Victory hold up their end of the bargain but now forced into nervous wait

Perth Glory 0-1 Melbourne Victory

by Alyce Collett (3/4/26)

Above: A well timed header from Claudia Bunge (far left) was the difference on the scoreboard for Melbourne Victory. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

Melbourne Victory has picked up an important 1-0 win tonight, and for the moment has moved into the top six of the A-League Women’s ladder.

It was a trademark header from Claudia Bunge that got the job done on the scoreboard, but Perth Glory did dominate for much of the match and will feel like the match is one that got away from them.

It was Perth Glory who initially took control of the percentage of time in attack, with Ella Abdul Massih in particular really lively on the wing.

The Glory thought they found reward for that effort just over 10 minutes into the match, but Gabby Hollar’s stellar curling goal was ultimately ruled offside.

Even early on in proceedings the match was starting to get heated, with frustration perhaps starting to get the better of some of those in the away camp.

However, despite all of Glory’s dominance in terms of control of the ball, it was Victory who would score the opener, and what turned out to be the match winner, thanks to the reliable head of Bunge.

After a well placed corner kick from Alana Jancevski, Bunge was perfectly placed to head the ball down with a fair bit of pace and into the back of the net.

Despite conceding the goal, the Glory’s intent to attack did not drop, and despite not finding access in their achieving their draw, they still kept fighting and working the ball into attack well.

The emotional heat in the match was also starting to rise as the match neared half time, with little moments really starting to bring out the frustrations of particularly those in purple and salmon.

However as hard as they tried they were unable to find that equaliser, and as such went into the half time break no doubt feeling plenty of frustrated emotions.

The half time stats told a very interesting story.

Perth Glory had 66% of the possession in the first half, but could only muster three shots on goal, none of which were on target. Victory meanwhile had two shots on goal in the first half and both were on target, despite having significantly less off the possession.

The final third entries stat was also a telling one, with Perth recording 34 of them and Victory recording 21 of them in the first half.

It was actually Victory who had the more positive start to the second half and had more of the time in attack initially.

However Perth did work its way back into the game and ended up winning many of the key stats for the second half. However they did not win the most important one of them all – the scoreboard – and as such their season came to an end.

Victory may be in the top six for the moment, but now the nervous wait begins to see if other results go their way and they keep that spot.

Teams: PERTH GLORY (4-3-3):  Morrissey, Johnston, McKenna, Zogg, Sardo, Tovar, Cassidy, Westaway, Abdul Massih, Hollar, Badawiya. Substitutes: Anderson, Lincoln, Schroeder, Trew, Wainwright, Wood.

Melbourne Victory (4-4-1-1): Newbon, Pickett, Morrison, Bunge, Jancevski, White, Ray, Pollicina, Furphy, Lowe, O’Grady. Substitutes: Blissett, Flannery, Sakalis, Maher, Techera, Woodward

Scorers: Bunge 22′

Referee: Caitlin Williams.

Attendance: 952.

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Nix secure bigger prize than just three points

Adelaide United 0-2 Wellington Phoenix

by Alyce Collett (3/4/26)

Above: It was a night to remember for the Wellington Phoenix as they defeated Adelaide United to lock in second place on the ladder. Photo: via A-Leagues.

Wellington Phoenix has locked in second spot on the A-League Women’s ladder after a 2-0 win over Adelaide United tonight.

The home side was lively in the second half and defended well in the first half, but ultimately one five minute patch about halfway through the first half saw goals from Marisa Van der Meer and Brooke Nunn and blew open the game for Wellington. This ultimately made all the difference.

Adelaide almost had the perfect start to the match, but Lara Gooch’s opening minute shot ultimately went narrowly wide.

In the early stages the Phoenix dominated possession – to the tune of about 60% to 40% in the opening 10 minutes – but things evened out more in that department as the half progressed.

However things did get harder for the home side when Dylan Holmes was forced from the ground early as a concussion substitution after an unfortunate accidental head clash with Emma Pijnenburg.

Initially it was Adelaide whose chances were going closer to scoring than Wellington’s were, but that did eventually change when the Phoenix pounced on some inattentive defending from the Reds.

First Van Der Meer, then Nunn not even five minutes later, both found themselves unmarked in the perfect position in the box to be under the flight of a cross, and headed the ball into the back of the net perfectly. All of a sudden, things had gone from difficult to disastrous for Adelaide.

