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Underdogs unseat Foxes to gain promotion to top flight

Charlton Athletic 0-0 Leicester City (2-1 on penalties)

by Ben Tattoo (23/5/26)

Above: Charlton Athletic celebrate after defeating Leicester City in penalties to gain promotion to the top flight of English Women’s football. Photo: via WSL

Charlton Atheltic wrote themselves into the history books this afternoon, triumphing the first ever Women’s Super League play off to seal their place in the topflight next season and relegate Leicester City to the WSL2.

Not for the first time this season, goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse was the hero for Charlton, making several outstanding stops during the game before saving an incredible four spot kicks in a tense penalty shootout that followed the goalless 120 minutes between the two sides.

The Action

It was fast and physical start to the game, with both sides committing numerous fouls and looking to get the ball forwards quickly.

Despite being out form and fielding a reshuffled line up, Charlton looked to take the game to a Leicester side who have won just two points from 11 games on the road in the WSL this season.

Leicester looked short of confidence and indecisive on the ball, but the home side struggled to create clear-cut changes despite some excellent pressure.

Jodie Hutton found space in the box, but her shot was well blocked by Julie Thibaud before heading Katie Bradley’s free kick across goal with Leicester scrambling the ball clear. She then teed up Emma Bissell after good work by Karin Muya but the forward failed to make a good connection from a promising position.

Just before half time, Leicester came closest to opening the scoring, with Shannon O’Brien forcing Whitehouse into a stunning one-handed save with her deflected snapshot from 18 yards.

A triple change on 55 minutes changed things for Leicester and they were by far the more dominant side for the rest of the game.

They immediately began to make inroads into Charlton’s half with Van Egmond linking up well with Sarah Mayling. Sam Tierney and Van Egmond both shot wide after good play down the right side.

With neither side able to break the deadlock, extra time arrived and Charlton came closest to breaking the deadlock when Katie Lockwood’s drive came back off the crossbar.

Leicester pushed back and Whitehouse again produced a fantastic save, diving to her right to push Heather Payne’s well-struck volley out for a corner.

Leicester’s lack of composure in good attacking positions again let them down when Tierney blazed over after being teed up by Van Egmond in the last meaningful opportunity of the game.

From the moment the shoot-out started it was the Sophie Whitehouse show. The Irish international saved penalties from Van Egmond, O’Brien, Payne and Naomie Mouchon to send the crowd wild and Charlton back into the top flight for the first time since 2008.

Analysis

In her post match press conference, Charlton manager Karen Hills, sitting with Whitehouse, talked much about the importance of being a strong, defensive cohesive unit.

“We were very confident in our out of possession shape. The players from the front defended, everyone knew their roles and responsibilities.”

These are the principles that have been the foundation of Charlton’s excellent season, where they conceded the least goals in the WSL 2 (21), and it was the strategy that helped them overcome their WSL opponents.

Leicester had 65% of the possession and over three times as many shots (22-6), however 10 were from outside the penalty area and only four efforts hit the target. Charlton’s defence made eight blocks compared to Leicester’s one.

When Leicester did hit the target, they found Whitehouse in unbeatable form. Her crucial stop before half time from O’Brien’s deflected shot was the pick of the bunch, but every save she made seemed to raise Charlton sprits and dent Leicester’s already fragile confidence.

Whitehouse was keen to echo her managers statements, highlighting how this strategy will prepare the side well for competing against WSL sides next season.

With their fantastic team togetherness, fighting spirit and heroic goalkeeper, it is clear to see that any team facing this Charlton Athletic will have to play at their very best to beat them.

Leicester boss Rick Passmore was clearly disappointed, but full of praise for the attitude of his team and the wider community at the club. He also spoke about the need for clarity moving forwards “we’ve got to review what we want to do. What’s our identity and values?”.

There is certainly much to ponder for the Foxes. On the pitch the club have suffered 12 straight defeats in all competitions prior to this game, and are winless away from home since January 2024. They scored just 11 goals in the WSL this season, with O’Brien notching five of them.

Off the pitch there will be players futures to think about and the likely financial implications of having both their men’s and women’s side relegated in the same season.

Clarity is needed for sure, but one thing is for certain; it will be a long, hard summer for the East Midlands Club.

Teams

CHARLTON ATHLETIC (4-2-3-1): Whitehouse, Fitzgerald, Skeels, Lobato, Mason, Kenney, Bradley, McAteer, Muya, Hutton, Bissell. Substitutes: Leitzig, Payne, Neville, Swaby, Goodwin, Ayane, Van Egmond, Williams, Mouchon.

LEICESTER CITY (5-2-1-2): Keane, Mayling, Kees, Thibaud, Jansson, Ale, Tierney, Rantala, McLoughlin, Cain, O’Brien. Substitutes: Pedersen, Ross, Pearsen, Humphrey, Lockwood, Finlayson, Thestrup, Waldie.

Referee: Emily Healsip
Attendance: 3,979

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Joe Montemurro names mixed Matildas squad for Mexico friendlies

Above: The CommBank Matildas lineup against Kenya in the April window. Image: Matildas via X.

