Above: Maika Hamano (second from right) celebrates with team mates after scoring the match winning goal of the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup final. Photo:via AFC.
Japan are the champions of Asia for 2026, after defeating Australia 1-0 in tonight’s final.
While Maika Hamano’s first half goal was what ultimately made the difference on the scoreboard, it was a strong and disciplined defensive performance from the Nadeshiko that ultimately made the difference, really constricting Australia’s attackers while they were trying to do their job.
The start from the tournament hosts was a lively one, and Sam Kerr almost got the game off to a perfect start for the Australians inside the first two minutes but did not get enough power on her shot.
Australia was also dominating possession, but a well positioned Japanese defence meant that shots – particularly ones on target – were hard to come by. Not only was Japan getting plenty of numbers behind the ball but was also giving the Matildas’ attackers very little room to manoeuvre.
However it was the Japanese who scored first, with Hamano letting a powerful shot rip from outside the box that perfectly curled away from Mackenzie Arnold and into the back of the net.
That goal really showed the class of Japan, and showed that a side as good as Japan only needs one moment to make all the difference.
Caitlin Foord did pick up a good steal and opportunity to score with about 1o minutes left in the first half, but unfortunately for the home fans she could not quite work the angles in her favour.
Despite the Matildas’ inability to navigate past a very strong Japanese defence, the score at half time was still only 1-0 so the tournament hosts were still very much in the match at the break.
Australia continued to dominate possession, but just could not navigate a well disciplined Japanese defence, in much the same way that plagued them in the first half.
Ellie Carpenter and Kaitlyn Torpey both had prime chances in the first half of the second half, but just could not make them count for one reason or another.
As the minutes ticked down, Australia was running out of time to fix its issues in attack and find that equalising goal.
What was not helping Australia’s case was that coach Joe Montemurro was not really changing anything in terms of formation or personnel on the field. Hayley Raso was the only player brought on by Montemurro in the second half before the 80th minute mark.
Australia kept pushing hard in the last 10 minutes to try and find that equaliser, but as hard as the Matildas tried they just could not find what they were looking for.
Above: Millie Farrow (left) competes for possession with Mischa Anderson. Photo: Perth Glory
The reigning champions still sit outside the finals race as points are shared with Perth Glory in a tense affair at Sam Kerr Football Centre. Mischa Anderson starred defensively in the scoreless draw.
The match started at a frantic pace, both teams trying to create chances quickly with direct passes and runs forward.
The best of Perth’s attack came from smart balls forward from Georgia Cassidy during the first 15 minutes while energetic runs forward from Peta Trimis and Avaani Prakash generated the most positive play for the visiting Mariners.
Millie Farrow almost opened the scoring at 20 minutes after a strong piece of physical play from Tamar Levin on the byline. Levin sent a low cross through the six-yard box and Farrow just missed out on tapping the ball in.
Perth Glory had a good opportunity a couple of minutes later after winning the ball high up the pitch. Gabriella Hollar intercepted possession and played the ball across to Rola Badawiya who forced a solid save from Annalee Grove.
Badawiya looked the most dangerous of the players on the field, driving a few long-ranged efforts throughout the first half.
Levin struck a long-ranged effort in the 38thminute and she hit it well enough to force a good save out of Teresa Morrissey who stretched out to get two hands on it and collected the second time of asking.
In the 43rd minute, Isobel Dalton took a long freekick and curled it over the wall to the right of Grove’s goal. Grove did well to get across and make the save, meaning the first half ended scoreless.
In the second half, an early Mariners corner from Levin found Elizabeth Barwick-Grey who drove the ball just over the bar with a powerful header.
The competition between the drinks break in the second half was tense, with much of the battle being fought in midfield. Neither team was able to create any significant chances through the middle portion of the second half.
In the 71st minute, the dangerous Levin struck a long-ranged curled shot from outside the box which forced a great save out of Morrissey.
Morrissey had a good game in goal, and her defence were able to scramble away several efforts at goal from the resulting corner. Charli Wainwright managed to clear one of the shots off the goal-line.
In the 85th minute, Sarah O’Donoghue had the best chance of the game as the ball bobbled to her after a scramble in the Mariners’ box. She drove a shot at goal but the Mariners were able to recover to block the shot away from goal and keep it scoreless.
Despite a late free-kick in added time for both teams, neither were able to take the lead and the game ended as it started.
Central Coast still have a game in hand heading into Round 21, remaining a point behind Perth Glory who are in the seventh spot on the ladder.
Above:Brisbane Roar hat-trick hero Daisy Brown (fourth right, back to camera) celebrates after one of her hugely important strikes last night. Photo: A-Leagues.