Wellington went into the half time break with a two goal lead and a boost in confidence after the shock of last week’s result, while Adelaide went into the half time break with nothing but a list of questions to be answered.

Adelaide came out in the second half with a renewed level of energy, and as such took control of the attacking time split early in the first half.

The likes of Isobel Hodgson and the Taranto sisters Melissa and Adriana were all lively for Adelaide, trying to will their side on to getting themselves back into the game.

However, no matter how hard they tried or what they tried, the Reds just could not work the ball over the line.

Wellington was not without chances of its own in front of their goal, but the likes of Makala Woods and Grace Jale kept having too much power in their shots, and as such kept skying them well over the goals.

Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (5-3-2): Esson, Nunn, Elliott, Van der Meer, Barry, Walker, Jale, Vlok, Pijnenburg, Leon, Woods. Substitutes: Anthony, Benson, Brazendale, Feinberg-Danieli, Fraser, Jaber.

Scorers: Van Der Meet 30’, Nunn 34’

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

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: 5,124.

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Young Matildas off to a perfect start at U20 Asian Cup

Australia U20 5-0 Chinese Taipei U20

By Kieran Yap 3/4/26

Above: Peta Trimis. Photo: AFC/Football Australia

The Young Matildas have begun their U20 Asian Cup with a confident performance against Chinese Taipei. Goals to Peta Trimis, Skye Halmarick and Tiana Fuller gave Australia a 5-0 win at True BG Stadium in Pathum Thani

Coach Alex Epakis named a strong lineup for his first competitive match in charge of the side. Zara Kruger anchored a midfield with Talia Younis and Avaani Prakash as twin playmakers.

Australia attacked from the opening whistle, and dominated possession. An early effort from Prakash sailed over the bar, but the intent was clear, the Young Matildas were looking to set the tone.

There were some nervy moments early. Emma Dundas’s heart must have momentarily stopped when a 40 yard back pass evaded goalkeeper Ilona Melegh, but luckily it missed the goal.

The breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute, and was reward for Australia’s proactive play. Kruger’s long range effort crashed off the crossbar and Halmarick reacted quickest to tap home the rebound.

Peta Trimis was the architect of the second. The Central Coast Mariner is playing in her second U20 Asian Cup and is one of the more experienced A-League Women stars in this side. She was at her creative best in the 44th minute when she made space of her non-preferred left boot to bend a ball to the back post for her club teammate Fuller to finish.

Halmarick worked her magic to score a third almost immediately after halftime. The Sydney FC striker worked her way into a shooting position at the edge of the box and found the bottom corner with a well placed strike.

Three minutes later, Trimis had her first of this tournament. This time, meeting Fuller’s low cross in a mirror image of the earlier goal.

The final goal, and Trimis’s second will be sure to make Epakis happy. Australia had pressed hard all game, and even at 4-0 that continued. Halmarick won the ball back in midfield and played a perfect pass into the path of the rapidly advancing Trimis. The finish was as good as the buildup and ended the scoring for the day.

With no intention of taking the foot off the pedal, Australia turned to the bench, Poppy O’Keeffe, Danella Butrus, Sienna Dale, Amelia Cassar and Amelia Bennett all made their Asian Cup debuts.

There is depth in this squad, and although Chinese Taipei did not really test the defence or Melegh, they were not given much chance to. The Young Matildas played with an energy and speed that defied the afternoon Thailand heat.

The 5-0 win was an ideal start to the tournament, and another win against India will see them guaranteed a place in the knockout stages.

They were impressive, entertaining, and encouraging but frighteningly they still have room to improve before they face Japan in the final group stage match. There were some moments of opening-game rust, but that was quickly brushed off by a team unincumbered by any errors, unafraid of risk, and confident in their abilities.

Prakash and Younis were both typically tricky, and mobile in the opening half, and they could have faith that the likes of Rubi Sullivan, Tegan Bertolissio, Dundas and captain Alexia Apostolakis would be in support.

For long term viewers of Australian national teams, the side’s willingness to shoot from distance and test the opposition defence in from different angles and positions will be a welcome sight.

Chinese Taipei were set up in a disciplined, low-block and were not as easy to break down as the score-line suggests. The Young Matildas had to find solutions and be patient before the breakthrough arrived, and when it did, they were able to take full advantage and add to the score.

This was a supremely confident start to tournament football for this generation of Young Matildas.

Australia next play India on Sunday at 4pm local time.