By Genevieve Henry (20/5/26).

Matildas head coach Joe Montemurro has named his squad for the June friendly series against Mexico in Newcastle and Sydney. With one first-time call-up and two potential milestone appearances, Montemurro is bringing a mix of experience and freshness to the squad.

“We’ve retained a strong core group, while also creating opportunities for players who have performed well at club level and are ready for experience in the international environment,” Montemurro said.

17-year old Adelaide United goalkeeper Ilona Melegh will be attending her first senior Matildas camp after a standout A-League Women season. She made 12 appearances and recorded five clean sheets and was named the winner of the 2025/26 Adelaide United A-League Women Rising Star Award. She has also impressed at the Young Matildas level, most recently competing in the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup and starting all four games.

Nottingham Forest’s Alana Murphy will be back in the squad for the first time since June 2025, and hoping to earn her 6th cap. Isabel Gomez will be looking for her 3rd and Leticia McKenna, who stunned with a goal on debut, will be looking for her 2nd.

On the other end of the experience spectrum, Ellie Carpenter will be eyeing her 100th game in green and gold and Caitlin Foord her 150th.

Several players will be coming into camp off big career moves and accomplishments. Mary Fowler’s Manchester City just won in a dominant Women’s Super League campaign in England and Sam Kerr became Chelsea’s all-time joint top scorer in her final game with the Blues.

With fresh legs as well as veteran stars, Montemurro has options to explore as Australia looks ahead to the 2027 World Cup.

“This window provides another important step for us as we continue building consistency and clarity in the way we want to play,” Montemurro said.

Big name players missing out on the series include Katrina Gorry, Michelle Heyman, Tameka Yallop and Charli Grant. Clare Hunt similarly misses out due to an injury sustained in the Asian Cup. Kyra Cooney-Cross missed the end of Arsenal’s season to spend time with her mother, Jess as she battles a rare and aggressive cancer, and was not named in this squad.

Australia will host Mexico at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on June 6, then at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on June 9.

Mexico are ranked 27th in the world and will provide a tough matchup for a Matildas side searching for consistency in World Cup preparations.

“Mexico will present a different challenge for us, and that’s exactly what we need at this stage. Exposing the group to varied opposition and conditions is critical as we continue to grow, and we’re looking forward to maximising our time together both on and off the pitch.”

CommBank Matildas June 2026 Squad

Mackenzie ARNOLD	Goalkeeper	Portland Thorns FC	67 (0)
Ellie CARPENTER	Defender	Chelsea FC	99 (5)
Steph CATLEY	Defender	Arsenal WFC	146 (7)
Alex CHIDIAC	Midfielder	F.C Como Women	39 (2)
Caitlin FOORD	Forward	Arsenal WFC	148 (40)
Mary FOWLER	Forward	Manchester City	69 (17)
Isabel GOMEZ	Midfielder	Central Coast Mariners	2 (0)
Winonah HEATLEY	Defender	AS Roma	20 (0)
Alanna KENNEDY	Defender	London City Lionesses	150 (17)
Sam KERR	Forward	Unattached	139 (75)
Chloe LINCOLN	Goalkeeper	Brisbane Roar FC	5 (0)
Leticia MCKENNA	Forward	Melbourne City FC	1 (1)
Holly MCNAMARA	Forward	Melbourne City FC	19 (2)
Ilona MELEGH	Goalkeeper	Adelaide United FC	0 (0)
Alana MURPHY	Midfielder	Nottingham Forest	5 (0)
Courtney NEVIN	Defender	Malmo FF	44 (1)
Jamilla RANKIN	Defender	TSG 1899 Hoffenheim	9 (0)
Hayley RASO	Forward	Eintracht Frankfurt	108 (24)
Charlize RULE	Defender	Brighton Hove & Albion F.C.	6 (0)
Amy SAYER	Midfielder	Malmo FF	26 (5)
Remy SIEMSEN	Forward	FC Rosengard	17 (0)
Kaitlyn TORPEY	Forward	Newcastle United	27 (2)
Emily VAN EGMOND	Midfielder	Leicester City	173 (33)
Clare WHEELER	Midfielder	Everton WFC	41 (3)

CommBank Matildas v Mexico

Date: Saturday, 6 June 2026

Kick-off: 7.15pm AEST

Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

TV Broadcast: Network 10, Paramount+

CommBank Matildas v Mexico

Date: Tuesday, 9 June 2026

Kick-off: 7.00pm AEST

Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney

TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive

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NPLW Vic R13: Spring Hill’s surprise win and new signings make impacts around the league

By Kieran Yap 20/5/26

Above: Spring Hills FC celebrate Chelsea De Silva’s late winner

Top place on the table continues to see-saw, new signings make an impact and Spring Hills FC find a hero when it matters.

Round 13 kicked off on Friday night with Bentleigh Greens and Heidelberg United. The reigning premiers ended the game as 2-1 victors, but were challenged by an improved Bentleigh squad looking to turn their season around.

