest, and it was an entertaining game.

The goals came early. Spring Hills FC’s two big guns combined to open the scoring in the 19th minute. Aleks Sinclair turned her marker in midfield then played a ball wide for Margaux Clarke. The American recruit cut inside and unleashed a perfectly aimed effort into the bottom corner from outside of the box.

That opened the floodgates, and Preston equalised almost immediately through newly signed Draga Kljajic. The number 10 ran onto a loose ball in the box to score with a composed finish.

Almost instantly, Spring Hills re-took the lead. Once again it was Clarke who latched onto a defensive error to score her fourth goal in two weeks. More on her later in this column.

The drama kept coming and before half time, Preston had equalized again. Valentine Pursey collided with Jenna Ibrahim as the Spring Hills goalkeeper claimed a cross. The goal was controversial and the votes in my  DM’s are evenly split between goalkeepers and strikers as to whether it was a foul or a fair goal, but the referee and assistant made the decision and the score was 2-2.

Pursey scored again in the second half to give Preston the lead. But two goals to Spring Hills substitute Suzu Murakami ensured a remarkable 4-3 win. It was an intriguing contest of contrasting styles. Preston’s kept the ball on the deck for most of the game and controlled possession in the first half, while Spring Hills had success on the counter attack.

There was a lot of class on the pitch, from the Spring Hills veteran Sinclair to former FV Academy defender Erika Di Tella in her first start since moving to Preston, while Lions midfielder Hollie Massie was industrious throughout and Natasha Dakic was typically strong under frenetic conditions in defence for Spring Hills. Tom Markovski will be happy with the win, and neutrals will be delighted with the viewing in the best game of the season so far.

Friday’s other game was also the community shield. Grand Final winners Box Hill faced off against South Melbourne, the 2025 Nike FC Cup holders.

South went into this game undefeated, but Box Hill were the form side. The only goal of the game arrived in the 42nd minute, and there was no surprise about where it came from. Erin Keyt added to her growing highlights reel with a brilliant finish to claim the first trophy of the season.

She has scored in every game since Round One, and the winning goal in two matches. Keyt now has seven goal in total and the NPLW Victoria Player of The Month Award.

Saturday saw Avondale account for Melbourne City 5-0. Hannah Wilkinson scored three goals against the club she represented in the A-League Women, while Sloane Young, Sidney Allan added the other two for the always dangerous Avondale.

The opening goal was one of the best. An end to end move that began with Isabella Accardo ended with a Cameron Barriero cross that Young was able to slot home. It was beauty in simplicity. Two passes and a finish, effectively three passes to go from defence to attack against a side that was stubbornly holding strong until then.

Wilkinson was outstanding in attack for Avondale, and used her experience and class to constantly catch the young City defence by surprise, while Asuka Miyata pulled the strings in midfield, standing up in the absence of Elise Kellond-Knight.

Alamein FC climbed to fourth on the ladder thanks to a 2-1 win over Bentleigh Greens. Candela Fereyra-Bas struck in the 19th minute, reward for her forward pressure,  to give Bentleigh something to defend and they looked set for their first win of the season until Summer Laskey equalised in the 87th minute.

With the clock ticking into the eight minute of added time, a draw looked likely Neve Duston converted a the late penalty kick to steal the win off a dejected Bentleigh.

Essendon Royals travelled to the Veneto Club to face Bulleen. This is a matchup most neutral fans look forward to each season, with the two sides developing a quiet but intense on field rivalry over the last two seasons.

Traditionally, Essendon has enjoyed playing The Lions, but Bulleen has been in strong form of late and secured their third consecutive win.

Bulleen are known for their set pieces, and Olivia Bomford’s 16th minute corner found Tiffany Eliadis for a headed finish at the back post. Bomford soon had her second assist of the day in identical fashion. This time her corner kick was perfectly placed for Maja Markovski to nod into the net from close range.

Markovski’s second goal of the game provided Bulleen with an important third. Sarah Cain swept the ball long and wide for tricky winger Rosie Rodger. She teed up Markovski for her third brace in as many game.

As the second half progressed, Essendon began to gain the momentum, but could not convert that into dangerous chances to test Alyssa Dall Oste’.

Ava Groba eventually found a way through after Emma Langley played the winger in on goal. Her finish was perfectly placed, but the goal was only consolation as Bulleen held on for a 3-1 win.