It was a heated end-to-end battle at Spencer Park this Friday evening, where a second-half goal-fest made up for a quiet opening 45 minutes and ended in a massive 4-1 victory to Roar, sending the hosts to sixth on the ladder.
Brisbane dominated the attacking half in the early moments of the game, with Momo Hayashi breaking through a scrambling Jets defence, but was unable to convert in front of goal.
Claudia Cicco played a crucial role in the Jets’ defence, intercepting in dangerous areas, preventing an early goal as the Roar eased their way through the midfield.
Josie Allan gave Newcastle their first chance of the match with a bursting run, which was challenged by Seidl, who was shown a yellow card for the interception, awarding the Jets a free kick, which got dangerously close to an opening goal, but was ultimately halted by Roar keeper Talia Franco.
An issue with Tash Prior’s boot momentarily left a gap in the Jets’ backline, just as Brisbane’s front line put pressure on the visitors. Despite being down a defender, Newcastle was able to scrabble the ball away as the hosts got close to putting the ball over the line, before Priori made her way back to the pitch.
An expert save from Georgia Ritchie saved the Jets from conceding in the 19th minute, after Hayashia headed the ball of a fantastic Tish Woods long ball.
In an almost identical scramble in the box at the other end, Melina Ayres got gravely close to opening the scoring for Newcastle twice in extremely close succession. Both attempts were wonderfully saved by Franco.
A Hayashi free kick in the 31st minute could have given Roar the opening goal; however, the ball sliced over the crossbar.
While the hosts came onto the pitch as the more dominant attacking side, Newcastle quickly responded and turned the game around, taking the better of a slew of end-to-end chances in the first half. After a minute of added time and strong efforts across the pitch, the match remained goalless at half-time.
Daisy Brown opened the scoring for Brisbane Roar in the 46th minute, slotting the ball behind Emma Bates and straight past the hands of Ritchie. Ayres looked to respond and reassert the Jets’ attacking strength with a powerful strike from outside the box, which just flew over the crossbar.
Another strike from Brown extended Queenslanders’ lead, with the 19-year-old earning a brace just minutes after first hitting the back of the net.
The match remained a heated battle, as the second yellow card of the evening was shown to Ashlyn Miller after a scuffle inside the box.
The Jets found a fantastic opportunity to earn a goal, as Lauren Allan’s first touch of the game came in the form of a shot on target, which once again, found the safe hands of Franco.
The 62nd saw Brown compete her hat-trick, earning her seventh goal and first claim of the match ball in her maiden A-League campaign, and finding her place as one of the league’s youngest ever hat-trick heroes.
Just minutes later, Bente Jansen slammed the ball to the back of the net, after an excellent buildup from Medwin and Brown, bringing the scoreline up to 4-0.
It wasn’t long before Jets found a response, with Tash Prior scoring the first of the evening for the visitors, as stoppage time approached.
Tameka Yallop came dangerously close to the line as the Matilda looked for a comeback goal in her second appearance back from injury. The ball was excellently saved by Ritchie, who sent the ball over the crossbar.
The intensity did not slow down in the final minutes of the match, as Copus-Brown was shown a yellow card following a foul on Hayashi.
Sophie Hoban managed to send the ball around Franco, netting the second for the Jets within five minutes of added time.
Despite non-stop efforts at both ends, right up to the final second of play, there were no late goals to be found, leaving Brisbane Roar victorious.
The penultimate round of the home and away season will see Brisbane host fellow top six rivals Perth Glory. Newcastle Jets will head to ServiceFM Stadium to take on Adelaide United.
Above: Wellington Phoenix (group on right) celebrate after scoring one of their three goals tonight against Sydney FC. Photo:via the A-Leagues.
The Wellington Phoenix have come from behind to defeat Sydney FC 3-1 in an important win in the race for finals and the premiership.
Sydney FC initially shocked its more fancied opponents with a goal from Caley Tallon-Henniker before it was quickly cancelled out by a goal from Pia Vlok, then second half goals from Marisa Van der Meer and Brooke Nunn sealed the result for the visitors.
The Sky Blues sent an almost instant shockwave through the Phoenix camp, when Tallon-Henneker curled the ball in from out wide and into the back of the net inside the opening three minutes of the match.
The Phoenix almost equalised a minute and a half later but Van der Meer’s header from a Pia Vlok corner ultimately went a little too wide.