Heidelberg welcomed Sarah O’Donoghue back into the lineup, the playmaker returns from Perth Glory for the duration of the season, and her link up with the likes of Samantha Curwood-Wagner looks promising.

Bentleigh’s new signing Savannah Oxley did not feature for the club, but like their performance, the striker’s arrival is a sign that there is still ambition in the league’s last-placed team.

The home side took the lead in the 66^th minute. Karina Tolios’s excellent curling shot from distance took the Heidelberg defence by surprise and swerved beyond Mia Bailey.

Curwood-Wagner’s deft finish in the 84^th minute drew the teams level and Heidelberg found the winner less than a minute later through Jiyoun Seo. The in-form striker ran onto a long ball to tuck away the winner with cold composure and extend The Warriors undefeated run to five games.

Box Hill United regained top spot with a 5-1 win against Melbourne City. The struggling visitors shocked the league leaders when Maia Capitanio’s eighth minute strike gave them an early lead. City won the ball back with their attacking press and the skipper fired low into the bottom corner.

Box Hill regrouped, and Maho Murakami scored one of the goals of the season to restore parity. The midfielder won the ball herself and stormed forward before launching a vicious effort into the net from 30 yards.

That gave the home side the momentum that they are accustomed to, and Erin Keyt made sure they had the lead before half time. A poacher’s finish at the back post from a corner kick earned her an 11^th goal for the season.

The game stayed impressively tight until Kiara Bercelli’s 75^th minute goal extended Box Hill’s lead. The winger cut inside from the left and opened up space to fire home from outside of the box.

Keyt made the result certain with her second of the night in the 85^th minute after another long range strike before Bercelli finished off the evening’s scoring with a delightfully curled free kick in the 90^th.

Saturday action kicked off with Spring Hills FC beating Avondale FC 1-0 thanks to some late heroics by Chelsea De Silva.

As the home side, Avondale took the initiative early, and had Spring Hills on the back foot for much of the game. Beattie Goad was in sparking form for the hosts and hit the woodwork to go along with her typically teasing footwork.

Despite their pressure and the lurking threat of Hannah Wilkinson, Avondale could not find the goal and were made to pay by De Silvas 87^th minute goal.

A long and slightly hopeful free kick forward launched Spring Hills into attack and De Silva somehow snuck onto the bouncing ball behind ta hesitant defence. She struck it on the half volley at the near post and into the top corner to give Spring Hills a shock, but not underserved win. They had held out against one of the best attack’s in the competition and reversed their run of bad results in the league and build on a midweek Nike Fc Cup win over Geelong Galaxy.

While the winning goal made this match seem like a smash and grab on paper, Spring Hills could have had the leader earlier. Montana Mathews earned a penalty, but Brooke Bennett saved sublimely from the resulting spot-kick.

Bulleen Lions won their home game against Alamein FC 2-1 after coming from behind in a close but entertaining encounter. The Lions welcomed back Ava Briedis to the club, the striker adds valuable depth and significant quality to a team already lacking neither. Nikki Furukowa also made her debut for the home side after the Canadian attacker crossed from South Melbourne.

Summer Laskey scored her fourth of the season and the first of this game. The American raced onto a half clearance/half pass from midfield to finish beyond Alyssa Dall Oste and give Alamein the lead against the run of play.

It took until the second half for Bulleen to bring the scores level. Alanna Cortellino’s dash along the left opened up the space and her low cross found Tiffany Eliadis who finished well from six yards.

Eliadis is so often to provider or engine for this Bulleen side and got to be the hero herself on this occasion. She scored a late winner after lifting the ball over Miranda Templeman. Maja Markosvski supplied the assist, but the finish was all class and worthy of winning any game.

Templeman was excellent for the visitors as Alamein weathered Bulleen’s attacks, but The Lions were able to find the goal they needed in the end and keep in touch with Box Hill at the top of the ladder.

Essendon Royals put on a show for their home fans with a 4-1 win over South Melbourne. Two goals to new signing Maggie Jenkins set the tone for the match, and even though the New Zealdn striker was withdrawn in the 36^th minute through injury, she made a huge impact. Hopefully she can recover quickly because she was a delight to watch and alongside Kalli McGoarty will form a fearsome strike force.

Akiesha Sandu’s cross drifted in to give Essendon a 3-0 lead at half time, and McGoarty effectively ended the game as a contest with what is becoming a routine goal for her in the 50^th minute. ‘

South Melbourne captain Francesca Iermano scored a consolation goal soon after, but South were unable to add any more to their tally.

The result was a slight shock, if only in its scale, but South Melbourne have also made some good signings in this window so far. Clancy Westaway will add class on the ball and create chances for this usually dangerous attack and Alana Cerne can play in midfield or defence, and although she is coming off a full season with Western Sydney Wanderers, she has dominated this league in the past and it will be a privilege to watch her again.

This day was all about Essendon though, and the win pushes them up to third on the table, and only two points behind Bulleen and Box Hill.

Keilor Park SC and Boroondara Eagles met in the highest scoring game of the round. The visint eagles eventually finished 5-2 winners for their first positive result in a month.