Aya Sasaki scored a stunning goal as Heidelberg United and Boroondara Eagles played out a 2-2 draw at The Olympic Village. Samantha Curwood-Wagner played the ball back to Sasaki, who curled the ball high and over the well set-up Boroondara defenders. It was a deliberate effort, but she looked as surprised as she was jubilant at the result.

 Boroondara are the league leaders for a reason though and had the game back on their terms almost instantly. Sarah Brunner got behind the Warriors defence to calmly finish in the 15th minute, then  a corner kick was guided in by the high leap[ing Genevieve Fontes less than ten minutes later.

Boroondara looked set for yet another win, and for their perfect season to continue, but the famous Warriors spirit kicked in and Heidelberg found an equalizer. Curwood-Wagner rescued a point from the penalty spot in the  68th minute.

Heidelberg expect to win their home games, but this was an impressive performance especially in the absence of talismanic goalkeeper Mia Bailey. The result should give them confidence next week against Spring Hills FC.

Newley promoted Keilor Park SC found themselves 2-0 up in the first five minutes against Melbourne Victory’s U23’s. Victory were missing injured goalkeeper Chloe Mackenzie, and Runa Komidori spent not time testing her replacement, sending a vicious half volley past Christina Tsingelidis in the second minute of play.

Abbey Holmes made it 2-0 in the fourth minute. She got behind the Victory defence and clipped the ball over the goalkeeper.

Despite the nervy starts Tsingelidis recovered and performed well throughout the game. Victory’s task became harder when Sienna Techera was subbed out with a lower leg injury. Ella O’Grady, Fiorina Iaria and Leyla Hussein looked dangerous in attack, but Keilor did a good job denying Victory time and space in midfield.

Victory pulled one back in the second half. O’Grady converted a penalty kick in confident style. Then the home side thought they had a second, but to the chagrin of the home crowd, it was cancelled for offside.

It was a surprising, but hard-earned win by Keilor Park. They pressed and chased hard in midfield and managed to hold onto a lead for more than 90 minutes. Victory will be eager to respond to that loss but will have to do so against the reigning champions Box Hill United away from home.

In Appreciation of…Margaux Clarke

Five goals in five games including braces in the last two, The Spring Hills FC forward has hit the ground running in the Victorian NPLW.

Clarke’s two goals against the Preston Lions were similarly taken, powerfully hit efforts that left the goalkeeper with no chance despite the distance, and her headed effort against Bentleigh Greens in Round Four showed that she can be an aerial threat as well.

The Californian signed for Spring Hills after a U.S college career that took her to the University of Washington and New Mexico Lobo’s and a stint with Orust FC in Sweden. Tactically, she suits Spring Hills perfectly.

A tall, strong but very mobile forward, Clarke previous coaches praised her ability to hold up play with her back to goal, but Spring Hills have used her as a finisher. With Aleks Sinclair as an attacking partner, a supply of chances is virtually assured and Clarke’s has made the most of that with ruthless finishing.

She looks taller than most centre backs, is visibly faster and can use those famed hold-up attributes to turn into space and face goal. It seems a very difficult task to prevent her from shooting and her work rate means the threat is ever present.

Against Preston, Spring Hills looked to attack quickly, to counter the Lions impressive ball retention. A player like Clarke makes that sort of direct football not only possible but highly effective.

She is an outlet for the defense, a player who can occupy multiple markers and receive a long pass to relieve pressure. She can also score goals and press hard in attack, creating turnovers and causing hesitation. She creates fear, instills confidence and is a lot of fun to watch.

Follow Impetus on social media –

Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball

Instagram: @impetusfootball

Tillies dig deep to make Asian Cup final

PR China 1-2 Australia

By Alyce Collett 17/3/2026

Above: Caitlin Foord celebrates after scoring tonight for Australia. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.

Australia is through to the final of the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup after a hard fought 2-1 win over China in tonight’s semi final.

It was not easy for the Matildas, but much like their Quarter Final win over DPR Korea, small moments were all the tournament hosts needed to get ahead on the scoreboard. An early goal from Caitlin Foord was quickly equalised by Zhang Linyan, before some magic from Sam Kerr in the second half got the Australians over the line.

The opening exchanges were a little bit cagey at times with both sides sizing each other up.

However Australia was the side to get the first dangerous shot on goal, with it coming in the fifth minute. Unfortunately for its fans, Mary Fowler’s shot was ultimately too powerful, sailing over the top of the net.

Despite the Matildas being the ones to get that first shot away, it was the Steel Roses who then started to take control of attacking momentum as the half progressed, with the likes of Wurigumula certainly giving Mackenzie Arnold and the rest of the Australian defence plenty to think about.

