Above: Alessia Russo wheeling off to celebrate one of her three goals against Benfica earlier in the week. Photo: Arsenal FC
It’s been less than a day since Arsenal played in the Women’s Champions League and head-coach Renee Slegers was already sat down with the media to preview Sunday’s class against Aston Villa.
Firstly, the Dutch coach shared her thoughts on last night’s game.
“Very happy with the performance. I think (Benfica) are a tough side to play against, I think we nullified a lot of what they can bring to the game and strengths they can bring to the game.
“For example, the duelling and the direct play, which we dealt with really well. We were defensively solid it in the game and we also set ourselves up to be good from counterattacking moments.
“I think we created a variety of chances through set-pieces, longer attacks, faster moments, a good percentage of shots on targets.
“I think it was a really sharp performance from the team. There were new partnerships, there was starters and there was finishers, and of course, Alessia scoring three goals for us.
“It was a great night together with the fans.”
Ona Batlle started the game in her preferred position as a right back. This is what Slegers had to say:
“We have a lot of quality players on both sides. Ona and Geraldine had a great partnership yesterday, it was growing throughout the game, and they said it themselves afterwards as well. Ona was great with her run’s forwards and with her crosses.
“We also have a lot of other good players in those positions, so it’s about making sure that we use the squad the right way and most effectively game by game”
Slegers provided some updates on whether players will be returning to the squad or not.
“Kim (Little) was back last night, which was great to get her back onto the pitch.
“There might be a chance Fredia Maanum makes it for the for the game as well.
“Daphne van Domselaar is getting closer and closer. Maybe again too early.
“Katie Reid, she was back training with the team, she got an ankle injury, which sets her back, which is unfortunate. So, we don’t expect it to be back before Christmas. the rest is the same as last night.
Slegers also provide an update on Chloe Kelly, who has been absent from the squad since the start of October
“It’s hard to set a clear timeline. It’s still day-by-day, seeing how the symptoms are, what we can and can’t do. She had a specialist appointment a couple of days ago. Let’s see where we go from here, but she’s not available for the weekend.”
Slegers is facing a familiar foe this weekend in Brian Sorensen, who recently took over as interim manager of Aston Villa.
“Knowing him from his Everton time, I think it was always hard to play against Natalia (Arroyo)’s Aston Villa team as well. They would pose a lot of questions.
“Now, of course, with Brian, they’ve got a really good start. We remember the game last year, how it was difficult for us to tell the way game was, was good, was dominant.
“So, we have to be prepared, we have to be humble. What they’re going to do, it’s always a guessing game. Very often it happens that teams do something different against us. Let’s see what their game plan is. We have to focus on ourselves and keep building on our last performance.”
Caitlin Foord has had a rough start to the season but has recently showed exactly why she should be a starter, and Slegers was full of praise for the Arsenal veteran.
“She’s been Massive for us. She’s been a leader with the intensity and the fight she brings on the pitch. And that’s what we spoke about ahead of Spurs, the North London Derby.
“We needed fight, grit on the pitch, duels. And she brings that. That’s one of her big qualities in the game and she injects that into the team. The way she plays is contagious. And she’s been so important for us in that game. And with that performance and everything she brought and everything we expected, we needed against Benfica because we expected fight there as well.
“We wanted her to be on the pitch again, and she had a great 90 minutes again for us. She scores the fourth goal. The way she does it, it’s a wide combination and she sprints at high speed. She sprints into the box to get into that situation and finishes it.
“So, gutted for her. She didn’t get the goal. And goal difference can become important as well in the league phase. But yes, she had her 50th appearance for Arsenal in the Champions League last night. That tells you everything about what she’s done for Arsenal for so long. The player that she is. And she’s in great form right now.”
Arsenal host Aston Villa at the Emirates Sunday, November 1 at 12:00PM.
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Above: Tom Glavovic with the NPLW WA champions trophy that he won back-to-back with Perth Azzurri in 2026. PhotoviaTom Glavovic.
Tom Glavovic has guided Perth Azzurri to two consecutive NPLW WA championships, but as the dust settled on another successful season at Dorrien Gardens, he announced that the time is right for a new challenge at UWA-Nedlands.
Looking back on his achievements with the Azzurri, the head coach reflected: “I feel incredibly proud and grateful to have been part of such an amazing club and community. My time at Perth Azzurri was extremely rewarding, both professionally and personally, and I’m proud of what we achieved together.
“Winning the first women’s championship in the club’s 77-year history (in 2025) was a special moment. There had been many people before us who had worked hard to achieve that goal, so to be the group that finally delivered it was something we will always be proud of. To then back it up with a second consecutive championship made it even more special.
“Those achievements were never about one individual. They were the result of the players, coaching staff, club, families and everyone behind the scenes working towards the same objective. The club was incredibly supportive throughout my time there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity and the trust they placed in me.
“I leave with some fantastic memories, great relationships and enormous pride in what we accomplished together. Perth Azzurri will always be an important part of my coaching journey.”