It was another new signing that made the difference. Rosie Rodger’s hatrick was all that separated the teams on paper. Zoe Bennet’s free kick in the 15^th minute set up Kanako Higuchi for a thumping header, and Boroondara had an early lead.

Keilor Park levelled things up almost immediately through Jessica Sheehan. A comedy of uncharacteristic errors at the back for Boroondara provided the chance and Sheehan gleefully accepted.

That was the last favour that Boroondara would do for the hosts, Priya Savarirayan’s run and cross was met with a well timed run by Rodger to score her first for her new club.

The pair combined in almost identical fashion for Boroondara’s third. Another low cross and another well placed finish made it 3-1 to the visitors.

Rodger’s rampage ended in the 62^nd minute after she finished off a persistent and aggressive passing move involving Coco Parker and Emma Vane. She was on the spot again and once again made no mistake.

A chaos ball into the area gave Runa Komidori the chance to score from a close range volley, and she left Mia Mossman with no chance. Keilor had pulled one back ,but it was 4-1 in the 70^th minute.

Higuchi scored Boroondara’s fifth from the spot, to end the days scoring and keep the Eagles in the top four.

Sunday’s only game was between Melbourne Victory and Preston Lions. The visiting Preston’s recent form made this an intriguing encounter in Victory coach Santiago Escudero’s final game in charge.

It was an entertaining affair that ended 2-0 to the hosts, and one decided by moments of quality at both ends. Chloe Mckenzie pulled off an excellent stop to deny Natlie Olsen. Lions goalkeeper Charlotte Hrehoresin then supplied her own heroics to stop Victory from scoring from an impressive end-to end move that ended with an Alice Francou shot.

Eva Papaleo looked to have given the visitors the lead, but her goal was ruled out for offside, and then Fiorina Iaria produced a brilliant solo goal to open the scoring.

The Victory winger cut inside from the left and twisted back and forth until she found the space to score from the edge of the box.

Jasmine Millar scored the important second goal in the 63^rd minute to give Victory all the breathing room they needed to hold off Preston and claim the three points.

Check out Samantha Wilcox’s gallery of images from Victory vs Preston here

In appreciation of Essendon’s new recruit

Let’s hope that the injury is not serious because in 20 minutes Maggies Jenkins showed why her arrival at The Royals was so heralded.

The capped New Zealand international was phenomenal in the short time she graced the pitch, scoring two goals of real quality. Crucial to Essendon’s hopes was that Jenkins and Kelli McGroarty could quickly establish a partnership in attack.

It took less than 10 minutes for it to appear obvious they had. McGroarty rarely hesitates around goal, and her speculative but confident half volley from outside of the box was saved, but Jenkins anticipated the chance and smashed home the rebound.

Her second was pure class, composure and skill. Jenkins picked up the ball just inside the attacking half, accelerated toward goal, twisted one defender inside-out and then finished surrounded by three others. It was a glorious piece of individual skill.

Jenkins looks like an exciting addition to the league and in a round where new signings made statements, hers was one of the most emphatic. Essendon have once again shown serious ambition in the transfer window, and once Jenkins recovers will form one of the most fearsome striker partnerships in the league.

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England Squad Announcement

by Damion Arnold 19/5/26

Above: Sarina Wiegman speaking to the media after announcing the latest 25-player squad. Photo: Damion Arnold

Sarina Wiegman has named 25 players for England’s final FIFA 2027 Women’s World Cup European Qualifiers in June.

Manchester United’s Ella Toone returns to international duty after being sidelined with a hip injury back in November 2025. Chelsea striker Aggie Beever-Jones and London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey have both returned after missing out on the last camp. Notably, Lucy Bronze has also been named in the squad despite missing Saturday’s WSL game against Manchester United.

Their penultimate match will see them face Spain at the Estadi Mallorca on June 5. The last time the two sides met, Lauren Hemp’s third minute goal was the only difference as the Lionesses came away 1-0.

The final European Qualifier will see the Lionesses return home as they host Ukraine at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on June 9. Ukraine welcomed England to the Mardan Stadyumu in the first European Qualifier. The Lionesses breezed past their hosts 6-1 with Alessia Russo, Georgia Stanway and Jessica Park all scoring a brace.

Wins against Spain and Ukraine will automatically qualify England for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

Speaking to the media, Weigman said:

Sarina Wiegman said: “Naming the squad nearly two weeks before we meet-up at St. George’s Park gives the players important clarity as the European season comes to a close. This is clearly a very big moment in our qualification campaign.”

Speaking on how important it is to get automatic promotion, Wiegman said: “We have an opportunity to qualify for the World Cup, and we know what the scenarios are. We really want to go out there (against Spain) and play to win. We know, of course, how it stands. If we win or tie, we qualify, but even if we wouldn’t (win or draw against Spain), there’s still a chance against Ukraine.”

Wiegman added: “Of course, what we want to do is go to Mallorca and play Spain and beat Spain. That’s our starting point, and play better than we have done in Wembley, because we want to improve every single day.”