But all the Matildas needed was one opportunity, and against the run of play Foord opened the scoring almost 20 minutes in.

In a passage of play that all started with a cross from Ellie Carpenter, the ball was then worked to Mary Fowler, who then passed on to Foord who struck the ball beautifully with her first touch.

However the Matildas did not have the lead for even 10 minutes, after Zhang Linyan perfectly converted a penalty she won after contact in the box from Arnold.

It was certainly a fiery first half – particularly as it progressed – with neither side afraid of exerting a little aggression in their quest to win.

PR China did dominate much of the attacking play for the remainder of the first half, but thankfully for the home fans they could not add a second goal, so the score remained level at the break.

The Steel Roses again did much of the attacking early in the second half, but much like early in the first half all the Matildas needed was one opportunity, which they did take to retake the lead.

After some brilliant work from Kaitlyn Torpey in the centre of the park, the ball eventually made its way to Kerr who worked the ball around Chinese goal keeper Peng Shimeng and into the back of the net from the tightest of angles.

Despite conceding again PR China certainly did not give up trying to equalise for a second time, with second half substitute Jin Kun in particular looking lively.

However, a strong and attentive defensive performance from the tournament hosts denied the reigning champions a second equalising goal and ended their tournament.

Teams: PR CHINA (4-4-2): Peng Shimeng, Chen Qiaozhu, Wu Haiyan, Yao Wei, Zhang Chengxue, Wang Yanwen, Wang Aifang, Zhang Linyan, Zhang Rui, Wurigumula, Shao Ziqin. Substitutes: Zhu Yu, Wang Ying, Wang Linlin, Zhang Xin, Wu Chengshu, Jin Kun, Li Qingtong, Liu Jing, Xie Zongmei, Tang Jiali, Li Mengwen, Chen Chen, Yuan Cong, Lyu Yatong.

Scorers: Zhang Linyan 26’

AUSTRALIA (4-3-3): Arnold, Hunt, Catley, Torpey, Carpenter, Kennedy, Gorry, Cooney-Cross, Fowler, Foord, Kerr. Substitutes: Heatley, Wheeler, Rankin, Nevin, Lincoln, Chidiac, Johnson, Sayer, Aquino, Heyman, Rule, McNamara, Van Egmond, Siemsen, Raso.

Scorers: Foord 17’, Kerr 58’

Referee: Supiree Testhomya (Thailand)

Attendance: 35,170.

Follow Impetus on social media –

TikTok: @impetusfootball

Instagram: @impetusfootball

Share this:

Resilient Villa hold leaders City to first draw of campaign

By Damion Arnold (15/3/26)

Above: Chastity Grant shoots in the first half Photo: Aston Villa FC

Having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven attempts, Aston Villa produced a strong display to keep league leaders Manchester City out, with the draw allowing some doubt to creep in about what was seen as a title City had almost already won. This visitors missed midfield mainstay Yui Hasegawa in a disjointed display.

First Half

Aston Villa brought the game to the league leaders in the first half as they dominated large spells of possession and created some fantastic chances.

Manchester City’s Khiara Keating produced some good saves to keep the score level. In the 24th minute, she got down quickly to deny Noelle Maritz after the latter broke through the backline with a clever run. A minute later, Keating reacted quickly to a front post flick-on by Anna Patten.

The Citizens’ goalkeeper was forced into another quick reaction save after Miri Taylor’s initial ranged shot was deflected towards goal by Kirsty Hanson.

Chasity Grant finally beat the young England keeper, but Natalia Arroyo must have been in absolute despair as she watched the ball strike the woodwork instead in the 31st minute.

The hosts had their best chance of the half in the 34th minute. Keating’s pass aimed for Knaak presented Lucia Kendall with an open goal. Kendall unfortunately, could not get the shot on target.

The league leaders almost entered the break ahead, as Ellie Roebuck misread Kerstin Casparij’s cross. Fortunately, for the Villas keeper, she managed to get a hand to the ball and deflect it behind for a corner.

Second Half

Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw found Vivianne Miedema in the box with a good cross. The latter headered the ball goalward, but Roebuck saved it well.

it was a frustrating second half for Andree Jeglertz’s side. While they dominated the ball and had the better of the chances – unlike the first 45, Miri Taylor, Anna Pattern and the rest of the Villa defence just kept throwing themselves in the way and dispossessing City’s attackers.