Teams: AUSTRALIA (4-3-3): Melegh, Apostolakis, Dundas, Sullivan, Bertolissio, Kruger, Prakash, Younis, Fuller, Trimis, Halmarick. Substitutes: Cassar, Butrus, O’Keeffe, Dale, Bennett, Black, Breier, Brown, Collins, McMahon, Ritchie, Tallon-Henniker,

Goals: Fuller 44’ Halmarick 24’ 50’ , Trimis 53’ 61’

CHINESE TAIPEI (4-5-1): J.Y Jie, C Li, L Szu-ying, P Lin, T Shao, J Liao, H Huang, H Kao, H Ma, Y Lo, Y Li. Substitutes: C Tzu-Yu, Huang, C Yi-fei, F Chih-ling, C Yeng-Xuan, C Wei-tong, L Pei-yao, L Yu-Hui, W Ruo-Ping, P Pei-qing, H Tzu-han, L Pin-yun.

Referee: Saitkulova Gulshoda.

Attendance: TBC

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Perth Glory’s Stephen Peters previews final game of the 2025/26 season. 

Above: Stephen Peters speaking to the media. Image: Perth Glory.

By Ella McShane (1/4/26)

Following a less than ideal night under the lights in Brisbane, Perth Glory are now officially out of the race for finals football and head into their last game of the 2025/26 season this Friday at home.

“A lot of the downfalls in the game were self inflicted…it’s an area that we have to address,” said Peters, reflecting on Friday’s 5-2 loss to Brisbane Roar.

In terms of morale within the group, Peters described it as “a mix of people wanting answers of why things have happened and how they have happened.” 

“There’s a group of players that are opportunistic, they can see an opportunity to play the last game of the season,” said Peters.

Looking to the opponent, Melbourne Victory still clinch onto finals hopes with the common theme of the season – mere points separating teams on the ladder – making this weekends game so significant for the visitors. 

“We are expecting them to try and put themselves in the [top] six. They’ll be well fired up,” said Peters. “We’ve got to be on our guard, they’re a very experienced side.”

“They’re very robust at the back,” said Peters. “We’ve got to be ready.”

Despite losing first choice goalkeeper Teresa Morrissey unexpectedly during warm-ups last week, the update from the injury bench remains hopeful.

“To lose [Teresa] so close to kick off was a real set back for us, and I don’t think we managed it very well,” said Peters. “She’s had scans, there is some indifferent news there but nothing catastrophic.”

“It was very disappointing for Dayle [Schroeder] because it’s very exciting for her to have her debut for the club. It would have been nice to have it under better circumstances,” said Peters. 

Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory will kick off at 4pm AWST at the Sam Kerr Football Centre and will be available to stream live and free on 10Play and Paramount+ for paying subscribers. 

To read Isabelle Campbell’s report on opponents Melbourne Victory’s media conference click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/2026/04/01/its-pretty-much-a-final-claudia-bunge-on-victorys-must-win-mission-west/

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“It’s pretty much a final”: Claudia Bunge on Victory’s must-win mission west

Above: Claudia Bunge speaks to the press. Image: Melbourne Victory.

Isabelle Campbell (1/4/2026)

Melbourne Victory head into their final regular season clash knowing everything is on the line, with a high-stakes trip west to face Perth Glory (and results of later games) set to determine whether their campaign continues into the finals.

For Claudia Bunge, the equation is simple.

“It’s a must win game.”

Victory’s preparations have been shaped by a short turnaround following a disappointing 2-1 loss away to Sydney FC, but the defender believes the timing could work in their favour.

“I think the quick turnaround suits us, especially when you’re coming off the back of a hard defeat. We’ve had a good few days on the grass, but the girls are really looking forward to hopefully righting some of those wrongs that we had against Sydney.”

“We were really disappointed with the result against Sydney. We’re looking forward to the game against Perth, it’s a must win game.”

The stakes could hardly be higher. With both sides still fighting for a place in the top six, Bunge described the match as effectively a final in itself.

“It’s definitely a high pressure game this weekend. It’s pretty much a final. Both teams need a win to get into the top six, so it’s going to be really exciting, and there’s going to be lots of pressure involved.”

“But we’re ready for it, and we’re looking forward to it. We’ve got to expect that Perth are just going to throw everything at us. So all we’re thinking about is the game, and then whatever happens after that, happens after that.”

“To us, it’s definitely a final. That’s all we’re thinking about, doing everything we can, leaving no stone unturned. And hoping that we can get the job done.”

Despite having convincingly defeated Glory 3-0 earlier in the season, Bunge is wary of the challenge they will pose this time around, noting their growth since that previous meeting.

“The girls played really well against them. I was actually away on international duty, so I was watching from afar. I think we were really strong, shut down all their threats, but I think they’ve found their form a bit more since the last game that we had against them. So it’s just going to be about being confident, being brave out there, and just getting rid of their threats again.”

“I think they’ve started gelling together more as a team. And in attack, have probably found their identity a bit more. They’re pretty good at rotating, they’ve got some threats up front. But we’ve identified that. We’re looking forward to implementing our game plan and hopefully going over there and winning the game.”

Victory’s season has been anything but straightforward, with inconsistency proving a challenge across the campaign. However, Bunge sees the broader context of the league as a whole and the compactness of the table this season.

“It’s been a turbulent season, just in terms of results. One week we’re getting three points, next week we’re losing. So that can be quite mentally tough. I think a lot of teams have had that problem this year. It’s probably down to a number of things just not good enough in some game defining moments, and then just the league in general has just been really tight this season.”

Now, with their season hanging in the balance, the focus is clear.

“It’s a big game, but it’s the games that you want to be playing as a footballer. There’s a lot on the line, and you don’t get that often, so we just need to rise to the occasion.”

To read Ella McShane’s report on opponents Perth Glory’s media conference click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/2026/04/01/perth-glorys-stephen-peters-previews-final-game-of-the-2025-26-season/

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NPLW Vic R7: Iaria lights up the league and Boroondara beat Box Hill

By Kieran Yap 1/4/26

Above: Fiorina Iaria for Melbourne Victory. Photo: Passion Creations

Bulleen climb to second, Essendon honour a league legend and Iaria scores four in the first ever Melbourne Derby.

Friday night’s game saw Spring Hills host South Melbourne, with the home side looking to respond after a 4-2 loss to Bulleen Lions in Round Six. South’s game was postponed last weekend, but they were also coming off a Round Five defeat to Box Hill and named a strong lineup even in the absence of Francesca Iermano. Meisha Westland wore the armband in her place for the visitors.

An Aleks Sinclair goal was all that separated the teams. When you are this good, you get all the luck sometimes, and Sinclair always knows exactly where the goals are. A speculative, but technically excellent flick over her head from 18 yards out somehow evade Geo Candy to score one of the more unusual goals of the round, but definitely the most memorable.

Avondale FC scored five goals against Bentleigh Greens to bounce back from defeat to Essendon in the previous round.

Hannah Wilkinson continued her outstanding form since her return to the pitch with a 15th minute goal, and Elise Kellond-Knight added another with a 36th minute Olimpico.

Rachel Stirton was spared hope for Bentleigh with a goal on the stroke of half time, but Avondale went up another gear after the break. Sloane Young’s brace and a goal to star defender Isabella Accardo put the result to rest.

Accardo is so often a player who starts attacks from deep for Avondale and took her chance to get on the scoresheet with a close range finish at the back post from a corner.

Alamein FC and Heidelberg United played out an entertaining, tight contest at Dorothy Laver Reserve. The score does not really reflect the attacking intent of either team, with both sides testing the goalkeepers throughout.

Miranda Templeman was called into action for Alamein, making a series of close range saves and showing some quick feet to get out of trouble. Samantha Curwood-Wanger was menacing for Heidelberg, while Zoe Houghton was creative and threating for the home side.

It has been nearly impossible to score past Alamein this season, and Heidelberg became only  the second side to do so.

Curwood-Wagner’s deft pass put Hayley Geurts into just enough space to slide the ball beyond Templeman and open the scoring.

Heidelberg extended their lead through Nali Plant. A beautiful left foot curler from the edge of the area mad it 2-0 in the 49th minute to give the visitors a deserved lead.

Summer Laskey pulled one back for the hosts, and ensured a tense finish, but Heidelberg ended the game ahead for an impressive win on the road.

Keilor Park and Essendon Royals took part in an attacking match that ended 3-2 to the visitors.

Isabella Sewards gave the Royals an eight minute lead through a leaping header after a rapid start from both teams.

Ava Groba’s cross was turned in by Hunter Gergovic for an unfortunate but pretty unavoidable own goal soon after.

It was  a match where both teams played aggressively in possession, but neither could really dominate momentum. Emilia Ingles pulled one back for the hosts but Kelli McGroarty’s well taken finish restored the two-goal cushion in the second half.

Runa Komidori’s incredible long-range effort brought the game back to 3-2, but Keilor Park were unable to find a crucial third in what was still their most impressive performance of the season, even if the score did not end in the favour.

Fiorina Iaria’s four goals were the talk of the round, and her right boot was a significant difference between the sides in the first NPLW Melbourne Derby.

Victory and City have had had slightly contrasting starts to life in this league, but City welcomed their cross-town rivals after a 1-0 win in Round Six.

Even without  Poppy O’Keeffe in midfield after she received a Young Matildas Asian Cup call up, Victory were able to exert their influence on this game. Iaria took only five minutes to open the scoring before Jasmine Millar doubled the lead for the visitors.

Ellie Kirby responded for the home side to make it 2-1 at the break, but Iaria went on a tear in the second half, with three goals in less than 10 minutes, showing all the skills and power that have long made her a talent to watch.

Bulleen Lions continued their winning run with a convincing performance to beat Preston Lions 3-0 at home. It was another convincing performance by the home variant of Lions, with Bulleen making it five wins in a row, with only one goal conceded in that time.

Caitlin Friend’s side began the match in attacking fashion, resulting in a series of corners that resulted in an Emily Bunnell header to make it 1-0. The home fans were gruntled with the deserved lead but had to wait until the second half to score again.

Another corner kick was the catalyst, and Olivia Bomford’s delivery caused chaos for The Preston defence. It will go down as an own goal, but there was very little chance to clear it without a Bulleen player getting a touch.

Another week, another Maja Markovski goal. She was held to just the one by Preston, but continues her run of scoring in every one of the last five games. A low finish from the edge of the area put the game to rest.

After a shaky start to the season, Bulleen have clearly clicked into gear. The new signing have adapted well and the squad is starting to look deep as players from the bench are able to impact games. This win sends them to second on the table, but still behind Booroondara who have a game in hand.

The final game of the round was a top of the tablet clash between the two benchmark sides so of the first two months.

An Emma Vane inspired Boroondara Eagles defeated Box Hill United in a close encounter, that further establishes them as the team to beat, but did nothing to dim belief in Box Hill’s hopes.

Box Hill took the lead in this game. Maho Murakami scored from a penalty in just the eight minute to put the Eagles in an unfamiliar position.

Geneveive Fontes equalised from Zoe Bennett’s corner before half time, leaving Sarah Brunner’s 67th minute winner as the only thing separating the two sides.

Vane’s precision through-ball dissected the Box Hill defence and Brunner was suddenly in space. She made no mistake with the finish, powerful and high into the net.

Round Seven ended with Boroondara still on top, but with Bulleen chasing them down. Avondale are still searching for consistency, but the return of Kellond-Knight from an Asian Cup broadcast break gives them an edge over most midfields.

In Appreciation of… Fiorina Iaria.

It is impossible to talk about this round without talking about Melbourne Victory winger Fiorina Iaria. The 19 year old, Shepparton native is one of the brightest young talents in Victorian football, and has been since emerging from Calder United in 2023.

Iaria’s first touch is impeccable, and she has rare acceleration combined with close control that can make her a nightmare for most defenders.

As with many young player, decision making is something that is constantly improving. When she plays on instinct, she can be nearly unstoppable, but what we saw on the weekend, was a player ready to go to the next level.

Iaria is already on the books of Melbourne Victory’s A-League Women squad, but is learning her trade with consistent competitive minutes in the NPLW. She is no secret to fans of this league, but be that as it may, we have not seen a performance like this before.

Iaria scored four goals in a four goal win over Melbourne City. But it was the manner of scoring that made it special.

Leyla Hussein’s pass put her in space for the opener. But she was well covered and the 18-yard box was defended. Her opponent did not do much wrong, but Iaria cut inside and curled a perfectly placed effort into the far corner.  It was Caitlin Foord-eqsue.

For her second, she shaped to finish in a similar fashion. A high delivery to the top corner of the far post looked likely, but she snuck it in low at the near one with real quality and an element of surprise.

The hatrick arrived through a clever run behind the defence and a perfectly timed pass from Jasmine Millar. The finish equalled the buildup. This time it was high and across goal with power.

She insisted in a post game interview that the fourth goal was an accident. But when the football gods are smiling down on you, there are no accidents. We can take her word for it that it an attempted cross, but it still found the back of the net from an unlikely angle.

Those last three goals all occurred between the 56th and 62nd minute. That is serious game breaking impact.

It should be noted that despite the scoreline, City were not played off the park, they very rarely are even though they have only one win so far. As usual, they moved the ball well, and played a proactive, possession based game, but Victory were more clinical, and Jasmine Millar showed real composure and persistence to score their second of the match.

Iaria’s six minute burst of goals decided the match, and although she is unlikely to achieve that regularly, it should provide a significant confidence boost if any was needed.

It was frightening finishing from a promising player, and we are still some years away from finding out what she might be truly capable of.

But for now, this was a performance to celebrate. A stellar display.

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Teenage bolter headlines latest Lionesses squad

by Damion Arnold (31/3/26)

Above: Teenager Erica Meg Parkinson has been called up to the England senior team for the first time. Photo: via England Football.

Sarina Wiegman has named 23 players for England’s next FIFA World Cup 2027 qualifiers in April with the Lionesses facing Spain at Wembley before traveling abroad to face Iceland.

Perhaps the most intriguing name in the squad is Erica Meg Parkinson, who Wiegman has handed a first senior call-up to.

The 17-year-old plays in the Portuguese first division for Valadares Gaia and the midfielder has also played for the Under 23s so far this season.

Among the other changes in the squad sees Beth Mead return to the squad, whilst Aggie Beever-Jones, Ella Toone and Grace Clinton miss out due to injury.

England’s first match of the window will be at Wembley against Spain on Tuesday 14 April.

It is the first time the two sides have met since the UEFA EURO 2025 final, in a match that the Lionesses were victorious in to secure back-to-back European titles.

The second match is a significant milestone for the Lionesses as it is their 500th game.

They will travel to Reykjavik to face Iceland on Saturday 18 April, in a reverse fixture from last international window that saw England win 2-0 last time. Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway were the goalscorers last time.

Speaking to the media after today’s announcement, Weigman said “Last month we started our campaign strongly with two good performances against Ukraine and Iceland, and we want to continue that momentum.

“These upcoming matches against Spain and Iceland are important steps in our qualification journey, and we’re fully focused on performing at our highest level.

“Facing Spain at Wembley in front of our fans will be a fantastic challenge, and travelling to Iceland for such a historic occasion will motivate us even more to be at our best too.”

England Squad – April 2026 vs Spain and Iceland

Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Ellie Roebuck (Aston Villa)

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham City), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Erica Meg Parkinson (Valdares Gaia), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)

Forwards: Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Jess Park (Manchester United), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

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Mariners and Canberra draw, but top six takes shape

Central Coast Mariners 0-0 Canberra United

By Kieran Yap 30/3/26

Above: Sasha Grove. Photo: Canberra United

Central Coast and Canberra United have played out an entertaining scoreless draw at Polytec Stadium. Despite both sides creating numerous chances and a very open attacking game, the respective goalkeepers were both in equally excellent form.

Canberra arrived at The Mariners home ground eyeing second place on the table, finals football was essentially assured by other results, now it was about where they finished. Central Coast still need to cement their position in the top six and a win here would put some serious distance between then and seventh placed Melbourne Victory.

Both sides were slightly depleted by The Young Matildas Asian Cup campaign. Canberra were without Teagan Bertolissio. The versatile defender meant a slight reshuffling of the lineup and positions. The Mariners were missing key playmakers Peta Trimis and Avaani Prakash. All three players are expected to be crucial to the nation’s hopes in Thailand.

Canberra began the match with an immediate attack. Michelle Heyman tried to turn in the area and played it back to Sasha Grove, but her deep, in swinging cross was cleared. That start set the tone for the game, which continued at an enthralling tempo, that never let up.

Izzy Gomez threatened to break the deadlock up the other end. She battled her way into a shooting position, but her eventual effort on the half-volley was well blocked at close range.

Canberra responded through Heyman. Emma Hawkins played a precise through-ball and Heyman’s well-timed run put her in space behind the defence. She opted to try and place it beyond Annalee Grove but the former Canberra resident was able to keep the scores level.

Nanako Sasaki saw her long range attempt for Canberra sail over the bar, and Gomez tried her own spectacular effort from almost 40 yards. It had Sally James backpedalling, but in the end she caught the ball comfortably.

Some great interplay between Canberra’s Josie Aulicino, and Hawkins earned a free-kick for the visitors, and Bethany Gordon’s resulting strike brought the save of the day out of Annalee Grove.

Tamar Levin tested James with a powerful strike, and then from a free-kick, but was unable to break the deadlock.

The draw was not the result either team wanted, and both could see this as an opportunity missed, but in the end, neither team will really be unhappy with how the round ended. Both remain in the top six, The Mariners only need a draw next weekend to secure their third successive finals campaign. Canberra United will definitely contend for a trophy, which given their off-field uncertainty, is a remarkable achievement and they would be deserving winners if they can pull off what would only be a slight upset to win a championship.

Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-3-2-1): Grove, Barwik-Grey, Gomez, Farrow, Levin, Buchanan, Kraszula, Qulligan, King, Familton, Baumann. Substitutes: Thew, Martin, Fernandez, Dos Santos, Hughes, Varley.

CANBERRA UNITED (3-5-1-1): James, Anton, Aulicino, Hawkins, Grove, Robers, Taylor-Young, Christopherson, Gordon, Sasaki, Heyman. Substitutes: Majstorovic, Mckenzie, De Domizio, Stanic-Floody, Skelly, Malone.

Referee: Bec Mackie

Attendance: 1,037.

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City tested but ultimately move on in continental quest

Melbourne City 2-1 PFC Nasaf

by Alyce Collett (25/3/26)

Above: Melbourne City celebrate after Chinaza Uchendu (second from left) scored a late winner to send City through to the semi finals of the Asian Champions League. Photo: via AFC.

Melbourne City are through to the Semi Finals of the Women’s Asian Champions League after a 2-1 win over PFC Nasaf.

Melbourne City initially took the lead through Holly McNamara but the visitors did not make things easy for them and quickly equalised through Zarina Mamatkarimova. Then just as the match was looking like it was about to head into extra time, Chinaza Uchendu popped up and thundered home the match winner for the hosts.

PFC Nasaf did have a brief positive foray into attack off the kick off, but it was not long before the more highly fancied hosts took control of the match, controlling possession and therefore the tempo of the match.

However, despite only officially having two defenders on the pitch, the visitors put up a resolute defensive performance, with some midfielders dropping back to crowd the box.

Many of the usual suspects for City were lively early, including the likes of Bryleeh Henry down the wing and Laura Hughes working hard in the heart of midfield. Captain Rebekah Stott was also dishing off plenty of well placed through balls for the likes of Henry and McNamara.

Eventually City did break through for the opener through McNamara just before half time, who headed the ball home on the second time of asking after her first shot was blocked.

The City celebrations were quickly silenced though when PFC Nasaf quickly worked the ball into attack from the restart, and with a looping shot from Mamatkarimova that cleared all the City defenders and keeper Malena Mires and sailed into the back of the net for the equaliser.

Ultimately the scores remained at one all at half time, with both sides having plenty to think about ahead of the second half.

Momentum was pretty even for much of the second half, with much of the action being pretty free flowing and end to end.

City did have a number of close chances, but ultimately could not make any of them count.

This was perfectly encapsulated in one particular moment that happened with about 15 minutes to go, when Aideen Keane went for a run that was about half the pitch and got herself into a really promising position to score, but the shot ultimately bounced off the crossbar.

City continued to have the lion’s share of time in attack, but as the half progressed and the deadlock still could not be broken, extra time was becoming more and more likely.

However, with mere moments left in regular time, Uchendu popped up at the perfect time and after curling the ball around her body, then whacked a powerful shot into the back of the net, breaking the hearts of the PFC Nasaf players and their vocal fans in the process.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (4-3-3): Mieres, Stott, Otto, Turner, Roestbakken, Mckenna, McMahon, McNamara, Hughes, Keane, Henry. Substitutes: Wilson, Butrus, Apostolakis, Rako, Jackson, Jugovic, Davidson, Sarris, Barbieri, Uchendu, Aoyagi.

Scorers: McNamara 38’, Uchendu 89’

PFC NASAF (2-5-3): Khikmatova, Karachik, Yakimova, Shoyimova, Gulzoda, Zoirova, Johnimqulova, Mamatkarimova, Khabibullaeva, Kudratova, Tilovova. Substitutes: Egamberdieva, Nurullaeva, Tosheva, Khusniddinova, Saidova.

Scorers: Mamatkarimova 42’

Referee: Yamashita Yoshimi (Japan)

Attendance: 572.

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