The Squad:

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

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

Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Jess Park (Manchester United), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Chelsea).

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Big goal tally brings big joy to Courage coach

by Alyce Collett (18/5/26)

Above: Ally Schlegel (pink uniform) celebrates scoring her first goal for North Carolina on Saturday. Photo: Lewis Gettier.

The North Carolina Courage got back on the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) winners list in a big way on the weekend, comfortably beating Chicago 4-0.

Speaking to the media after the win, one of the things most front of mind for Courage coach Mak Lind was the number of goals his side had scored. The 4-0 scoreline is both the biggest win for the Courage this season and the most amount of goals the side has scored in one game so far in 2026.

Lind described the win as “very important” and also noted that it was “nice to score many goals” with “four different goal scorers.”

“It was a big win for us today. [We] needed to show that we can score goals, we can score many goals” Lind said.

But it was not total praise from Lind, with the coaching noting that he was “not so happy with the first half.”

“We were way too passive, especially in our out of possession play” Lind explained.

“We were not really aggressive and try to win the ball. But we fixed that at half time, talked about details.

“It was a different team in the second half, and four goals could have been even more. But I’ll take four goals. I’ll take four-zero and yeah, very happy.”

The full time score was starkly different to the half tally, which was scoreless after a mostly even first half.

“It’s not often I raise my voice, but at halftime I was little bit on the players and said ‘We need to be aggressive. This is our home, and we need to be very forward-leaning’” Lind explained.

“With that adjustment we saw a different team, so it was a clear message. I showed a couple of pictures in halftime – when we could be more aggressive, how we could be more aggressive – especially when we win the ball a couple of times could be a good goal scoring opportunity. So I’m happy that we fixed it and the player response was amazing.”

During preseason Lind talked about his expectations around the team scoring lots of goals, and after the weekend’s performance he agreed that the side’s forward group was finally displaying that expectation.

“Today, yes. I would say we scored four goals and could have score more goals” Lind said.

“It’s not I feel like we’re scoring crazy many goals, and it will come with time. I’m very patient in my job and need to be patient, but I feel that we are dangerous when we have the ball, and we create many goal-scoring opportunities.

“You need to do that to win games, and to win games with a couple of goals. So I think today was a big step or important step to show that we can win games with more than one goal and hopefully we can see that more often also this season.”

One of the four goal scorers was Ally Schlegel, with the half time substitute scoring in Courage colours for the first time after an offseason move from Chicago.

“She’s also a very good person and the preseason has been challenging a little bit for her with injuries, but right now she’s training very good” Lind said about Schlegel.

“I’m happy to have her on board and we see more and more from her. So she did a good second half and helped the team and had a great impact on what we try to do.

So, happy for that performance. First goal for her at the Courage. also first goal for [Evelyn Ijeh}.

“It’s also important that the offensive players need to feel like they can score goals, and a big part of scoring goals is confidence. You don’t want to go too many games without scoring a goal then of course your confidence will get a hit.”

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Phoenix leaders heartbroken but proud after historic decider appearance

by Alyce Collett (18/5/26)

Above: The Wellington Phoenix ahead of the 2025/26 A-League Women’s Grand Final. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

For every Grand Final champion there is a vanquished team on the other side of the equation, and unfortunately for the Wellington Phoenix it was them on Saturday afternoon after they lost the 2025/26 A-League Women’s Grand Final to Melbourne City.

But for both the Phoenix captain Mackenzie Barry and coach Bev Priestman, there was an overwhelming feeling of pride post match despite the obvious hurt on their faces.

“I think it was a tough way to end the season, especially since it was so positive for us” Barry said.

“We’ve improved so much. I think we were a super competitive team this season, and just to end on a loss is tough. But I do think Melbourne City were the better team tonight. So to finish second, we’re still really happy with how we performed.”

“I think we didn’t give the best account of ourselves in the first half, and I think when you’re not at your best, a team like City can punish you” Priestman reflected.

“They’ve got the players. I think some of them goals were great goals. But you know what, what I am proud of is I think the second half, we gave a much better account of ourselves. We never gave up, which I think is important.

“But yeah it wasn’t our best night, and I think to beat City with their experience in a grand final, you have to be at your best and, and we weren’t.

“But what I would say is it doesn’t define our season. I think that’s the most important thing. I think we, the players, the staff, have to hold their heads high.”

The question was posed to Priestman about whether her side had gotten overawed in the first half because it was their first Grand Final, and she said that there was “lot of things” at play that affected how her side played.

“I thought we looked tired. [The] extra time last week, the travel, you don’t know these things, right? You’ll only ever know when you unpick it a little bit after the game.

“But, it was a big occasion. I listened to that New Zealand anthem, and players are in tears in that because that’s what it means. They know [what] the bigger purpose was, there’s some Kiwis in that team. You could just see the moment right? So yeah, it may be the occasion, but like I say, I’m super proud. I couldn’t be any prouder of them, and we will be better for this moment.”

Another thing that Priestman agreed on was that she had strong belief that her team would come back hungrier and ambitious to go one step further next season.

“I’ve seen people be at their best when they’re hungry, and I think this leaves a little bit on us, and in many ways it might help us next year, right? To push to another level.” Priestman proposed.

“I’ve got an ambitious club. [The chatter] is about improving for next season.

“I’m at my best in these moments. The hunger, the desire to push forward. I think everybody will channel that now. When we turn up in preseason for next season, we all know what could have been right? And I think what you learn about people in difficult moments is those who then grab it by the scruff of the neck and push forward.

“So I think I’ve got a very dedicated, humble group of players who all wanted the best for the club that they put the shirt on. It wasn’t through a lack of effort, it was just on the day we weren’t at our best, and that’s finals football.”

Barry also said that there was a feeling of hunger amongst the playing group to go even further next season.

“Yeah definitely. We already want to play Melbourne City again and step it up again, because we know that, as you saw in the second half, that we can beat them and create good chances” Barry said.

“It was a slow start, I think, in the first half, and unfortunately they capitalised on our mistakes. But we just want to play them again and have a more consistent performance, and I think we can beat them in the future.”

Barry is one of a few Phoenix players that have been at the club since they joined the competition, and agreed that she had seen “huge amount” of growth in the side since that first season.

“When I first started, it was hard to score a goal or even win a game, so we’ve grown so much” Barry said.

“This season has been amazing for me. I’ve enjoyed it very much. We’ve just gone from strength to strength.

“Even though we’ve had setbacks with injuries, we’ve just overcome them and scored a lot of goals, which is so exciting. In previous seasons, we’ve really struggled to do that.

“We’re an exciting team to watch, and I think that’s great for us.”

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Victors reflect on trophy that was a long time coming

by Alyce Collett (17/5/26)

Above: Melbourne City celebrate after winning the 2025/26 A-League Women’s Grand Final. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

There were plenty of smiling faces wearing light blue in the corridors of AAMI Park last night as the Melbourne City players celebrated winning an A-League Women’s Championship for the first time after defeating the Wellington Phoenix 3-1 in yesterday’s Grand Final.

When speaking to some of the stars of the team last night – including Holly McNamara, Leticia McKenna, Shelby McMahon and captain Rebekah Stott – they all reflected on the journey that the club has been over the past six years, and how much the team has transformed since that title win in 2020.

“Six years is a long time” Stott said.

“So to win this, to get the premiership as well was so special and I’m just really proud.”

McKenna shared similar sentiments about her own journey at the club, as one of the young players brought in as the club was transitioning from a squad full of big name internationals to the one it has now.

“It’s so special” she said.

“I think my first season or maybe two, I spent a lot of time on the bench, and for me that was obviously hard, but I think that’s what’s helped me now is just that personal development.

“The trainings were unbelievable, and I think it’s just helped me now get to a stage where I’m a bit older and a bit more experienced, and we’re always constantly learning and growing in different styles and everything.”

Even for the younger members of the squad like McMahon, having the experience of losing a Grand Final a few seasons ago and having been around the mark but never going all the way for a few seasons now adds to the emotion of this Grand Final win.

“It’s pretty amazing. I mean, the girls deserve it. It’s been three years now where we’ve been really, really close, obviously dominating all season, so I feel like it’s well deserved” McMahon said.

There were extra emotions for McNamara after the win, who could not partake in City’s last Grand Final appearance because of injury.

“I think this morning I actually realized it was my first Grand Final” McNamara explained.

“Obviously watching the last one was kind of heartbreaking.

“I remember shedding a few tears after that loss because you kind of feel helpless. So I think I just wanted to put my best foot forward today in probably one of our biggest games of the year.”

One name that was never far from the mind of the City players was Rado Vidošić, City’s former manager who took the team to its last title win in 2020 and unfortunately passed away earlier this year.

“ When Rado kind of brought us in, he nurtured us a lot” McNamara said.

“I’m reflecting a bit on that today. Bubs [Melissa Barbieri] and I had a little conversation about Rado and kind of everything that he did for us, and that was kind of for him today.”

“Rado was so special for this club, and for this team especially” Stott said.

“So to have his input and to have a lot of players who have been coached by him in the squad, I think he was a massive impact on us and we miss him a lot.”

McKenna agreed that he had had a “massive” influence on the group, saying that “when you had that first Zoom call with him, I can still remember parts of the conversation and just how excited I was to be under him and work with him.

“I’ve learnt so much, and still to this day, some of those things he would shout out to me still are in the back of my head, I’m like, ‘Oh, yep, got to get into the pocket kind of thing.’”

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Arsenal dispatch Liverpool at Anfield

Liverpool 1-3 Arsenal

By Damion Arnold (16/5/26)

Above: Alessia Russo (right) and Victoria Pelova (left) celebrating the third Arsenal goal. Photo: Arsenal Website

First-half goals from Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey saw Arsenal hold onto all three points against Liverpool. The possibility of a late comeback seemed doable as Liverpool’s Zara Shaw got one back with 15 minutes left to play.

The first 20 minutes saw Arsenal dominate a large percentage of possession with Liverpool doing well to keep the score level.