The club had achieved State Cup and Night Series silverware prior to Glavovic’s arrival, and had been a constant qualifier for the season-ending Top Four Cup in the NPLW era, but they had been unable to make the leap to secure league honours. He believes that it all boiled down to a desire to take a fresh look at how things operated in the women’s program.
“It came down to hard work, commitment, culture and a willingness to make the changes needed to move the team forward. We took a fresh approach to how we wanted to play, established clear expectations and worked hard to create an environment where everyone understood their role and what was required to be successful.
“There was an enormous amount of work behind the scenes. The players committed themselves to the process, the coaching staff worked tirelessly, and everyone contributed to building a strong team environment. We wanted to play with intensity, move the ball quickly, make good decisions and compete in every moment of the game, but just as importantly, we wanted a group that trusted and supported one another.
“Winning one championship is difficult enough. Repeating that success the following season requires another level of consistency, resilience and commitment because you become the team everyone wants to beat. I’m incredibly proud that we were able to achieve that.
“What makes the achievement even more satisfying is that we reached the final of every other major competition we entered across those two seasons, including the pre-season competition, the State Cup and the end-of-season Top Four Cup. That level of consistency says a lot about the group’s mentality and standards.
“Ultimately, the success belonged to everyone involved. We created something special together, and the players and staff deserve enormous credit for the work they put in.”
Above: Tom Glavovic imparts information to Daisy McAllister during the Azzurri’s 2025 season. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
The season just finished saw the Azzurri make a powerful start, going unbeaten across the first 17 rounds of the 21 week regular league campaign. To make that run even more impressive, this was the most strongly contested NPLW WA season in the competition’s history.
Glavovic believes that the breakthrough success of the previous campaign helped initially, but it still would not have been achieved without a strong desire for hard work.
“I think the confidence gained from the first championship played a significant role, but confidence alone doesn’t win football matches. It gives you belief in what you’re doing, but you still have to turn up every week, work hard and deliver the performances.
“Winning the championship in the first season gave the players real belief in our approach and in each other. They understood the standards required, knew what we were capable of achieving and had experienced what it took to win. We were able to build on that foundation rather than start again.
“We also knew that defending the title would bring a different challenge. Teams would be targeting us, the competition was getting stronger, and we couldn’t afford to stand still. We continued to push ourselves in training, maintain our standards and look for ways to improve.
“To go 17 games unbeaten at the start of the season was an outstanding achievement, particularly in such a competitive league. It reflected the players’ consistency, the work they put in every week and the strength of the environment we had built.
“The previous season gave us belief, but the players deserve enormous credit for backing it up with their performances. They understood that past success didn’t guarantee anything and that we had to earn the right to win again.”
That right to win got increasingly challenging, as the Azzurri‘s record over the last six games of the season saw them experience five defeats and a draw, as the club suffered mixed emotions from sealing a second straight NPLW WA championship, but being bounced out of the Top Four Cup with back-to-back losses to Balcatta Etna and Fremantle City.
Reflecting on the climax of the campaign, Glavovic said: “Primarily, it came down to injuries, player availability and the demands of a long season.
“We had a number of injuries towards the final third, including to some very experienced and important players, and that inevitably affected our ability to maintain the same level of consistency.
“We had also played in the finals of every competition we entered, which placed considerable physical and mental demands on the group. When you combine that workload with injuries and limited opportunities to replace certain players, it becomes a challenge for any squad.
“The positive side was that it created opportunities for younger players to step into the team, experience senior football and test themselves against strong opposition. That experience is valuable for their development, even though it can take time for younger players to adjust to the demands of that level.
“Naturally, the results towards the end weren’t quite how we wanted to finish, and we always want to perform at our best. However, we had made an exceptional start, going 17 games unbeaten and putting ourselves in a strong position to secure the championship.
“We had done the hard work early in the season, and that ultimately allowed us to achieve our primary objective. Injuries are part of football, and while you can prepare for different scenarios, you cannot always predict or fully compensate for them. Overall, I’m extremely proud of what the group achieved across the season.”
The season just completed in the NPLW WA has been arguably the most competitive in it’s history with Fremantle City taking out a first Top Four Cup win, Balcatta Etna continuing to push strongly, Subiaco enjoyed their highest ever finish, and newly promoted Sorrento were competitive, attracted Young Matildas and Perth Glory gun Georgia Cassidy, and avoided bottom spot to boot.
That growth makes Glavovic all the more proud of his side’s achievements in 2026.
“I think the competition has improved significantly and is moving in the right direction. The overall quality, depth and competitiveness of the league have increased, which is encouraging for the future of women’s football in Western Australia.
“We’re seeing more players with professional and A-League experience coming into the NPLW, including players returning from the professional environment. That brings quality, experience and higher standards to the competition, while also providing younger players with the opportunity to learn from footballers who have competed at a higher level.
“I think it’s important that we continue to attract and retain those players. Their presence can help strengthen the league, raise standards across clubs and make the competition more attractive for emerging talent.