The visitors came close to breaking the deadlock in the 82nd minute. A corner ball into the box was curling in from Alex Greenwood, but Aston Villa’s Grant cleared the ball brilliantly off the line with her chest.

With a minute left of regular time, Roebuck pulled off a great diving save, denying Sam Coffey’s half-volley effort inside the box.

The full-time whistle sounded after six minutes of added time. The Villa players were elated, delivering a fantastic performance in all areas and easing the pressure on head coach Arroyo, whilst the City players knew they missed the chance to go 11 points clear.

Aston Villas next game is against Leicester City on March 22 whilst Manchester City face a big Saturday test at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

Teams: Aston Villa (3-4-1-2): Roebuck, Parker, Patten (c), Nighswonger, Wilms, Jean-François, Taylor, Maritz, Kendall, Grant, Hanson. Substitutes: Salmon (for Hansen 90′), Staniforth (for Kendall 90+2′) D’Angelo, Maltby, Deslandes, Johnson, Seymour, Lea.

Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Keating, Rose, Knaak, Greenwood (c), Casparij, Blindkilde Brown, Coffey, Hemp, Kerolin, Miedema, Shaw. Substitutes: Lohmann (for Blindkilde Brown 65′) Cumings, Coombs, Ouahabi, Beney, Prior, Oyama, Murphy, Adedini

Referee: Phoebe Cross

Attendance: 3,388

Follow Impetus on social media –

Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball

Instagram: @impetusfootball

Chelsea retain title in battled 2-0 win in League Cup Final

Chelsea 2-0 Manchester United

By Hope Robinson (15/3/26)

Above: Chelsea lift the Subway Cup Photo: Chelsea FC

Hope Robinson was in the press box and attended both press conferences for The Subway League Cup Final, which took place at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol on Sunday 15th March with a kick-off time of 2:15pm. Strikes from James and Beever-Jones secured a victory for the Blues, weaving their names into history, as they lifted the first piece of silverware this season.

Context and stakes

In the first English final of the season, Chelsea and Manchester United met at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol in a clash to lift the Subway Women’s League Cup. Manchester United have never won the trophy, while Chelsea lifted it last season, although it is a competition that often escaped them in previous years.

Winning the first title of the campaign would provide strong momentum for both sides as they continue to compete for the league title, European glory, and Champions League qualification in what has been an extremely competitive season. 

The two teams last faced each other before the international break, when Chelsea knocked Manchester United out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory at Kingsmeadow.

Manchester United have only beaten Chelsea once in their history, alongside two draws and 14 defeats, leaving Chelsea with a dominant record in the fixture. One of those draws came in their league meeting in October 2025, when the sides shared a 1-1 result with both goals arriving inside the opening 20 minutes.

Despite Chelsea entering the match as favourites due to their squad depth and history of success, Manchester United currently sit higher in the league table. United are second with 34 points, while Chelsea sit in third, one point behind.

Team news and shape

Manchester United were without star player Ella Toone and full back Anna Sandberg. However, supporters were encouraged by the return of Fridolina Rolfö, while Jayde Riviere was also available for selection after missing the international break.

Hinata Miyazawa was also unavailable as she is competing in the Asian Cup with Japan. Because of the same tournament, Chelsea were without Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter. Chelsea striker Mayra Ramirez remains out for the rest of the season.

The blues were without their captain Millie Bright, as well as Naomi Girma who suffered a knock in training. Natalie Bjorn, returning from injury, was fit enough only for the bench, leaving Chelsea’s defence looking depleted. 

Moreover, Chelsea altered the formation we are used to seeing them in this season, opting for a 4-3-3 over their more recent 3-5-2-, with Kadeisha Buchanan making her first start since rupturing her ACL in November 2024. 

First half overview

The final began at a fast and physical tempo, with both sides pressing aggressively and looking to regain possession quickly whenever the ball was lost. Chelsea threatened inside the opening minute when Lucy Bronze surged down the right flank before finding Lauren James, whose low cross flashed across goal and into the side netting as Alyssa Thompson arrived in the box.

Manchester United responded almost immediately. In the second minute Elisabeth Terland drove forward into space and struck a low effort that Hannah Hampton could only parry away for a corner. United’s early approach was clear, looking to release Terland quickly to run directly at the Chelsea defence.

Chelsea’s midfield gradually began to dictate the rhythm of the game, with Sjoeke Nusken and Erin Cuthbert combining through quick passing sequences. However, United remained dangerous on the break. Melvine Malard slipped a pass through to Terland around the eighth minute, but Kadeisha Buchanan produced an excellent one on one tackle to deny the striker.