However, after a lapse in concentration, the Gunners took the lead in the 21^st minute. Russo’s cross into the box sailed through a sea of bodies and found the Liverpool net.

Five minutes later, Stina Blackstenius saw her effort saved well by Jennifer Falk.

In the 31^st minute, Falk was forced to produce another save after Russo took a shot from the edge of the box.

That save resulted in a corner, which led to Arsenal scoring their second goal. After a one-two with Katie McCabe, Caldentey ran towards the Liverpool goal at an angle. With space given to her, she struck the ball into the top left corner from close range.

Russo scored her second goal of the game in the 37th minute. Victoria Pelova’s cross found Russo in the box. Her first-time shot beat Falk and nestled into the top right corner.

Not a great deal happened between the 46^th minute and the 70^th minute. Liverpool was defending deep and allowing Arsenal the ball.

This defensive discipline was awarded as Liverpool scored in the 74^th minute. A corner ball into the box was not cleared well and a scramble occurred around the six-yard box. With a flurry of legs flying about, the ball flew into the Arsenal goal with Shaw being credited with the final touch.

With their clean sheet gone, Arsenal retained control of the game as they had some brilliant chances, but they were unable to convert any.

This loss for Liverpool means they finished 11^th in the Women’s Super League with 17 points. As for the Gunners, they finished second on 51 points securing themselves a Champions League Qualification spot.

Lineups: Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Falk, Enderby, Clark, Fisk, Bernabe, Nagano, MacLean, Josendal, O’Sullivan, Bergstrom, Olsson. SUBS: Bonner, Csillag, Evans, Holland, Kapocs, Kirby, Shaw, Shimizu, Trueman.

Yellow cards: N/A

Goalscorers: Shaw 74’

Arsenal (4-4-2): van Domselaar, Fox, Wubben-Moy, Codina, McCabe, Caldentey, Pelova, Mead, Blackstenius, Foord, Russo. SUBS: Borbe, Catley, Hinds, Holmberg, Kelly, Maanum, Little, Smith, Williamson.

Yellow cards: Wubben-Moy 40’

Goalscorers: Russo 21’ 37’, Caldentey 32’

Referee: Emily Heaslip

Attendance: TBC

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Premiers become Champions as City win decider

Melbourne City 3-1 Wellington Phoenix

by Alyce Collett (16/5/26)

Above: Melbourne City celebrate after one of Holly McNamara’s two first half goals that helped propel them to winning the 2025/26 A-League Women’s Grand Final. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

Melbourne City have won the 2025/26 A-League Women’s Grand Final after defeating Wellington Phoenix 3-1.

City ultimately showed their class to take the title, with a first half brace from Holly McNamara and a second half goal from Leticia McKenna getting the job done on the scoreboard. Makala Woods did score a goal after City’s three goals to breathe some life back into the game, but the Phoenix could not find any more than that.

McNamara was also named a worthy Player of the Match.

City were on the front foot early and had a strong chance at goal in only the fifth minute of the match, ultimately to be denied by some well timed keeping from Victoria Esson. Leah Davidson also had a strong chance at goal in the 16^th minute but her shot ultimately went wide.

Bryleeh Henry was giving the Phoenix defenders plenty of headaches early. She had a canny knack for being able to sneak past the last line of defenders and get herself into some really dangerous positions to either shoot or to cross to someone in a better position to shoot.

The Phoenix had their first proper chance at goal about 20 minutes into the match through Lucia Leon.

She had received the ball from Brooke Nunn after she had gone on an impressive run through the heart of the City formation. Unfortunately for the Phoenix though, Leon’s shot ultimately sailed over the crossbar.

City went agonisingly close to opening the scoring at about the half an hour mark, but an almost perfectly placed Leticia McKenna free kick ultimately smacked straight into the crossbar and then over the top of the net.

Both sides had plenty of time in their attacking final thirds throughout the first half, but just could not tune their shooting radars well enough to find the back of the net.

City thought they had the opener in the 37^th minute through McNamara, but it was ruled invalid after it was determined Karly Roestbakken was offside.

McNamara did not have to wait much longer to get a valid goal though, when she scored an absolute banger from outside the 18 yard box about three minutes later.

She had a brace literally two minutes later when she was fed through the ball on the opposite wing by Shelby McMahon, and then curled the ball perfectly around Esson in the Phoenix net.

This three minute window totally flipped the game on its head, and gave the home side a very comfortable buffer heading into half time.

City found a third mere minutes into the second half when McKenna joined in on the long distance goal scoring fun, also scoring a goal from outside the 18 yard box.

After being on the back foot for much of the match thus far, the Phoenix managed to breathe some life minutes after McKenna goal, when Woods tapped home a goal after a scramble in the box.

This goal started a good run of attacking time for Wellington, but some superb goal keeping from Malena Mires saved City on a number of occasions.

The Phoenix kept fighting hard and did have plenty of chances to cull more of the deficit, but couldn’t make any of them count and ultimately ran out of time to score any more goals.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (3-4-1-2): Mires, Turner, Otto, McKenna, McNamara, McMahon, Stott, Roestbakken, Davidson, Keane, Henry. Substitutes: Wilson, Butrus, Apostolakis, Jackson, Hughes, Karic, Barbieri.

Scorers: McNamara 41’, 43’, McKenna 49’

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-4-2): Esson,Barry, Walker, Jale, Elliott, Leon, van der Meer, Nunn, Vlok, Woods, Pijenburg. Substitutes: Jaber, Fraser, Brazendale, Wall, Benson, Anthony, Danieli.

Scorers: Woods 51’,

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

Attendance: 7,174.

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Coaches’ Corner: A-League Women’s Grand Final 2026

by Alyce Collett (16/5/26)

Above: Michael Matricciani (left) and Bev Priestman (right) are preparing to lead their sides into this afternoon’s A-League Women’s Grand Final. Photo: via A-Leagues.

Today is the day, the biggest day on the A-League Women’s calendar – Grand Final day.

This afternoon we will see a new champion of the A-League Women’s, but will it be perennial title contenders Melbourne City or will it be first time Grand Finalists the Wellington Phoenix?

“I think, you know, this club deserves this moment” Bev Priestman said to the media earlier this week, acknowledging how momentous it is for the Phoenix to have finally made the Grand Final.

“[It’s] five years in the making. I’m really excited to see the club and the players, you someone particularly like a Mac [Mackenzie Barry] who’s been pushing for five years to get to this point.

“I think for us, we have to go in and enjoy the moment, but not enjoy it too much. I think we have to stick to the process, stick to the things that have got us here. But at the same time, I think when we enjoy ourselves, we play our best football.

“So I think it’ll be a case of managing moments, which is what I think finals are about. It’s the team that can manage the moments the best. But I also think let the team take in the moment, enjoy the moment, and hopefully we can deliver on our 100th game something really, really special for this club.”

On the flipside, City have plenty of big game experience, having been perennial title contenders for a few seasons now.

“I think it’s the same, to be honest” City coach Michael Matricciani explained to the media earlier this week about how the past week has gone.

“Obviously there’s a bit more excitement, a bit more media. But otherwise, I think we’re in a situation where we take it one game at a time. There’s been a slightly little distraction of that we need to leave the next morning to go to South Korea [for the Women’s Asian Champions League Semi Final]. So I think that’s been a nice distraction to start planning and getting things ready for that as well.

“But we’ve had four training sessions, and we’ve worked on a lot of things that we still feel we can improve on, and then there’s some things that we think that we can exploit Wellington on.”

It may be Wellington’s first Grand Final but it is certainly not Priestman’s, with the Englishwoman having taken Canada to Olympic gold when she was head coach of their women’s national team.

She explained that “I think belief is a big part” of the secret to winning one-off big games.

“I think the group coming off last week and the season has high confidence.”

Thinking back to the gold medal winning tournament she coached at the Tokyo Olympics five years ago, Priestman said that “a real togetherness was a key part of that gold medal. But I also think you’ve got to get your energy and you’ve got to manage the energy.

“I think a big sort of watch-out for me this week, a little bit like the gold medal where you beat US for the first time in 19 years, it was 19 years in the making the last semifinal [last weekend]. So I think we’ve got to be careful that that wasn’t our final, and that actually get your energy back. We go again. “

“This is why we’re here, and we’re here not just to take part in a Grand Final. I believe, if we show up and we catch ourselves on a good day and we get Melbourne City maybe on a bad day, it’s, it’s there for the taking.”

Meanwhile for the home side, their coach has a clear plan for how to come away with the title this afternoon.

“They’re a very good side” Matricciani said about the Phoenix.

“I think when we played them in round six or round seven when they came to Casey [Fields], I think they were in our face. They went person-on-person pressing on us, and we weren’t expecting that, so I think they were better on that day. They had three or four good moments, and we scored right at the end on a set piece, so they were better on that match.

“Since then, I’ve been putting a lot of things in place to practice and get better when teams play like that. Canberra did that against us, Adelaide and Brisbane a little bit to a degree did that as well.

“So we’ve had a lot of practice on, so if they want to press us again, then I think we’re going to be ready for that.”

Some may paint the Phoenix as the underdogs heading into this afternoon, but Priestman certainly is not complaining.

“I love being the underdog” Priestman said.

“I’ve been the underdog most of my career.

“I think this team have been underdogs, and I think it helps you. I think it lets you come out and swing a little bit.

“So listen, they’re a great side… They’ve got a rich history in this league that I think we definitely respect. I mean yes we brought it to them in the last away game, they brought it to us at home. So I’m sure for anybody watching it’s going to be a really special grand final.”

Meanwhile this painting of the Phoenix as the underdogs does “not really” apply extra pressure to City according to their coach.

“I think when I first stepped foot into this club, we had high expectations” Matricciani said.

“That made it very clear to me from management and from the playing group that we want to win every single match that’s there to be won, and last year we played for three trophies, got one. We’ve won one already [this season], and we’ve got two more to go.”

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