“At the same time, the long-term future of the NPLW depends on developing our own players. Clubs need to invest in junior pathways, coaching and player development so that young girls can see a genuine opportunity to progress into senior football and potentially beyond.
“There has been clear progress over the past two years, and I believe there is still enormous potential. If clubs, coaches and Football West continue working together to improve the environment and create better opportunities for players, the competition can become even stronger.”
Above: Tom Glavovic (second right) with his staff at Perth Azzurri along with the NPLW WA championship trophy. Photo via: Tom Glavovic.
With the dust settling on a second straight NPLW WA championship at the Azzurri, the Glavovic took stock and made the decision to accept a new challenge by taking the position of head coach at UWA-Nedlands.
Since coming into the NPLW WA in 2024 as the first newly promoted club in place of Curtin University, UWA-Nedlands have been bouncing around the bottom two, but have had women’s and girls’ teams since the merger created the club in 2010. They were serious about strengthening the pathway between their junior program and the NPLW squad, and that was something that caught Glavovic’s attention.
“During the off-season, I had several clubs from both the men’s and women’s competitions approach me, and I had a number of conversations about different opportunities.
“After two extremely successful seasons and back-to-back championships, I felt the time was right to challenge myself in a different environment. I wanted something that would push me in new ways, both as a coach and in terms of what I could contribute to a club over the longer term.
“Football is always about continuing to learn, develop and challenge yourself. As much as I enjoyed my time at Perth Azzurri, the opportunity to take on a new project and help build something with a different vision was very appealing.
“I also saw it as an opportunity to bring that challenge to the people around me: the coaching staff, the playing group and the wider club. We want to test ourselves, establish clear objectives and see how far we can take the program together.
“Leaving Perth Azzurri was not an easy decision because of the relationships and memories we built there. However, I felt UWA-Nedlands offered the right challenge at the right time in my coaching journey, and I’m excited about what we can work towards together.
Above: Action between Tom’s new club UWA-Nedlands (left) and previous club Perth Azzurri. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
“Once I sat down with the people at UWA-Nedlands and heard their vision for the women’s program, it became a very straightforward decision for me.
“What impressed me most was that their ambitions extended well beyond the First Team. They have a strong group of people who genuinely want to develop the women’s program, create a sustainable future for the club and establish a genuine pathway from junior football into senior NPLW football.
“That really aligned with my own philosophy. Having previously worked with Football West’s NTC program, player development has always been a major part of my coaching journey. I love working with young players, helping them improve, challenging them to reach their potential and giving them the confidence and opportunity to progress.
“UWA-Nedlands has the foundations to build something meaningful. The U18s and U21s have already shown encouraging signs, and the opportunity now is to strengthen the connection between those teams and the First Team so that talented young players can see a clear pathway ahead of them.
“For me, it’s about developing good footballers and great people, creating the right environment and building something that can continue to grow for years to come.
“The challenge is significant, but that’s part of the attraction. I want to help establish an identity, improve standards across the program and leave the club in a stronger position for the future. Once I understood the vision and met the people involved, I was excited by the opportunity to be part of that journey.”
With Glavovic at the helm, and a long term plan being put together, there is a real sense of optimism that another side could be coming together to build player pathway foundation that in the future can see a large number of quality players coming through the age groups, which can eventually see the First Team pushing further up the ladder, and that is something that can only benefit the league as a whole.
It will take time, but the former Azzurri boss believes it is something that can happen as part of a club wide project.
“Our priority is to improve, both as a First Team and as a wider women’s program. We want to develop our own identity, establish how we want to play and build an environment where players are motivated to improve and understand what is expected of them.
“The U18s and U21s have had encouraging seasons, and an important objective is to strengthen the pathway into senior football. We want talented young players to have genuine opportunities to train with the First Team, challenge themselves and progress when they are ready. That takes planning, communication and a shared philosophy across the program.
“On the pitch, we want to improve our performances, become more consistent and develop a clear style of football that reflects our identity and the strengths of our players. I’m a firm believer that if you consistently produce good performances, the results will ultimately begin to follow.
“Of course, we want to be competitive and achieve the best results possible, but I don’t believe you build a successful program by focusing only on winning and losing. You build it through standards, player development, strong relationships and a clear direction that everyone believes in.
“There will be plenty of work ahead of us, and we know it won’t happen overnight. We need to assess the squad, understand where we can improve, develop the players we have and build the right foundations for the future.
“Ultimately, I want UWA-Nedlands to be a club where players want to be, where young girls can see a genuine future in football and where the First Team represents the hard work being done throughout the program. If we can improve our performances, strengthen the pathway and build a sustainable women’s program, we’ll be moving in the right direction.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge. We have a lot of work to do, but we also have a great opportunity, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together in 2027.”
(c) Impetus 2026.
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A storm-delayed double-header at Allianz Stadium produced one of the most comprehensive first-half performances from Melbourne City as they picked slow-starting Sydney FC apart on Sunday evening.