The opening exchanges were largely end to end. James stole possession in midfield and drove forward shortly afterwards, but Maya Le Tissier recovered well to block the attempt. At the other end, Terland fired wide from distance despite having time and space after Ellen Wangerheim had won the ball high up the pitch.

Chelsea began to increase the pressure as the half approached the 15 minute mark. James curled an ambitious effort just over the crossbar following sustained possession around the United penalty area involving Thompson and Nusken.

The decisive moment of the half arrived in the 20th minute. Le Tissier took a heavy touch while receiving the ball in defence, allowing James to intercept before driving forward and finishing confidently from a wide angle to give Chelsea the lead.

United continued to push forward in search of an equaliser. Terland struck another powerful effort from distance just after the half hour mark but could not keep it on target. Moments later a scrappy sequence inside the Chelsea penalty area resulted in several blocked attempts before Terland eventually struck the crossbar.

Chelsea also threatened again before the break. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd produced an impressive run down the right before setting up Nusken on the edge of the box, but the midfielder fired over the crossbar.

Chelsea arguably produced their best attacking moment late in the half when an excellent through ball released Thompson one on one with Phallon Tullis-Joyce. As the forward prepared to shoot, Le Tissier made an outstanding recovery tackle to match her pace and deny the chance.

In stoppage time Malard delivered a dangerous cross that Wangerheim met inside the penalty area, but the effort drifted narrowly wide of the bottom corner as Chelsea took a slender lead into the interval.

Second half overview

Chelsea made a change at half time with Aggie Beever-Jones replacing Thompson on the left wing, potentially as a precaution.

The second half began with both teams searching for momentum. Malard attempted an ambitious bicycle kick early on, while moments later Hampton produced an excellent save to deny Lisa Naalsund after Buchanan briefly lost possession close to her own penalty area.

James remained Chelsea’s most dangerous attacking outlet and struck the side netting shortly afterwards after cutting inside from the wing. United began to rely more heavily on direct play during this period, frequently opting for long goal kicks to bypass Chelsea’s midfield.

The contest grew increasingly physical as the half progressed. James was shown a yellow card after losing possession to Ziggiotti Olme and attempting to halt the resulting counter attack with a late challenge.

Chelsea began to apply sustained pressure approaching the hour mark. Sandy Baltimore delivered a dangerous corner that led to a series of blocked efforts before Buchanan rose for a header from the recycled ball which narrowly missed the target.

United attempted to change the momentum through substitutions, introducing Fridolina Rolfö and Lea Schuller to add fresh attacking energy. However, Chelsea’s defensive line was forced into a reshuffle when Buchanan was substituted as part of careful management of her return from injury. Natalie Bjorn replaced her but was forced off shortly afterwards after sustaining another injury, with Wieke Kaptein entering the match.

Despite the disruption Chelsea maintained control of the contest and eventually doubled their advantage in the 77th minute. Beever-Jones found space inside the penalty area and finished from close range, although United goalkeeper Tullis-Joyce may feel she could have done better to prevent the effort from crossing the line.

Chelsea then managed the closing stages with composure, limiting United’s opportunities and keeping possession effectively. James continued to threaten and forced Tullis-Joyce into another strong save after cutting inside late in the match.

United’s final opportunity arrived deep into stoppage time when their goalkeeper went forward for a corner, but the delivery ultimately came to nothing. The most dramatic moment came moments later when Malard broke through on goal, only for Hampton to produce an outstanding save before Bronze cleared off the line in an exceptional piece of defensive work.

Schuller also showed her attacking presence late on with a powerful run and shot across the face of goal as United pushed for a late response, but Chelsea’s defensive organisation held firm to secure the trophy.

Standout performances

Lauren James was the standout attacking player, scoring Chelsea’s opening goal and consistently drifting into dangerous spaces to link play and carry the ball forward.

Kadeisha Buchanan impressed in defence in her first start since returning from an ACL injury, producing several key tackles and looking composed in one v one situations.

Lea Schuller added energy and direct running after coming off the bench for Manchester United, stretching Chelsea’s defence and creating space in the final stages.

Ellen Wangerheim also performed well for United, pressing aggressively and linking effectively with Elisabeth Terland while posing a threat in attacking areas.

Outcome, decisive moments, and implications

Chelsea’s win was defined by their efficiency in key moments. Lauren James capitalised on a defensive mistake to open the scoring before Aggie Beever-Jones sealed the result with a close range finish in the second half.