Wellington did not have to wait too much longer to find that equaliser though, when Vlok flicked a powerful shot beyond Sydney keeper Heather Hinz and into the back of the net. She was set up by a brilliant through ball from Nunn, who perfectly curled the ball around several Sydney defenders and through to Vlok.
A large part of the first half was really end to end football from both sides, with both sides being able to work the ball to their attacking end with relative ease but neither side managing to get many particularly dangerous shots away.
For Sydney it was Tallon-Henniker and Amber Luchtmeijer out wide that were looking the most dangerous, whereas for the Phoenix it was usual suspects Vlok and Makala Woods.
But in the end, despite there being 15 shots between the two sides in the first half, the two sides went into the break locked at that one all draw.
The home side came out with some very positive attacking energy early in the second half, and did much of the attacking.
However the Phoenix did eventually start to wrestle back control of the match and started to build up some attacking time of their own.
Zoe Benson almost made an instant impact as a second half substitution after coming on just before the hour mark, but found herself on the wrong side of an offside call.
The Phoenix did not have to wait too much longer to get a legal goal though, after a corner kick from Manaia Elliott perfectly found the head of Van der Meer, who headed the ball perfectly into the back of the net.
The Nix then found a cushioning goal with about 15 minutes to go after Nunn perfectly got a powerful shot away from a tight angle. The goal was funnily enough set up by a perfect switch cross from Vlok, repaying her team mate for setting up her goal earlier in the night in the process.
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.
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.
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.
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Ahead of their first ever NPLW WA game at home to Subiaco on Sunday, head coach Annie Farrell speaks exclusively to Impetus’ Ben Gilby about the culmination of several years of preparation to make the big league(18/3/26)
Above: Sorrento in the huddle during the pre-season NPLW WA Night Series competition. Photo: ‘Go There Photography’ – Stuart Govier, supplied to Impetus by Sorrento FC.
In the seven season history of the NPLW WA, Sorrento are about to become only the second newly promoted team into the league when they host Subiaco this Sunday afternoon at the Percy Doyle Reserve.
The club have come up in place of last season’s bottom club, Murdoch University Melville, who won the first two seasons of the competition. Head coach Annie Farrell underlines that the achievement came after several years of planning.
“Promotion to NPLW is always the result of a long-term project rather than something that happens in a single season,” she said.
“The club leadership, including Allan Hodgkinson, Victor Giudicatti and former president Nico Hoyle, have played key roles in building the foundations of the program. Last season’s State League head coach Betim Ziba also played an important role in guiding the team through the successful promotion campaign.
“The State League Division One competition last season was extremely competitive and the race for promotion went right down to the final stages of the campaign, and the State League Division One team did what was required to secure promotion.
“The group of players involved in that campaign worked incredibly hard throughout the season and laid the foundation for the club to enter the NPLW competition. It was a fantastic achievement for the club and one that everyone involved is extremely proud of.
“Sorrento has worked hard over a number of years to build a strong junior base and develop a pathway for female players within the club. Now that the club is competing in the NPLW, it provides a platform to attract more players and coaches while continuing to develop those already part of the program.”
That pathway is, arguably the most important aspect of a club’s aims to be a long term participant in the NPLW WA, and Farrell believes that the talent pool that is building at Percy Doyle Reserve is extremely promising.
“The junior girls program at Sorrento is very strong and has been built over a period of time through the work of many people within the club,” the head coach stated.
“There are several talented groups coming through the junior pathways, particularly within the JDL and the U13 and U15 age groups. We also have a U18 group that has been together for quite some time, and several of those players have already been exposed to the U21 environment during preseason.
Above: Sorrento’s Mel Shepherd and EJ Silver (blue kit) in action against Subiaco in the pre-season Night Series competition. Photo: Go There Photography’ – Stuart Govier, supplied to Impetus by Sorrento FC.
“Overall, the pathway is well structured and the club has a good pool of talent to drive player progress into the NPLW teams. The aim is to continue developing those players and provide them with opportunities to progress into the senior environment over the next few NPLW seasons.”
This pathway is particularly important when it comes to recruiting members to the senior side in future years. At present, teams coming into the NPLW WA find it naturally challenging to attract players from the league’s established clubs, as Farrell admitted, “Recruitment has been one of the more challenging aspects of preparing for the season.
“Initially we had a lot of interest from players, particularly from those currently involved in NPLW programs at other clubs. However, many ultimately decided to remain at their existing clubs due to previous commitments and loyalty, which is understandable.
“A number of players from the State League promotion squad have remained, particularly some of the younger players. A couple unfortunately aren’t playing this season due to injury or work commitments, but we’re very happy with the players who have stayed and continued with the program.
“It has also been really pleasing to bring back several players who came through the Sorrento junior program, including Claudia Hocking and Stella Zampogna, who both progressed through the club as juniors.
“We have a number of players within the squad who bring experience and quality to the group.
“Players such as Sophia Papalia, Stella Zampogna, Mel Shepherd and Ruby Walsh provide an important level of experience and leadership within what is still a relatively young squad.
“At the same time, we also have some exciting young talent coming through the ranks. Players such as Lucy Hope, Jaalah Rudd, Isla Edwards and EJ Silver have been identified as players with strong potential and have been given opportunities as part of their development journey.
“The aim is to continue supporting these players so that they can grow and to establish themselves as top NPLW players in the coming seasons and maybe even go further than that.
“We essentially had to recruit two entirely new squads with both the First Team and the U21s. While that required a lot of work, it has also created a really positive environment at the club by opening up opportunities for players to step into a new high-performance setting and be part of the next stage of the program’s growth.
“The group has settled in extremely well together and there has been a really positive environment developing within the squad.”
The pre-season planning was about more than just player recruitment. Sorrento’s head coach highlighted an in-depth process of trying to dot as many i’s and cross as many t’s as possible in preparation.
Above: Sorrento’s Sophia Papalia in action against Subiaco in the Night Series recently. Photo: Go There Photography’ – Stuart Govier, supplied to Impetus by Sorrento FC.
“The process began with discussions and interviews around the coaching structure, how the program would look and operate, and aligning expectations for how the women’s program would move forward.
“From there it was about building training programs, organising facilities and equipment, and ensuring that all of the resources required for a successful NPLW program were in place.
“The club leadership has been fantastic throughout the whole process and has made the transition a seamless progression by supporting the program and removing barriers to creating an elite playing environment. President Victor Giudicatti, Vice President Allan Hodgkinson, and Club Secretary Kerry Slater have all been incredibly supportive and their backing has made the transition into NPLW much easier.”
Sorrento entered the pre-season Night Series competition with games against Perth RedStar, Subiaco, and Fremantle City. Whilst all three games ended in defeat, the newly promoted side can take particular pride in how they grew into the tournament, particularly in their final round robin match against an extremely strong Freo side, going down 2-1 after Daisy Snowden had given Sorrento a 22nd minute lead.
Now, as the clock ticks ever closer to Sunday’s round one game at home to Subiaco, the club are lasering in on making history.
“There is a real sense of excitement around the club as we prepare to enter our first NPLW WA season,” said Farrell.
“The club hierarchy has been incredibly supportive of the vision for the women’s program and there is a strong feeling that everyone is committed to building something special.
“During the Night Series we conceded a few goals, but many of those came from our own mistakes, which is quite natural for a young group that is still building connections and understanding. The positive side is that the group is learning quickly, working hard together, and there is a real energy around what we are building as we head into our first NPLW season.
Making targets for the club’s first season in the NPLW WA are tough, but essentially it’s all about gradual improvement and maintaining their status.
“The key focus for us is continued development and learning,” said Sorrento’s head coach.
“We have a young squad and a number of new players who are coming together for the first time, so growth as individuals and as a collective group will be very important as the season progresses.
“Mistakes will happen — that’s part of the process — but the focus is on learning from those moments and continuing to improve. Just as important is the team mentality of supporting one another and responding positively in those situations.
Above: Sorrento’s Jalaah Rudd drives forward against Subiaco in the Night Series last month. Photo: Go There Photography’ – Stuart Govier, supplied to Impetus by Sorrento FC.
“If the group continues to grow, develop and build strong connections on the pitch, we believe we can be very competitive in games and develop clear identity as a team, and continuing to grow as a squad. At the same time, it is important that we establish ourselves in the NPLW competition and avoid relegation in our first season.
“Beyond that, success will also be measured by keeping a core group of players together to fit within the Player roster composition rules, such as fielding a maximum of three visa players, seven loyalty/homegrown players, and to aid in that by continuing to provide opportunities for younger players to develop within the program.
“The focus moving forward is on sustainability, longevity and continued development so that the women’s program can grow and strengthen year after year.”
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.
🚨🟣 SENOL NPLWVIC GOAL! 29:29: Avondale FC score to make it AVFC 1 : MCY 0.
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.
🚨🟣 SENOL NPLWVIC GOAL! 07:52: Heidelberg United FC score to make it BEFC 0 : HUFC 1.
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.
🚨🟣 SENOL NPLWVIC GOAL! 20:03: Spring Hills FC score to make it SHFC 1 : PLFC 0.
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.
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.
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.
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