A goal on familiar turf for Cortnee Vine opened the floodgates, Momo Hayashi smashed home a second to make it look easy, and by the time Deven Jackson had fired home, there was little doubt about the destination of the three points. Charlotte McLean scored a bizarre own goal to keep the scoreboard ticking, and at 4-0 at half time, there was little to cheer for the remaining fans at the cavernous Allianz Stadium. A penalty from Melinda Ayres at the start of the second half looked to continue the theme, but Sydney FC managed to shut up shop thereafter, managing a chance or two of their own, but coming up with nothing in a deserved five-goal pummelling.
With the players having to retreat to the changing rooms for a 45-minute delay as a storm passed through, the positivity around Allianz Stadium following the men’s victory for the Sky Blues all but evaporated, large numbers of fans who had committed to staying leaving instead with no certainty of when the game would kick off. The usual pre-game routine was abandoned as the flags were rolled up and taken away, the game kicking off in a strange atmosphere, Sydney’s Women’s Cove at least making some noise to fill this huge stadium of largely empty seats. Whenever City had the ball, there was an ominous feeling; Sydney had thrown Amy Chessari into the middle of midfield with no game plan and she was given no time on the ball. It was no surprise when the visitors took the lead, ex-Sydney player Aideen Keane easily beating her marker and delivering a perfect ball across the face of goal where the unmarked Vine thumped the ball into the unguarded net for 1-0.
A Melbourne City fan was ejected from the Cove after causing a scene, totally unbefitting of the occasion, but the lone drummer at the away end continued to make a din as the visitors poured forward. It was Keane the provider again, racing to keep in a loose ball by the corner flag, easily beating the non-existent challenge and when Avaani Prakash laid the ball back to Hayashi, she had no right to fire in a low shot from distance that beat the diminutive Tiahna Robertson for 2-0. This was an insipid performance from Sydney FC, and it should have been three when Keane eased past Kiley Dulaney to find Vine at the far post, again unmarked, but this time her effort hit the underside of the bar and Robertson and Kenzie Roling somehow cleared. The third goal did come, and it was again Keane on the rampage, keeping the ball in on the left, the ball falling for Jackson whose wonderful effort from the corner of the penalty area bent around Robertson for a superbfinish.
The fourth goal was a calamity, and it had a sub plot, Vine teasing a cross in from the right and under no pressure and with no obvious danger, McLean swooped to head the ball into her own net as Robertson was set to claim an easy ball. This eclipsed last week’s own goal, almost a carbon copy, giving McLean an unwanted two from two in the A-League so far this season. City were relentless, and when Keane battled well to react first when a ball fell her way from a melee in the box, her shot smashed off the bar, the follow up from Ayres saved by Robertson down low. This was threatening to get ugly for the home team, but they made it to half time with only the four-goal deficit, the defiant Sydney fans still singing despite the horrific scoreline.
Megan Mifsud came on at half time as Sydney FC looked to add some grit, and she was immediately involved in a collision with Keane, pole-axing her opponent within 30 seconds of the restart. Following a stinging shot by Jackson that Robertson saved, it was again Keane the tormentor as she raced into the box, Mifsud sliding in for the challenge making it an easy decision for the referee, who immediately signalled the penalty. Mifsud was distraught, Ayres stepped up and it was 5-0 with still a lot of football to be played. This would be a test of mettle for Sydney FC. Ayres could have made it six, Robertson getting a hand to the ball to divert a looping shot onto the bar, collecting the rebound as if she meant it, and Sydney took heart from it, a brilliant through ball from Mifsud sending Faith Webber clear, but she took the ball wide and the shot was disappointingly wide of the mark.
Riley Cohn picked up a yellow card for a late stud on Prakash, and as games of this gulf in class often do, the team in command let the foot off the accelerator; Sydney suddenly found time and space and looked like a transformed team. Hayashi sent in a corner that went behind and City weren’t looking like the schoolyard bully any more. When City were punished by referee Sophie Allum for taking too long with a throw-in, that led to McLean firing in a looping shot from distance that just cleared the bar, then Webber turned sweetly but could only find goalkeeper Malena Mieres’ arms with the shot. Sydney looked confident, Maddie Caspers and Mifsud looking like new players, but the remaining minutes of the game would be disjointed as McLean went down with what looked like a hamstring injury, making a bad day even worse for Sydney FC.
This was a statement victory for Melbourne City; they have brought together a very talented squad, doing to Sydney FC what the Sky Blues would have done to others in years gone by. The array of former Sydney FC players in the City team today, players who were surplus to requirements, brings the home club’s profligacy to light. How times have changed, and how far apart are these two teams right now?
Above: Melbourne Victory and the Wellington Phoenix battled it out in a very entertaining draw in Wellington today.Photo:via Melbourne Victory.
The Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory could not be split at Hnry Stadium, with goals to Holly Furphy and Makala Woods resulting in a one all draw between the sides.
Both sides will come away from this match with plenty to think about moving forward, with the Phoenix again not making the most of their attacking dominance, while Victory have some questions around their best attacking options and the marking of key opponents while defending attacks.
The initial first half play was free flowing and end to end, with both sides really using the width of the pitch to find danger in their attacking play.