While Manchester United created several promising situations, they lacked the clinical edge required in a final. The victory gives Chelsea early season silverware and momentum for the run in, while United are left reflecting on another near miss in a major final.

Managers’ reactions

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner admitted the result left his side frustrated, believing they had performed well in large periods of the game.

“Frustration really. I felt between the boxes we were better with the ball,” Skinner said after the match, although he acknowledged Chelsea’s clinical edge in decisive moments, explaining that “they are the best at finishing half chances.”

Skinner believed United created opportunities that on another day might have produced a different outcome. “We created chances we would have scored on other days,” he said, adding that he still does not fully understand why his side struggle to convert in finals.

“I don’t know what it is with these finals. It’s against Chelsea that we don’t produce the moments of clarity we need.”

Despite the defeat, Skinner insisted Chelsea had not necessarily dominated the match.

“I don’t think they’ve beaten us today. I don’t think they outplayed us,” he said.

He also admitted United allowed James too much freedom throughout the game. According to Skinner, “we gave her a bit too much respect today,” suggesting that limiting her influence is key to disrupting Chelsea’s attack.

Discussing the second goal, Skinner described it as disappointing defensively. “Poor goal from us as a collective,” he said, calling it “such a scrappy goal.”

The United manager emphasised that the next challenge is turning strong performances into decisive results.

“We need to stop getting closer and just be there and above. That’s my challenge so we don’t feel like this anymore.”

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor was delighted with the victory, emphasising the significance of winning finals whenever the opportunity arises.

“It feels great. I told the players before the game that when you have the opportunity to play a final it’s always special,” Bompastor said.

She also reflected on the personal significance of the occasion, noting that “it’s a special day also, being Mother’s Day,” and acknowledging the support she receives from her family.

Bompastor highlighted the importance of beginning a crucial run of fixtures with silverware.

“We knew starting this block it would be a really important part of the season,” she explained. “Starting the block with this trophy is the best way to start.”

The Chelsea manager praised Lauren James for her performance and continued development.

“If injuries stay away she is one of the best players in the world,” Bompastor said, adding that the forward has been performing “at a high level” since she arrived at the club.

However, Bompastor admitted she was concerned about the injury suffered by Natalie Bjorn during the match.

“We’re really sad for her. It doesn’t look good,” she said, explaining that the problem appeared to be related to the defender’s calf.

Despite those setbacks, Bompastor emphasised the importance of preparation and tactical flexibility.

“My job as a coach is to come into every game very prepared with many options,” she said, explaining that unexpected situations during matches require immediate solutions.

She also praised Aggie Beever-Jones for taking advantage of her opportunity, stressing the importance of confidence for attacking players.

“For every player confidence is crucial,” Bompastor said. “When a player is playing with trust, belief and confidence that’s when they can express themselves.”

The Chelsea manager also used the occasion to raise concerns about the development of young players in England, suggesting academies are not consistently producing footballers ready for the first team.

“In England the gap is big and they are not ready for the first team,” Bompastor said.

Drawing comparisons with her experience in France, she explained that at Lyon several academy players could regularly step into senior football and compete immediately.

“When I was in Lyon before, I could have five players coming up and they could meet the level.”

Bompastor suggested the issue should be examined more closely by the national governing body.

“The FA should look into it,” she said, adding that she is “always open to share my ideas” about how the pathway for young players could be improved.

Teams: CHELSEA (4-3-3): Hampton, Bronze, Buchanan, Buurman, Baltimore, Walsh, Cuthbert (c), Nusken, James, Rytting Kaneryd, Thompson Substitutes: Beever-Jones 45’ (for Thompson), Buchanan 62’ (for Bjorn), Kaptein 67’ (for Bjorn), Potter 90’ (for James)

Scorer: James 20’, Beever-Jones 77’

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Tullis-Joyce, Le Tissier (c), Lundkvist, Park, Malard, Terland, Riviere, Naalsund, Janssen, Zigiotti, Wangerheim Substitutes: Rolfo 59’ (for Riviere), Schuller 59’ (for Wangerheim), Awujo 87’ (for Zigiotti)

Referee: Grace Lowe

Attendance: 21,619

Follow Impetus on social media –

Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball

Instagram: @impetusfootball

Balcatta Etna claims back-to-back NPLWA Women’s Night Series titles ahead of regular season

Perth Azzurri 0 – 1 Balcatta Etna 

by Enya Liu (15/3/26).

Balcatta Etna head into the NPLWA regular season with a pep in their step as they claim the Women’s Night Series title for a second consecutive year.

A scraping goal by Balcatta defender Frankie Murray is all it took for the North Perth side to secure the silverware over Perth Azzurri. 

A fixture familiar for both teams and a replay of the preceding year’s decisive match, Balcatta came into their 5th Night Series Final hungry to defend their title, while Perth seeked revenge on their 2025 misfortunes. 

The game started in an expected fashion, with both teams focusing on keeping the game tidy and tightly contested. 

The 20th minute saw an unfortunate setback for Perth. Hannah Collins sustained an injury, forcing a premature substitution with Macey McCready entering the game. 

Seven shots at goal were recorded across both ends of the pitch throughout the first half, with the most promising going the way of Balcatta in the 15th minute. Rachel Jarvis picked out a clean pass to Jamie Duncanson who belted the ball towards the goal, forcing a stellar save out of eventual player of the match and Perth number 1 Dayle Schroeder.

The second half began with a bang for Balcatta, as the ball scraped across the line for the match-winning goal. Frankie Murray pinged a cross from the left-hand side into the penalty box. The pass ricocheted off the underside of the crossbar, before finding its way past the goal-line.

Despite continuous efforts from Perth, they were unable to find the equalizer they needed to send the game to penalties. The Azzurri struggled to break down a stubborn Balcatta defence, unable to get out of their own half, with the best chance coming in the 88th minute where Alisa Zindell found the side-netting.

Balcatta’s win tonight will fill the star-studded side with plenty of confidence ahead of their opening regular season match next week. 

Teams: PERTH AZZURRI (4-4-2): Schroeder, Warburton, Nossent, Collins, Marshall, Tana, Archibald, Boehm, Mathers, Flannery, McCartney. Substitutes: Longmore, Dalton, Contibalti, Ottobrino, Zindell, McCready, Ingrey.

BALCATTA ETNA (4-4-2): R. Bennett, Murray, Davis, C. Bennett, Meakins, Marwick, Van Heurck, Duncanson, Doeglas, Glanfield, Jarvis. Substitutes: D’Opera, Duncan, Mohammad Zainuurafiq, Foletta, Britton, Nalder, Comito.

Scorer: Murray 48’

Referee: Connor Richards 

Attendence: TBC

Follow Impetus on social media: 

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram and TikTok.

Japan continues dominant Asian Cup run with another big win

Japan 7-0 Philippines

by Ella McShane (15/3/26)

Above: Japan (blue uniform) certainly had plenty to celebrate during their big win over then Philippines. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus Football.

Japan has waltzed into the semi finals of the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup with a comprehensive 7-0 win over the Philippines. Tōko Kōga scored a brace in the win, and was joined on the scoresheet by team mates Mina Tanaka, Remina Chiba, Manaka Matsukubo, Momoko Tanikawa and Riko Ueki.

Japan asserted their dominance from the inaugural whistle, cornering play into their favoured end of the pitch. Japan’s relentless attack was closely followed by a deep defensive block by the Phillipines that generated plenty of dynamic one versus ones and goalkeeping heroics by Nina Meollo in the first half.

An early scare did come for the Phillipines, with forward Mallie Ramirez forced off in the eighth minute for a non contact knee issue, and was replaced by Chandler McDaniel.

Japan did not miss a beat re-initiating trademark play though, making sharp cuts into the box and plenty of dangerous warning shots. This included Yui Hasegawa made a splitting run down the wing that resulted in a corner. Unfortunate for Japan, Hasegawa’s call for a goal was answered by a screaming punch from the Philippines’ shot stopper.

Japan’s relentless attack was yet again met by the heroics of Meollo at the twenty two minute mark when a direct header was promptly neutralised by a textbook block.

Just before the half-time whistle Japan was awarded yet another corner, which resulted in a nail biting back and forth in the box. Eventually Japan’s goal sneak Tanaka finally broke the gritty deadlock, just getting the ball over the line.

The heat intensified in the box mere minutes later when another Japan corner was converted by a powerful header from Koga, taking the scoreline to an impressive 2-0 for half time. 

Meollo’s heroics continued throughout the second half when she denied a dangerous on target volley from Chiba, parrying it out of danger with her leg.

Chiba responded promptly though, when a flying cross from Aoba Fujino from the left wing was met with a strike destined for the back-post. Chiba shot from just outside the goal area and pocketed Japan’s third goal of the afternoon.