The home side were having more chances at goal and better chances than the Victory were, with just a little bit more accuracy all that was realistically standing between the Phoenix and the opening goal.
The Victory finally got their best chance in the 26th minute in the form of a well placed corner from Alana Jancevski, but Claudia Bunge’s resulting header ultimately went slightly wide. This sparked a few more very close chances for Victory, but ultimately unfavourable bounces meant none went into the back of the net.
Melbourne Victory was forced into a change in the first half when Alicia Woods was forced from the field after copping several forceful falcons in the process of defending set pieces.
Victory were ultimately able to take the lead in the shadows of half time when Furphy bounced on a cross that was initially poorly cleared by the Phoenix and forced the ball over the goal line.
Furphy’s goal proved to be the only one of the first half as the half time whistle went, with the Victory having all the momentum and the Phoenix having all the questions to answer and frustrations to solve.
Wellington started the second half on the front foot, but a sturdy Victory defence snuffed out every possible Wellington attacking opportunity they faced.
The Phoenix kept peppering the goals but as hard as they tried they just could not get past a sturdy Victory defence.
That was until just after the hour mark when Woods found herself at the top of the penalty box and after being on the end of a perfectly placed Brooke Nunn cross, Woods worked the ball perfectly through a congested box and past Courtney Newbon and into the back of the net.
After the equaliser both teams fought hard to find themselves a match winner and had several close chances, but in the end both sides failed in their quest, leaving points to be split.
The Phoenix went agonisingly close to the match winner in the final minute of regular time, but Pia Vlok ultimately strayed offside, null and voiding the shot that did ultimately get past Newbon. Victory also went agonisingly close a minute later up the other end, but Angie Beard’s corner was narrowly too thin.
Wellington pushed really hard for the match winner in extra time, but some resolute defending from Victory, as well as some help from the woodwork, ensured that the match would ultimately be a draw.
Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-4-2): Esson, Walker, Elliott, Jale, Barry, Erceg, Nunn, Yallop, Woods, Vlok, Riley. Substitutes: L. Brazendale, S. Candy, A. Eglinton, A. Danieli, E. Taylor-Main, L. Wall, M. van der Meer.
Scorers: Woods 64’
MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Newbon, McMeeken, Beard, Bunge, Morrison, Woods, Sutter, Saveska, Jančevski, Furphy, Harding. Substitutes: A. Aoyagi, C. Blissett, N. Flannery, S. Leach, J. Millar, E. O’Grady, S. Techera.
Scorers: Furphy 40’.
Referee: Sarah Jones.
Attendance: TBC.
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Above: Central Coast Mariners celebrate one of their five goals in yesterday’s huge win over Canberra United.Photo:Texi Smith for Impetus.
The new-look Central Coast Mariners topped off an afternoon of celebrations in Gosford with an outstanding display of pressing football to crush a stunned Canberra United 5-1 on Saturday afternoon.
An early goal from in-form Skye Halmarick set the scene, and by half-time, the home team were cruising with a second goal, this time from the head of Talia Kapetanellis. Classy midfielder Te Reremoana Walker added a third soon after the break and from then on it was a case of how many as the Mariners punished every turnover, Kapetanellis adding her second and Alexia Karrys-Stahl making it five with still ten minutes to play. A late rally from the visitors saw them reduce the arrears with a smart finish from Sienna Dale, but it was all too late as the Mariners made it an afternoon to remember with this handsome win.
Five minutes into the game, it was clear which team was in charge. Halmarick had already marauded up the right in the opening exchanges, and when Peta Trimis released Danika Matos on the same side moments later, her low cross was swept majestically past Sally James by Halmarick to open the scoring. The scores were almost level immediately though, with goalkeeper Morgan Aquino beating away a shot before tipping over from Michelle Heyman’s header seconds later, and Canberra matched their opponents for a stretch. Hayley Taylor-Young lashed a wild shot wide when the ball fell her way before Aquino got down low to foil her next attempt at the near post.
Walker began to assert herself in midfield, before teammate Rebecca Lake copped a freak hit to the face that halted proceedings. Lake was up quickly despite the solid hit, and the very next move saw the Mariners go two up; Trimis was allowed to run riot down the right again and she clipped a delightful ball in for Kapetanellis, who got ahead of Zoe Tolland, the header flashing past James for 2-0.
Kelli Brown had the home fans off their seats, clattering into Matos, but the referee took no action. The Mariners coasted to half time, but they could have easily made it three. Again Trimis was the architect, Halmarick rampaged up the right to deliver a delicious cross for Kapetanellis on the stretch who just couldn’t get the shot on target from close range.
If Canberra were searching for a swift turnaround after half time, they didn’t get it. Trimis had a chance in the first attack of the half, shooting wide with plenty of support in the box. Perhaps coach Dean Heffernan had asked his players to shoot on sight; Kapetanellis strode forward after intercepting in her own half, but elected for the spectacular instead of involving her teammates who were much better placed.
The exciting Eliza Familton weaved through the Canberra defence to win a corner, Trimis had her shot saved from the clever corner routine, and the tide was certainly coming in. It was no surprise when a recycled corner from Trimis caused mayhem in the Canberra six-yard box, and there was Walker, reacting first in the melee to stab home her first A-League goal.
The Mariners were just too strong for Canberra. The pressing from the home side gave the visitors no time on the ball, and every 50/50 ball seemed to fall to a yellow shirt. Trimis tried her luck from distance, James saving comfortably, before Canberra had a sight on goal, substitute Dale upended and fellow replacement Emily Condon firing in a free kick that Aquino smothered at the second attempt.
There were definitely more goals coming, and once more it was the right-hand side where the Mariners did the damage, Trimis brilliantly released Matos, whose cross was unmissable for Kapetanellis, who lashed the ball into the roof of the net from right in front for 4-0.
Substitute Karrys-Stahl fired over with a hopeful effort, but she was to have her moment soon after, battling away to stay in control before flicking the ball through the legs of her opponent, striding on and firing a missile into the bottom corner of James’ goal.
This was when Canberra finally reacted. It won two corners in quick succession, the referee unfazed when Aquino was bustled into the back of her own net, and United seemed to have taken the game up a notch. It was no surprise when Dale found herself in the area with Matos to beat, and she did what she does best, finishing past Aquino for a consolation goal to make it 5-1.
Heyman then played in Caley Tallon-Henniker with a searching ball, but Aquino got there just in time, and that led to the Mariners having a final chance to wrap up the goalscoring.
Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (3-4-1-2): Aquino, Lake, Walker, King, Matos, Kraszula, Familton, Buchanan, Halmarick, Kapetanellis, Trimis. Substitutes: Barwick-Grey, Karrys-Stahl, Witz, Fuller, De Domizio, Iaria, Grove.
Above: Adelaide United and Perth Glory battled it out to a scoreless draw for the first time in their history.Photo:via Adelaide United.
For the first time in A-League Women’s history Adelaide United and Perth Glory have played each other to a nil all draw today at ServiceFM Stadium.
The game presented itself as a real arm wrestle between the two sides, especially in regards to breaking down defences. At the final whistle, 47 tackles had been recorded between the two teams.
After a perfectly tepid first half, both sides came out of the change rooms with a little more fire behind their eyes, the home side especially.
Adelaide enjoyed a slew of chances against Perth, coming from its captain Adriana Taranto, Chelsea Dawber, and late substitute Emilia Makris. Each opportunity was either denied by Glory keeper Alyssa Dall’Oste, or in Makris’ case, sent over the bar due to good pressure from Perth’s central defenders.
Ilona Melegh between the sticks for Adelaide had a good showing throughout the 90 minutes, making a number of interventions to maintain the sides’ clean sheet.
Perhaps one of the most entertaining moments of the game was when a challenge against the Glory’s Clancy Westaway saw her do a somersault and pop right back up to be awarded a free kick.
Adelaide United will travel for round three to face the Central Coast Mariners, while Perth will play its first home game of the season in the distance derby, facing Wellington Phoenix.
Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Melegh, Hodgson, Murray, Yakel, Cicco, Zois, Dawber, M. Taranto, Rossi, Meyers, A. Taranto Substitutes: Gooch 55′, Breier 71′, Harris 81′, Makris 81′
Above: Renee Slegers looking on as her side prepares for the North London Derby. Photo: Arsenal FC
Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers sat down with the media ahead of Saturday’s North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur to discuss fan reactions, Alessia Russo’s position, and playing the Arsenal way.
Having conceded 12 goals in their last two league games, Slegers was asked whether she expected Spurs to play defensively against Arsenal tomorrow. Slegers said that “they play high-risk, high-reward football. That’s their identity” and that the opposition will “want to play the way they have been playing. If they adjust against us, that could be possible but let’s see tomorrow. We’ll have to be prepared for both.”
Slegers said the “fuel and motivation is sky high” in the team for tomorrow’s game, as the North London derby is a favourite for “many fans and players,” but that the current position, two wins from eight games, is “absolutely not what we expected and what we wanted.” She added, “We know how good we are and can be, and it’s going to be a big occasion tomorrow. The players love big occasions so it will bring something out of us tomorrow.”
All 4,000 away seats have been sold, which Slegers said is “100% where our focus is. We need to fight tomorrow on that pitch for 90 plus minutes, and we need to do it for the fans because we know that it’s been tough times for them as well.” She added, “We want much more for them, and seeing that we sell out the away section for this game after the run of games we’ve had, that’s going to be our biggest fuel in the game. To be there and give absolutely everything on the pitch for the fans tomorrow.”
Slegers acknowledged the issues the team has had this season: “We are aware that we need to be better in our counter-attacking moments, both from lower areas on the pitch, but also higher up because we do a lot of good work out of possession in the attacking half. But how can we generate more chances from there?”
“Being faster is absolutely something we’ve worked on because we know that last year, we played against low blocks and compact organisations a lot. So, we’re looking for moments where we can go fast and be more unpredictable. So that’s definitely something we wanted to add to our game.”
After last week’s game, Slegers told the press that “it would be worrying if weren’t playing the Arsenal way.” Questioned on what the Arsenal way is and how the team are currently playing that way, Slegers said: “I think how we look to dominate in possession, how we look to be unpredictable and fluid with our positioning, how we want to break lines, get a lot of bodies forward on the pitch on the attack, all those things.”
“And then the same on the other side of the ball, just be aggressive and be really compact and a hardworking team. I think it’s about both boxes where we’ve been vulnerable, vulnerable at the back with a couple of breaks. I think we still have the lowest shots conceded in the league, but when opposition comes through, it goes fast, and we need to manage that better.”
“So, it’s really about both boxes and what happens in between. We absolutely need to maintain, but the start and the finish on both sides of the ball can be and must be better.”
The derby will be the first time Victoria Pelova has faced her former team since leaving at the end of last season. “I think sometimes what you need in life is something else, a new environment, change, and can get something new out of you,” Slegers said about Pelova’s current form, having scored five goals in her first six games for Spurs. “It’s good to see that she plays and that she does well.”
Following boos from the crowd at the end of the 1-1 draw against Birmingham City, Slegers said the fans’ reaction was “the sound of care and frustration, which was right.” When asked if she was worried about the reaction if the result doesn’t go Arsenal’s way tomorrow, Slegers said, “We are blessed with the fans we have, that they’re showing up and selling out the away section and we’re going to do it for them because I know how much they want it, how much they’re invested and that’s going to be big fuel for us.”
The match will be at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium instead of Brisbane Road. When asked if this would give Arsenal an advantage, Slegers said, “I think it will be a fight on the pitch wherever it is. There’s going to be duels and there’s going to be one versus one moments on the pitch, and we have to be really good in those moments. So, we want to see fight from the team tomorrow.”
Slegers provided injury updates on the squad and confirmed that the same squad available against Birmingham will be available for tomorrow., Daphne Van Domselar will be back for the warm-up but is not ready for minutes. Kim Little is managing a knock following an illness, so will be unavailable, whilst Katie Reid is training almost fully with the team and Michelle Agyemang is working in the background. Speaking about Chloe Kelly’s hamstring injury, Slegers said, “She’s still not training with the team but she’s making good progress in her rehabilitation.”
Slegers was asked about the conversation surrounding Alessia Russo’s positioning. She said, “she had her best goal-scoring season for Arsenal last season (when she played in both positions), so she is really good in both positions, and she can finish from both positions. I think we, as a team, have to do everything to get into the right spaces and in good finishing positions to be able to serve all the forwards and all the quality that we have.”
Slegers admitted that, while qualifying for next year’s Champions League is in the back of Arsenal’s mind, the team are collectively focused on the next game. “For where we are now and what we need right now, it’s to get back to winning ways, and we can only do that with the next game in front of us. So that’s why the next game in front of us is the most important right now.”
Slegers final words on facing Spurs tomorrow: “I look forward to seeing our team in red going against them and giving absolutely everything on the pitch, and then again with the fans. So, I look forward to the occasion tomorrow.”
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Above: Adelaide United swarm India Breier in celebration. Photo: Adelaide United
Sydney FC’s young squad drew with Adelaide United in a tense match that saw both sides finish with two goals.
The match began with immediate tensions; both teams came out strong and with the clear intention of getting the ball in the back of the net early into the game.
The first goal came only six minutes into the match when Asha Sutton found herself in a 1v1 in front of goal and shot straight into the back of the net.
Sutton was on debut for Sydney FC, in a short-term contract for the duration of the Under-17 World Cup.
It didn’t take long for Adelaide United to get one back. Adelaide United’s Kiera Meyers took a shot at goal in the 8th minute. While Sydney FC’s
Charlotte McLean was able to get a foot on the ball, she was unable to block the shot and the goal went down as an own goal to McLean.
In the 19th minute of the match, Sydney FC took a hit with an injury for Josie Wilson, leading to her treatment and removal from the pitch.
An early substitution was made due to Wilson’s injury and Megan Mifsud made her Sydney FC debut. The match continued with a series of fouls and free kicks given to both sides, but no goals were converted.
Adelaide United held 65-75% of ball possession throughout the first half but were unable to hit the back of the net.
A challenge from Adriana Taranto on Mifsud saw her receive the first yellow card of the season.
The second half began with a series of set pieces and attempts at goal for Adelaide United. However, the first goal of the half went to Sydney FC’s Riley Cohn in the 55th minute, giving Sydney FC the lead once again.
The match continued in a tense back-and-forth attack, both sides being fouled and given free kicks on multiple occasions throughout the half. Neither side was able to find the net throughout the tense middle of the second half.
India Brier was substituted on for Adelaide United in the 79th minute, and in-the 88th minute, Brier was the one to bring the game back to a draw with an Olimpico.
Faith Webber and Riley Cohn had multiple attempts at regaining Sydney FC’s lead in the final few minutes of the match, but were unable to hit the net and the whistle was blown sealing the draw.
Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-1-4-1): Robertson, McLean, Channing, Wilson Dulaney, Price, Caspers, Cohn, Roling, Webber, Sutton. Substitutes: McCredie, Tobin, Chessari, Nada, Tay, Mifsud.
Above:Central Coast’s Eliza Familton, Peta Trimis, Skye Halmarick and Talia Kapetanelliscelebrate after one of their side’s four goals this afternoon.Photo:via Central Coast Mariners.
The Central Coast Mariners have had the perfect start to their A League Women’s season, downing the Brisbane Roar 4-2 away from home.
Although they were wasteful in front of goal in the first half, the Mariners were a lot more clinical in the second half and ultimately got the reward on the scoreboard. Peta Trimis, Talia Kapetanellis, Skye Halmarick and Morgan Witz were the quartet of goal scorers for the Central Coast, while Daisy Brown and Katrina Guillou found the back of the net for the home team.
It was the home side who dominated attacking time early, really putting the Mariners’ defence under lots of pressure early.
Despite Brisbane’s early dominance of attacking time though, it was the Mariners who got the first real opportunity of the match. However, unfortunately for the Mariners Eliza Familton skied her shot, not really troubling Chloe Lincoln in the Roar goals.
However it was not long before the Mariners would ultimately find the back of the net, when Trimis finished off some excellent set up work from Charlotte Lancaster and Danika Matos with a perfect shot around her body.
Despite going down a goal Brisbane continued to have more of the possession, but just could not get many shots away, let alone ones that really gave Mariners’ keeper Morgan Aquino much to worry about.
By contrast the Mariners were racking up a number of strong chances on goal, with the new front line combination of Trimis, Halmarick and Kapetanellis showing strong chemistry.
However, ultimately Brisbane finally got some reward for their control of possession, when a perfectly placed Murphy Agnew corner found the head of Brown, who headed the ball perfectly into the back of the net for the equalizer.
After the equalizer it was the Mariners who took control of possession, and continued to pepper the Roar goal. But as hard as they tried, they just could not get many of those shots on target and therefore could not extend their lead.
That was until things changed in the shadows of half time, when Kapetanellis let a rocket of a shot go from a tight angle to retake the lead for the visitors.
It was a fairly even start to the second half with both sides having competitive opportunities in front of goal.
Eventually the Mariners found a third goal for the afternoon at about the hour mark when Halmarick found herself in perfect position in front of goal and perfectly guided the shot past Josie Studer and Lincoln into the back of the net.
The Mariners then put some icing on the cake with about 15 minutes to go when debutant Witz found herself on the end of a perfect through ball from Halmarick and converted perfectly.
Brisbane then had an instant response less than a minute later when Guillou – who had only been substituted on a mere five minutes prior – converted perfectly from the top of the box.
Ultimately Guillou’s goal was too little too late as the Roar ran out of time to peg back any more of the deficit.
Above:Melbourne Victory celebrate after Alana Jančevski’s(#66)match winning goal.Photo:Kris Goman for Impetus.
Alana Jančevski’s stunning goal from a direct free kick has secured Melbourne Victory the win against the Western Sydney Wanderers in the opening round of the A-League Women’s.
Melbourne Victory applied serious pressure onto the Wanderers throughout the first half, eventuating in Zoe McMeeken winning a foul at the top of the box which led to the only goal of the game.
Jančevski’s delivery was a curling effort to the left side of the goal, just out of the reach of a diving Wanderers keeper Sarah Langman.
Above: A well placed free kick from Alana Jančevski (#66) proved to be the difference for the Melbourne Victory against the Western Sydney Wanderers. Credit: Kris Goman for Impetus Football
The second half saw the home side come out looking much more threatening, taking the game to Victory.
The Wanderers were particularly lifted by the injection of their youth players in 18-year-old Allyssa Ng Saad and 19-year-old Nikkita Fazzari.
The two of them had an immediate impact on the game, with Fazzari racing down the left flank, beating McMeeken’s sliding challenge before sending in the cross to find Ng Saad near the spot. Unfortunately for the Wanderers, Ng Saad wasn’t able to make great contact with the ball, seeing them denied an equaliser.
Melbourne had a handful of chances to extend its lead, one a header by substitute Chelsea Blissett which was tipped away by Langman, and another by Kayla Morrison whose shot on target was blocked by her own teammate in Sienna Tachera.
Both sides now have potential injury concerns coming out of this fixture. New signing and captain of the Wanderers Rhianna Pollicina – who returned home from Melbourne Victory – walked herself off the pitch in distress early in the game and Victory’s key defensive pillar Claudia Bunge exited the game half-way through the second half after clearing the ball.
Next round the Western Sydney Wanderers will host Brisbane Roar, while Melbourne Victory will travel to face Wellington Phoenix.
Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-3-3): Langman, Pickett, Jaber, Bjørneboe, Bennett, Sakalis, Palywoda, Pollicina, Younis, Bahr, Miller. Substitutions: Iredale 16′, Ng Saad 60′, Fazzari 60′, Fragale 84′