A mere two minutes after, Matsukubo assumed the same position in the goal area and the strike raised the scoreline yet again.

Kōga converted another corner, after expertly anticipating a direct cross from Tanaka, Kōga seamlessly guided the ball into the net.

Coming into the final ten minutes of stoppage time, the Philippines regained a defensive presence for a short while but that was abruptly interrupted by a direct cross from Tanikawa from just outside the goal area that found the net.

Japan rounded off the afternoon by substituting on one of the tournaments leading goal scorers in Ueki, who then wrote her name on the scoresheet minutes later with a header of her own.

Teams: JAPAN (4-4-2): Hirao (GK), Hasegawa (C), Shimizu, Minami, Kōga, Miyasawa, Seike, Tanaka, Fujino, Hayashi, Moriya. Substitutions: Yamashita, Kumagai, Takahashi, Ueki, Nagano, Kitagawa, Yamamoto, Hamano, Tanikawa, Matsukubo, Okuma, Narumiya, Chiba, Hijikata.

Scorers: Tanaka 45+2’, Kōga 45+3’, 76’, Chiba 65’, Matsukubo 67’, Tanikawa 86’, Ueki 90’. 

PHILIPPINES (5-4-1): Meollo (GK), Long (C), Cesar, Cowart, Sawicki, Hawkinson, Curran, Pasion, Marley, Pino, Ramirez. Substitutions: Bradley, Beard, Carpio, Castañeda, DeFazio, Eggesvik, Frilles, Guillou, Guy, C. McDaniel, O. McDaniel, McSwigan, Oca, Villapando, Wunsch.

Referee: Dong Fangyu (China).

Attendance: 13,321.

Follow Impetus on social media: 

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram and TikTok.

Share this:

City give coach perfect birthday present and extend ladder lead

Melbourne City 3-1 Canberra United

by Alyce Collett (15/3/26)

Above: Laura Hughes (left) and Chinaza Uchendu (right) celebrate during Melbourne City’s win over Canberra United this afternoon. Photo: via the A-Leagues.

Melbourne City gave coach Michael Matricciani the perfect birthday present after picking up a 3-1 win over Canberra United this afternoon. A brace from Chinaza Uchendu complimented an earlier goal from Aideen Keane to help get City over the line. Bethany Gordon managed to get one back late for the visitors but it ultimately was not enough.

Canberra actually started the game very positively, with the visitors spending the majority of the time early in their attacking half.

Hayley Taylor-Young in particular was working hard up and down the left wing for Canberra, trying to propel her team forward. Josie Aulicino was also lively in attack.

However, as hard as Canberra tried they just could not work the ball past City’s defensive line, which was very well positioned in a way that crowded the space for the opposition attackers but still gave themselves enough room to manoeuvre.

City also had a couple of attacking potential in the first half, but ultimately neither side could find the back of the net and went into the main break with plenty to think about ahead of the second half.

City finally broke the deadline just after the hour mark when Keane headed home a perfectly placed cross from Deven Jackson, which completely missed Canberra goal keeper Sally James who had come out to attack the ball.

City then extended their lead with a well hit goal from Uchendu, who had only been on the pitch mere moments before scoring. It was a well timed that went across goal and into the bottom corner.

Despite being two goals down Canberra was not going down without a fight, and Gordon popped up at the perfect time to score and breathe some life into the hopes of those in green. Barely a minute after Uchendu’s goal, Canberra found itself down in their attack and after some exceptional footwork around some defenders Gordon struck the ball beautifully into the back of the net. It ultimately did take a deflection off Taylor Otto, but the visitors were not complaining.

However, that momentum was snuffed out mere minutes later when Uchendu added a second goal for the afternoon. Her second goal showed off the incredible power she has in her shot, with the shot coming from outside the 18 yard box.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-2): Mieres, Turner, Otto, Stott, Apostolakis, Roestbakken, Davidson, McMahon, Henry, Jackson, Keane. Substitutes: Barbieri, Butrus, Hughes, Jugovic, Mckenna, Uchendu.

Scorers: Keane 61’, Uchendu 83’, 87’

CANBERRA UNITED (4-4-2): James, Malone, Taylor-Young, Robers, Sasaki, Gordon, Anton, Bertolissio, Christopherson, Hawkins, Aulicino. Substitutes: Dale, De Domizio, Grove, Majstorovic, McKenzie, Wardlow.

Scorers: Gordon 85’

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

Attendance: 595.

Follow Impetus on social media: 

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram and TikTok.

Share this: