Melbourne Derby Preview

Above: Bryleeh Henry and Nicki Flannery battle for the ball in a previous Melbourne Derby. Image: Melbourne Victory.

By Alice de-Koster-Kitto & Isabelle Campbell (2/15/26).

Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory are set to go head to head at The Home of The Matildas this weekend, in what is set to be another heated Melbourne derby match up. 

The last time the rivals met, the derby was Melbourne City’s for the taking, and while City are headed into the match confident, and prepared for what lies ahead, the challenge ahead is not lost on the table leaders. 

“I think what’s really exciting for me when I’m reviewing that match is that we have so many more levels to get to as a group,” Melbourne City head coach Michael Matricciani said. “As a team that we’ve shown signs of it through the course of the season, but never in a full 90 minutes yet.”

Melbourne City are entering the derby on a high note, coming off a show-stopping 5-2 win over Brisbane Roar last week, with each goal coming from a different scorer. Matricciani says the victory was the first time the squad has really pulled together all the elements necessary to put together a stellar 90-minute performance. 

“There were some moments in the beginning of the match where we were a bit shaky, but I think if we can put those connections together and keep building the individual performances and the confidence in front of all, especially, then I think we have the levels.”

“You come into the game, and it’s going to be a firing match. Both teams have a lot of quality on the pitch, so it’s going to be a really exciting game.”

While such an impressive performance has instilled confidence in the City squad, especially in light of varying results, including an upsetting loss against Western Sydney Wanderers, it’s the belief of Matricciani that “it doesn’t really matter the form” when heading into a derby, as the atmosphere and natural pressure of the rivalry will be the driving force on the pitch. 

“It’s always a big game when we play Victory. It obviously gets hyped up in the media as well, so there’s a nice buzz, there’s a good rivalry, and I’ve only been involved in my second year.”

Melbourne City currently sits at the top of the Ninja A-League ladder, while Melbourne Victory sits in 6th. While they may be ahead going into the match, the ladder is unnervingly close, with Canberra United just 1 point behind City in 2nd place, and Wellington Phoenix just 2 points behind in 3rd, and Matricciani and the squad are not falling to complacency, or taking their lead for granted. 

“Technically, we’re top, but Wellington’s still have a game in hand, so they could jump us if they win their catch-up game. So we’re definitely not taking anything for granted.”

“I’ve always said, it’s about what’s next. It’s always focusing on what we can control. We can’t control what’s going to happen in six or seven weeks’ time at the end of this season. We can only control what’s happening today in our training session.” 

Despite their table lead, it’s been somewhat of a rocky season for Melbourne City, between upsets, massive wins, and inconsistent fixtures due to the AFC Women’s Champions League all playing a part, Matricciani is finally seeing the team come together in a way that he believes can bring home results, and keep City on top. 

“If they want to press us, person on person, we have to be prepared for that. If they want to sit off and swing press or gain more of a block like they’ve had in the past, then we need to be prepared for that.” 

With the intensity and stakes of the derby often lending a hand to uncertainty, City are focused on consistency, and ensuring they are prepared for whatever their Melbourne rivals will throw their way this Sunday. 

“All we can control is what we know best and how we exploit whatever the team gives us.”

Melbourne Victory enter the derby looking to build on recent momentum and keep their season on track.

A win over Newcastle Jets last round has steadied their campaign, but with the ladder tight and only a handful of matches left to play, every point counts. 

Above: Alana Jančevski speaks to the media. Image: Melbourne Victory.

Alana Jančevski reflected on the challenges leading into the Jets clash and how the group responded under pressure.

“I think we had a rocky few rounds before that, and we knew that we needed to win desperately. We came together really well, and we had a hard-fought performance. We all got together and I was happy to make an impact.”

The match played out a little differently to usual for Jančevski, starting on the bench for the first time this season before entering in the 63rd minute and putting her side ahead just a minute later.

“Like I said, we didn’t have a good few weeks. We had to change things up. I played all of the games before that, so to get to freshen up and come into the game with a real attacking mindset and be able to impact off my first kick was a great response. I was happy that the team was able to get the win in the end, and happy for Holly [Furphy] as well to get involved.”

Securing the three points gave the team a sense of momentum at just the right time, showing how quickly fortunes can shift in a season this tight.

“I think there were these little one percenters that were just a little bit off. It’s hard when you get so close to winning games and you’re just not quite there, We just kept working hard at those. And in the end, they worked out in the Jets game.”

For Jančevski, getting those details right means maintaining focus and effort across all areas of the pitch.

“I think it’s important to be doing well in all areas of the field. We have such a good side. And if we fix those little one percenters, and I think we saw that last week in the game, if we can bring all those things and that hunger and fight, going into this game, we’re very well prepared.”

As the derby approaches, the team is acutely aware of the stakes, both on the ladder and in shaping momentum for the final weeks.

“We can see the table is very tight, and there’s a lot of competition around the whole league. So those little nitty gritty things you have to bring to every game, and bring that competitive mindset.”

“I think from here on out, with not many games to go, you’ve got to be pushing to win every game. I think a derby screams that, you always want to be winning those games. They’re the games you want to be playing all season.”

The fixture also carries personal significance for Jančevski, a lifelong fan of the club she now represents.

“I’ve supported the club since I was young, so this Derby has meant something to me for my whole life. To be able to play in the Derby and have that extra fire to impact the game is something you dream of.”

Being derby week, training has carried extra fire, something Jančevski has noticed in the squad as they prepare for gameday.

“As a team, you always want to beat city. We’re going into the week really strong and competitive, and I’ve seen that competitiveness through training, so I think we’re going to bring that really well into the game.”

“You can obviously go through your tactics and things like that, but when it’s a derby, you’ve got to bring heart and that courage. Yeah, we’ve got to bring our technical ability, our pace, our power, but overall, you’ve got to have that winning mentality in these games.”

Confidence remains high amongst the squad, despite the difficulties they’ve faced this season.

“I think every team goes through it, but it’s how you bounce back from those. Ultimately, that’s going to be the difference if we get through the finals and get higher up on the ladder.”

With rivalry, ladder pressure, and momentum all intersecting, the Melbourne Derby offers Victory an opportunity to turn incremental progress into consistent form as the season moves toward its final stages.

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Perth’s hopes of Finals Glory alive after win over Canberra

Perth Glory 1-0 Canberra United

by Ben Gilby (14/2/26)

Above: Spectacular action as Canberra United’s Emma Hawkins hits an effort, watched by Perth Glory’s Tijan McKenna. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

Perth Glory reignited their Finals hopes with this vital victory over a Canberra United side who went into the round in third spot on the ladder.

Whilst the Western Australian side had the better of the territory and shots on target count, it was an extremely tight game that was only settled by Hayley-Taylor Young’s own goal with 10 minutes to go to separate the teams. The outcome now sees the Glory only outside the top six on goal difference.

The home side went into the game without a win in their last four matches, and head coach Stephen Peters made two changes to his starting line-up from last week’s Distance Derby at Wellington Phoenix, with young local stars Charli Wainwright and Ella Lincoln coming in for Nat Tathem and Bronte Trew.

Canberra began the round in third place on the ladder after successive wins over Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC, with boss Antoni Jagarinec bringing Jazmin Wardlow into his starting XI for Emma Robers.

The game opened on a tough, competitive nature with immediate chances few and far between as events conspired to be largely played out in the middle third.

Canberra had a half chance with 13 minutes on the clock when Bethany Gordon sent a free-kick in from a central position just outside the box, but the ball landed comfortably into arms of an untroubled Teresa Morrissey in the Perth goal.

Shortly afterwards, Onyi Zogg volleyed a long ball forward from inside her own half which was in turn played through by clinically by Lincoln for Susan Phonsongkham to hit a shot from around 25 yards, but the effort was well over the top.

Zogg and Lincoln combined once more on the half hour mark, with the Glory attacker taking the ball towards the right hand post before laying back to Rola Badawiya, who saw her curling shot roll into the arms of Sally James.

The last half chance of the half fell to the visitors’ Taylor-Young, who curled a shot well over the top and wide from the left-hand edge of the area.

Above: Perth Glory’s Tijan McKenna (purple shirt) on her knees in a tussle today. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

The same player fashioned the first opportunity of the second half, but her mazy run ended with a similar outcome to that of her previous effort.

Canberra saw another chance go begging seven minutes into the half as Emma Hawkins beat Grace Johnston to cross in for Gordon, but her first time volley from just outside the six-yard box went over the bar.

Just before the hour mark, Perth responded by fashioning their best opportunity of the game so far. Sarah O’Donoghue was released by a long ball along the right and played in a high cross. Phonsongkham got between Tegan Bertolissio and Sasha Grove to meet it with a superb first time volley that James tipped over the top with a magnificent flying save.

Ten minutes later, Phonsongkham was denied again by Canberra’s Junior Matilda capped shot stopper when a cross from the right wasn’t dealt with by the visiting defence, and the ball fell kindly for the Glory attacker to hit a low shot that James pushed round the far post. The visitors felt that Phonsongkham handled in controlling the ball and stopped before she hit the shot, but referee Isabelle Mossin ignored the claims and merely pointed for the corner.

Phonsongkham delivered it viciously curling in towards the back post with Taylor-Young’s attempted clearance driven into the roof of the net from close range.

With two minutes of regulation time remaining, Phonsongkam went down in the area, but Mossin was not persuaded to point to the spot, and Izzy Dalton sent a chip over the top.

Canberra’s final chance of salvaging a point came six minutes into stoppage time when Michelle Heyman’s attempt at crossing in from the left took a deflection and an awkward bounce that caught out the Perth defence, and fell for Sienna Dale to turn across. Gordon was positioned on the edge of the six-yard box, but could only hit her shot wide of the goal.

Perth’s victory sets them up for a massive game away to Newcastle Jets next Saturday in the final game before the break for the early stages of the Asian Women’s Cup. Victory at the No. 2 Sportsground will give the purple’s a real chance of claiming a first Finals spot since 2018/19.

With so many sides battling out for so few Finals spots, Canberra United have to get back on the horse quickly – their final game before the break is at home to a Western Sydney Wanderers side who have hit their best run of form of the season, a run which gives them a chance of clinching only their second Finals qualification in their 14 year history.

The chaos League is delivering in spades this season. Strap yourself in, we’re in for a heck of a last five rounds of the home and away season.

For the full gallery of Rob Lizzi’s images from the match, check out our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball.

Teams: PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Morrissey, Johnston, Zogg, McKenna, Sardo, Tovar, Dalton, Wainwright, Phonsongkham, Lincoln, Badawiya. Substitutes: Anderson, Skinner, Cassidy, O’Donoghue, Tathem, Trew.

Scorers: Taylor-Young (OG) 81′.

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

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

Attendance:

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Taylor says Liverpool’s January recruitment has helped improve goalscoring form

By Roos Schelen (13/2/26)

Above: WSL Manager of the Month for January with his staff Photo: Liverpool FC

Liverpool’s form has dramatically improved since the winter break. Winless in the first half of the season, they won two of their three most recent matches. They beat fifth-placed Spurs by two goals to nil at home, as well as stunning Aston Villa at home with a 4-1 win over Natalia Arroyo’s side. 

It seems mostly down to a new clinical edge in front of goal. Liverpool registered five shots on target against Aston Villa, four of them went in. And they are not just relying on one goal scorer. In that match against Villa, goals were scored by Mia Enderby, Martha Thomas, Grace Fisk and Aurélie Csillag. Asked by Impetus about that greater clinicality, Taylor thinks it is down to confidence and recruitment. 

“I think we’re creating more. I feel that we had moments in earlier parts of the season where we were making the final third but probably weren’t creating chances. So I think everything feels slightly different now. It feels that we’re making more of the play that we have rather than it kind of fizzling out. So, again, that comes down to recruiting in that area of the pitch which has helped the existing players. And of course, like I’ve mentioned before, that in game you’re able to change things if you need to and bring in fresh legs. So I think confidence is a big part of it as well. And I think belief and I think this is what we have to have going into these games”,Taylor analysed.  

Liverpool face Chelsea this weekend, who have recently suffered losses against Arsenal and Manchester City, and drew to Taylor’s side in November. Head of Women’s Football Paul Green has left the club this week, with the Athletic releasing an article about how Chelsea has been run recently. The Athletic called Chelsea ‘a club in crisis’. Bompastor did not wish to comment on the matter in Chelsea’s pre-match press conference yesterday. Fact is that Chelsea have maybe not been the team they were last season, when they had an unbeaten run in the Women’s Super League (WSL). We asked Taylor about Chelsea’s recent form and which areas he felt he could target. Taylor would not be drawn on the latter, but did comment on the recent developments around Chelsea. 

“I mean they lost two games in a row and now it’s a crisis for Chelsea. Everyone’s making it a crisis. But I think Sonia probably made that transition into the club better than anyone by winning a treble last season, they were excellent. I think now you could tell that there’s some background changes that are going on at the club and sometimes that can happen when there’s success or not success. People feel that there needs to be maybe some changes.

“I’m not privy to those conversations, but obviously with Paul going, you have that transition and sometimes a transition can disrupt things a little bit. I think Sonia’s got a very good pedigree of wherever she’s been in, winning, and you can certainly see that she’s a fighter. And I think sometimes you find out more about teams and people and individuals when they’re having a difficult time”, Taylor commented. 

Martha Thomas joined Liverpool on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, not having scored between December 2023 and December 2025. That goal last December was a goal in her second to last match for Spurs, but she has scored twice already in the short period she has been with Liverpool. Once in the FA Cup, once in the league. 

“I think goal scorers are always going to go through those types of periods. I think with Martha there’s certainly things within her game that we can help her with. She attacks crosses probably better than anyone in the WSL, particularly aerially. And of course we’ve just been working on her a little bit with her positioning from crosses, so”, Taylor said.

“But I think she’s just such a good player, Martha, she gives you so much. Not just the goal output, the assists, but also the way she presses. She’s very intelligent and she’s also really good at linking up the play. She’s got a footballer’s mentality I feel. She’s a bit of that throwback kind of number nine. She doesn’t mind the rough play. She’s good with the intricate link up”, Taylor continued. 

Taylor confirms that Anna Josendal is close to a return but this match comes a little bit too soon for her. The rest of the team is as it was last week. 

Liverpool travel to Kingsmeadow to take on Chelsea at 12pm BST on Sunday. The match is shown live on Sky Sports. 

“We have to be really humble for the task”: Renee Slegers urges focus as Arsenal travel to Brighton

By Hope Robinson (13/2/26)

Above: Renee Slegers at the Emirates ahead of her team’s fixture.  Photo: arsenal.com

Hope Robinson attended Arsenal’s press conference this week ahead of their Women’s Super League clash with Brighton at Broadfield Stadium on Sunday, with Arsenal aiming to extend their five-game winning streak.

Fixture Overview

Brighton and Hove Albion host Arsenal at Broadfield Stadium on Sunday 15 February at 14:30 in the Women’s Super League, with Arsenal seeking another victory to maintain their momentum in the title race.

Arsenal travel to the South East after statement wins against their two closest rivals in their previous two league fixtures. January signing Smilla Holmberg has already enhanced the squad, adding further quality and depth at a crucial stage of the campaign.

Brighton and Hove Albion will aim to maximise home advantage and claim valuable points from the contest. They will look to remain disciplined and compact across the full 90 minutes, determined to avoid a late setback similar to their recent league defeat against West Ham United.

Speaking ahead of the game, Renee Slegers stressed the need for respect and focus. “They’ve had a challenging run. I think they are a good team.” Slegers said. “We have to be really humble for the task, with the weather, the conditions and the way that Brighton play.”

Slegers also highlighted the unpredictability of Sunday’s opponents. “The unknown will be there because I think Brighton are a good team with lots of rotation and ideas in possession and an aggressive press, but last time we played them they did something completely different,” she said. “We have to focus on ourselves, and guarantee things from that.”

Form Guide

Since the turn of the second half of the season, Arsenal have come through a defining run of fixtures, rising to each challenge at a crucial stage of the campaign.

They secured a 2-0 win away to Chelsea before edging Manchester City 1-0 at home, keeping clean sheets in both matches, and taking maximum points from two of the league’s strongest sides. Arsenal also lifted the inaugural Women’s Champions Cup and reinforced their European ambitions with a 4-0 victory over OH Leuven in the Champions League, as they push to retain their status as champions of Europe.

Slegers believes recent performances have been built on character as much as quality. “I think the team has been really brave with the way they go about things, dealing with moments and adversity,” she said. “They’ve been putting themselves out there. They have the courage to do things, they’ve stepped forward. They’ve been taking risks. It’s not easy and they’ve been brave in those moments.”

Brighton, meanwhile, have endured frustration in recent weeks. They have lost their last two league games despite taking the lead in both. Against West Ham United, Brighton were 2-0 ahead before conceding three times in the final seven minutes, a collapse they will be determined not to repeat.

Arsenal sit fourth in the table on 29 points, just two behind second place, with eight wins, five draws and one defeat. Brighton are seventh with 17 points from five wins, two draws and eight losses.

Previous Meetings

The sides have met 17 times in all competitions, with Arsenal winning 16 of those encounters and Brighton claiming one victory, meaning the fixture has never ended in a draw.

In the reverse meeting earlier this season, Arsenal secured a 1-0 win courtesy of an Olislagers own goal. That result came during a difficult spell for Arsenal, who had lost two consecutive league matches beforehand.

Slegers acknowledged the lessons from previous visits. “Last year away we had a bad performance and lost that game,” reinforcing the need for improvement and control this time around.

Team news

Anneke Borbe remains under assessment but is progressing well, with Slegers confirming the goalkeeper will be monitored closely. “Anneke Borbe is still on assessment, progressing well. We will see how she responds today,” she said.

Beth Mead will be unavailable. “Beth will be out for the block. She has a hairline fracture in her shin,” Slegers confirmed.

On Rosa Kafaji, currently on loan at Brighton from Arsenal, Slegers added: “She’s found her feet at Brighton. She can’t compete against us but it’s good to see her play.”

Tactical Battle

Much of Arsenal’s recent success has come from improved defensive organisation and collective commitment.

Reflecting on the contrast with last season, Slegers said: “A lot of hard work. We have great analysts. We have specialists in our staff. Erin has been really good in working with the defensive players. There’s such a high level of commitment in everything we do at the minute. We are in a better place than we were a year ago.”

She added: “I think the humility in the team is on another level at the moment. So many clean sheets lately. We get the rewards. We see all those actions we do on the pitch, keeping positions away from our goal, keeping them from shooting at our goal.”

Slegers also underlined the clarity within her side’s structure. “We have really good foundations in our game at the moment. It’s the Arsenal way,” she said. “Lots of clarity in the way we play. They need to feel free in their decisions. That’s what they feel right now and it’s part of the reason they are performing so well.”

Players to Watch

Olivia Smith has operated in the central number nine role in the absence of Stina Blackstenius through injury, yet she has retained the creativity and freedom that define her game.

Slegers has been particularly impressed with Smith’s adaptation. “There are certain strengths we saw in Liv, her speed and she’s very clinical in front of goal,” she said. “She’s obviously a very good dribbler. In those centre spaces she’s good at combining with Alessia and Frida. Anything that drops in the box she’s so quick to react. We see things that are new to us, it’s beautiful.”

She added: “The way she’s taken on the role out of possession I’m really impressed with. It gives us versatility. We can choose different things and different moments. It’s a strong part of our squad. There’s so much strength in this squad. It’s what we look at as staff, what can we do to get the most out of players. It’s good to have in our locker knowing Liv can play that nine role really well.”

Lotte Wubben-Moy has also been central to Arsenal’s recent defensive stability, combining decisive interventions with composed distribution from the back.

For Brighton, Kiko Seike has emerged as a significant attacking threat with six goals this season, while Madison Haley continues to provide energy and directness when leading the line.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Arsenal’s recent run has been underpinned by discipline, structure and belief.

“Its for us creating our own guarantees and our own knows. Stacking good humble actions on the pitch,” Slegers said. “We have to focus on ourselves.”

Brighton’s pace in transition and willingness to rotate in possession present clear challenges, but Arsenal’s defensive solidity and growing confidence suggest they travel with control and clarity.

Manager’s View

Slegers’ message was consistent throughout her press conference. Respect the opponent, remain humble, and trust the foundations that have been built.

Key Matchday Battles

Central spaces could prove decisive, particularly with Smith’s movement between the lines and Brighton’s aggressive press.

Arsenal’s defensive structure against Brighton’s counter-attacking threats will also be critical, especially given the home side’s ability to strike quickly through Seike and Haley.

Arsenal head to Broadfield Stadium with momentum, defensive solidity and renewed belief, but Renee Slegers has made clear that nothing will be taken for granted. Brighton’s unpredictability, home advantage and intensity demand discipline and clarity from the visitors. With Olivia Smith thriving in her adapted role and clean sheets reinforcing confidence, Arsenal look more assured than in previous meetings. Yet as Slegers stressed, “We have to be really humble for the task,” a message that highlights the focus required to secure another pivotal three points in the title race.

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“We want to make our ground a tough place to come – Phelan looks ahead to crucial West Ham clash

By Chloe Reynolds (13/2/26)

Above: Interim head coach Scott Phelan Photo: Everton FC

On a two game winning streak, Everton host fellow strugglers West Ham in what is an important game at the bottom of the table. Chloe Reynolds brings us everything from Scott Phelan’s press conference.

It was Phelan’s first game in charge last Sunday and the coach shared his thoughts and emotions on last week’s victory: “I enjoyed every moment of it to be honest. 
It was A different week, definitely, and it’s the initial reaction at the start of the week because it’s not always easy to see somebody lose their role.

“My initial reactions, and rightly so, regardless of the results on Sunday, were really positive. And that’s how, what we tried to explain to the group as well, that there’s still more than enough time to enjoy this period from now to the end of the season. There’s some opportunity for us to really make some good moments, the result helped, with a real positive spring in my step and this following week has proved that way also.”

Phelan also provide an injury update confirming no new injuries to an already damaged squad “no, similar to what we’d expect. Obviously, we’d just come off the grass right now. 
We’ve still got a session to complete, so it’s far from finalised. But as I say, the players have trained in a good way and We wouldn’t expect too many changes.”

Despite only being in the role for a week, Phelan was full of praise for goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan, who had a stellar game last weekend during Everton’s victory against London City Lionesses: “she’s a really talented goalkeeper, arguably as good as anybody in the league, I think she proved that on Sunday. Her presence on the pitch can help fill others with confidence.

“Her personality is a big one off the pitch also. 
She’s somebody that sets standards on a day-to-day basis. She lives her life in a professional way. 
She’s made a massive impact over the short time that I’ve been here, but also over the course of the season. Obviously, she’s had a period out injured, but in between the moments, she’s a really talented goalkeeper and we’re really, really happy that she’s in our goal, not the opponents.”

Pelan is looking to get a third win on the bounce for the Toffees, and he has shared what his plans are to keep the momentum up to achieve this at the weekend “I think when you’ve previously won a game and we’ve obviously won 2 on the bounce, I think we quite simply, we refer back to whatever we did well, and we used that as a framework to keep moving forward. I think a lot of the conversations with the players have been around what types of behaviours they can bring to the pitch, not necessarily technically or tactically, them as individuals, things like teamwork, togetherness, commitment.”

“So regardless of the results and form, that is something that we’ll always try and stress as our foundations to move forward. The game this weekend will be no different, whether it’s a team at the top of the table, the bottom or somewhere in the middle, we’ll always fall back on what we think is important. And also what’s important is individuals, we hope if enough of them things are ticked off correctly, there’ll be a good performance at the end of that.”

The opponents in West Ham are also coming of the back of an important win, closing that gap at the bottom of the table and the Liverpool-born interim coach shared his thoughts on the side: ” Expecting a tough game, but an exciting one. The opportunity to come back to our home stadium, at the start of the season we were really excited to obviously use that as our home ground and none of that excitement has left.”

“All over the course of the season, results may have differed. But we’re desperate to come back to play at home. 
The support that we noticed away the previous game was just loud and the players definitely responded to that. You know, they mentioned it after the game. They could hear the chants and the encouragement from the stands. 
So we’re desperate to go and play a good game because we expect a similar noise. We want to make our ground a tough place to come.”

Everton face West Ham United at Goodison Park on Sunday at 12pm.

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Willa makes history as Sydney scorches Brisbane

Brisbane Roar 0-4 Sydney FC

By Ella McShane 13/2/2026

Above: Sydney FC players celebrate after scoring one of their four goals tonight against Brisbane. Photo: Josh Springfield Photography

Sydney FC are back on the winners list for the first time in over 80 days after a huge 4-0 win over the Brisbane Roar tonight. Willa Pearson made history while being one of four Sky Blues to get on the score sheet – alongside Mackenzie Hawkesby, Riley Tanner and Skye Halmarick.

The tempo was set by Sydney FC at Spencer Park with the away side maintaining possession in their favoured half of the pitch from the get go, which was a welcome change for anyone in sky blue.

Brisbane’s first chance came at the feet of Bente Jansen making a well anticipated central run into the box. Jansen however lost momentum at the thundering defensive presence of player of the month nominee Heather Hinz.

Sydney’s Bianca Galić and Abbey Lemon did not take long to retaliate making a central run into the box of their own, however Brisbane’s defence was quick to neutralise the sky blue threat.

Brisbane began to sway numbers to their favoured end of the pitch at around the quarter of an hour mark, which created quite the possession tug of war. The number of set pieces reflected each respective sides efforts, but the shots on target did not follow suit.

Brisbane’s newest signing Angela Beard’s screaming run down the left wing kicked off a series of chances for the Roar in the latter part of the first half.

Beard’s initial cross overpassed a sea of sky blue and fell to the feet of a charging Aimee Medwin, whose clearing shot was ultimately off target. And Beard’s diving header nearly raised the scoreline again in the home-sides favour.

However the half ultimately ended on a reflective 0-0.

Sydney FC’s calls for a goal were swiftly answered by skipper Mackenzie Hawksby early in the second half. Sifting her way through a crowded box, the tight angled cross convincingly surpassed the Roar’s defence to secure the sky blue’s first away goal for the season.

Sydney FC’s hunger for a second goal grew exponentially. Both Tanner and Hawksby made defence splitting runs, in rapid succession.

Young gun Pearson was the one to convert the blues firing second half chances, launching the ball between the posts right in front of the last line of Brisbane’s defence to double Sydney’s advantage.

This goal saw Pearson make history and overtake Matildas legend Sam Kerr as the league’s youngest goal scorer.

Tanner then continued Sydney’s assertion of one way traffic, splitting Brisbane’s defence and securing a comfortable 3-0 scoreline.

The Sky Blues’ season high of an evening was sealed by Halamarick getting passed Brisbane’s defence and writing her name on the score sheet at an open goal.

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (3-4-3): Lincoln, Seidl, Beard, Piazza, Studer, Hayashi, Woods, Medwin, Jansen, Stephenson, Brown. Substitutes: Franco, Cuthbert, Meyers, Kinsella, Miller, Hanson.

SYDNEY FC (5-3-2): Hinz, Lemon, Sullivan, Ayson, Tumeth, Tallon-Henniker, Hawkesby, Galić, Corbett, Tenner, Ulkekul. Substitutes: Robertson, Fante, Cassar, Pearson, Luchtmeijer, Halmarick.

Scorers: Hawkesby 47’, Pearson 60’, Tanner 68’, Halmarick 90’.

Referee: Izzy Cooper.

Attendance: 520.

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Wanderers and Jets unable to be split

Western Sydney Wanderers 1-1 Newcastle Jets

By Alyce Collett 13/2/2026

Above: The Western Sydney Wanderers and the Newcastle Jets fought it out hard tonight but ultimately could not be split. Photo: via A-Leagues

The Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets have played out a fascinating draw to kick off this weekend’s A-League Women’s action. A very quick goal from Tahlia Younis was eventually cancelled out by Melina Ayres late in the second half.

It did not even take the Wanderers 50 seconds to get on the board, when Younis found herself in quite some space and decided to trust her long range shot abilities and scored truly from about halfway between the center line and the 18 yard box.

There was not much Newcastle keeper Georgia Ritchie could do as Younis placed the shot perfectly on the edge of the net, but the goal actually came a little bit against the run of play.

This was because it was the Jets that were making the more promising attacking plays initially after kick off, but after a good intercept from Ella Buchanan, it was eventually worked across to Younis by Yuan Cong and the goal was scored.

Both sides certainly had plenty of chances to try and get a shot away, but both sets of forwards struggled to get into positions that were dangerous enough to really challenge either of the goal keepers. The Wanderers were more willing to take shots from distance though, which is why they had five shots on the board before the Jets had their first.

The home side looked far more confident in front of goal than their visitors did, who spent more time trying to open up the angles of the Wanderers’ defence than actually getting shots away.

Younis went narrowly close to picking up a second goal with about 10 minutes to go in the first half, but ultimately only got one goal in what turned out to be an eventful first half for her as she came off late in the half with a soft tissue injury concern.

The Wanderers ultimately finished the first half with 14 shots at goal to four, despite having about 22% less of the possession. Interestingly though, both sides only had two shots on target in the first half.

Western Sydney started the second half in the same way they spent much of the first half, but slowly but surely the Jets started to figure out how to navigate the Wanderers’ defence and get their forwards into actually dangerous positions and into positions where they could start racking up the shots on goal.

They finally put it all together and scored an equalizing goal with just over 20 minutes to go when a hard working Sophie Hoban squared the ball perfectly to Ayres who was directly in front of goal and the star forward converted perfectly.

The Jets ultimately had more shots on goal in the second half than their hosts did and also had significantly higher of them be on target, but ultimately neither side could quite find a second goal for the evening and as such the match was tied.

Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (5-4-1): Khamis, Matos, Wang, Harrison, Cerne, Buchanan, Younis, Chessari, Harada, Ng-Saad, Yuan. Substitutes: Bennett, Edwards, Hooks, Khoshaba, Rue, Zumaya.

Scorer: Younis 1’

NEWCASTLE JETS (4-2-2-2): Ritchie, Cicco, Prior, Bates, Lancaster, Dundas, Hoban, Brown, J.Allan, Ayres, Collins. Substitutes: L.Allan, Boertje, Breier, Copus-Brown, Johnson, Wilson.

Scorer: Ayres 78′

Referee: Shab Roshan

Attendance: 1,028.

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“You have to go into the game full of belief”: Brighton look for big Arsenal result

By Chloe Reynolds (13/2/26)

Above: Brighton players before the West Ham fixture Photo: Brighton & Hove Albion FC

Brighton and Hove Albion interim head coach Chris Roberts previewed their upcoming game against Arsenal in the WSL, confirming that Fran Kirby remians sidelined and responding to Brighton’s horrible collapse against West Ham last week.

Roberts has admitted that he was disappointed after last week’s game against West Ham and conceding three goals in 10 minutes: “extremely disappointing, 80 minutes on the clock, we’re 2-0 up in fairly comfortable control of the game. We’ve had a couple of moments in the game where the game’s turned and of course, we’ve taken the learning from it. Extremely disappointing because it’s a results business, for 80 minutes, we were in in a great position, but ultimately lose the game. We analysed how we manage games; we’ve analysed the good and bad from the game and like every game, we need to take the learning from it into the next.”

Roberts also provided an injury update on the players “Fran (Kirby) is a little bit closer, but won’t make it in time for this weekend. Marit (Auee) is also a little bit closer, but this weekend will be just a little bit too soon for her as well. , Rosa Kafaji. She can’t play this weekend, obviously, being an Arsenal player. “

The Interim coach also shared when Dario Vidosic could return to the position “it was actually Rado’s funeral last night, a lovely send off for a really special man, it’s important that Dario and his family have time to process and to be there for each other in this moment. We’ve been part of that, a lot of us watched a funeral remotely, we actually had representation there from the club in Australia, which is which is really nice as well. We’ve just been there to support Dario at the moment.”

The coach also shared his thoughts on facing WSL giants Arsenal, who are currently the champions of Europe “I don’t know if there’s ever the right time to face a team like Arsenal, they’re an excellent team. They have got world class individuals, incredible depth, they can play a number of different teams in terms of starting players.”

“They’re very well coached. The fans that come with them bring a lot of energy. We have shown in previous games against them that not only can we compete, but we can take something from the game. Last year, we went 4-2 in an incredible game and then at the Emirates this year we caused them problems.”

“What we do know is when you play teams like Arsenal, you have to be at your absolute best, you need to ride the storm at times in the game and deal with big spells of pressure, but you have to be brave enough to play and you have to go into the game full of belief that you can get something from the game. That’s going to be really important this weekend.”

Roberts also shared how vital having Kiko Seike in the squad could be and the type of threat she provides: “Kiko hit the ground running, in her first game she scored a hat-trick against Everton last season. She’s got a real eye on goal, good finisher, presses well. she’s really been a top player for us. where we would like to continually work with her is the kind of the run that you’ve seen last week, that run from out wide to attacking more in central areas. We just want to try and get her into those parts of the pitch more often, even though she’s out in the wing.

Brighton and Hove Albion will face Arsenal at the Broadfield stadium on Sunday 15 Fubuary, with kick off is at 2:30pm.

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Gabby Hollar on her footballing journey and where the A-League Women can go next

Exclusive by Ella McShane (13/2/26)

Above: Gabby Hollar celebrates after scoring for Perth Glory at Western Sydney Wanderers on the opening night of the season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Following a decorated collegiate career in America, forward Gabby Hollar earned the move of a lifetime to Australia to pursue her professional soccer career.

After taking the NPL in Victoria by storm with the Boroondara-Carey Eagles, A-League interest naturally followed, the American now in her second season out west with Perth Glory. We sat down with Hollar for an exclusive 1:1 interview going through everything from the early years to her hopes for the future of A-League.

Hailing from a small town in Ohio, Hollar the oldest of three, has her earliest sporting memories dedicated to soccer and basketball. 

“We were very much focused on that as family. I have two younger sisters and we’ve all played soccer for as long as I can remember.”

“I was a bit better at soccer than basketball, so that’s kind of why we stuck with that. I also could grow a few inches if I wanted to play basketball. I think in year eight was when I decided I actually wanted to play college soccer.”

“I live in the middle of nowhere in the U.S. So all the people who were trying to play college were playing on big teams that travelled all over the country.”

“For my family, that just was not a realistic situation for us. I wanted to be a kid for as long as possible, and so I didn’t want to spend my weekends during school travelling to go to big tournaments, and plus financially, [it] just wasn’t feasible. And so I played for a small club. I drove an hour each way to play and then spent my weekends, summers, going to college camps to try to get seen by coaches.” 

Hollar’s efforts were rewarded following a camp with, then top dogs, West Virginia University, the young forward committing her collegiate career to the Mountaineers. However, it wasn’t exactly the right fit. 

“I was at the standstill of, do I want to even keep playing soccer or do I want to transfer? Because transferring in college wasn’t very big back then. And I decided, let’s give it a shot. So I mid-year transferred to Purdue and then Covid hit.”

“Still again wasn’t exactly what I was expecting college soccer to be like when I was little, it wasn’t like, oh my gosh, I thought like, oh, once I got to college, it was going to be sunshine and rainbows and that’s not how my journey was personally.”

Above: Gabby Hollar in possession against Brisbane Roar this season. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus,.

“[I] played at Purdue for a couple years, honestly didn’t play that much. I sat on the bench, and then because of Covid, I had [an additional] fifth year. I thought, why not try to make this be what I always dreamed of college soccer being? And so I transferred to South Alabama and it was like a dream come true.” 

 “A little bit of a rock rocky start. I actually got injured in our spring season and I didn’t start many games there. I played max 60 minutes a game, but I had such good coaching staff. It was such a good environment that my teammates were incredible. And it was finally like that’s what college soccer is supposed to be.”

“Towards the end of the season, I’d fallen back in love with the game and I was like, you know what, I’d kicked myself one day if I didn’t try [to pursue a professional soccer career]. And then I got in touch with an agency that helped me get to Melbourne.”

Hollar packed up a life in America following the completion of her admirable college career on and off the pitch, Hollar earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a double minor in Forensics and Sociology and then a masters in Sports Management. 

Hollar shared that future career aspirations outside of football, have ranged from a field agent in the FBI to sports marketing and event management. 

“I went to Melbourne and it’s very different to like set up compared to what I was used to in college. I mean college, it’s a full-time job. And in Melbourne, my teammates had full-time’s jobs and did soccer on the side”

“It was very difficult adjustment trying to keep myself like accountable with my training because we only trained two times a week and if you’re trying to go on to the next level, training twice a week isn’t going to do it.”

“It was a lot of training outside on my own or with some friends. It was an interesting experience, but it served its purpose and it got me to exactly where I wanted to be, which is here.”

Following her accoladed NPL season in Victoria, Hollar signed her first professional contract with the girls in purple in the 2024/25 preseason, honing in on an ‘All American’ mindset and sense of competition to the West. 

“I think just the competitiveness of the collegiate environment and competitiveness to even get an opportunity to play for a collegiate team, is what drove me to coming to Australia. It felt like I was going through the college recruiting process again. In a way so just trying to fight for an opportunity, I think is is what I’ve learned from a young age”

 “I’m just a big competitor. I mean, no matter what I do, whether it’s on the pitch or off the pitch, the competitiveness, I just can’t turn it off.”

Above: Gabby Hollar on the charge during her A-League Women debut for Perth Glory at Melbourne City in 2024. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

Although Hollar admitted to enjoying the laid back Aussie lifestyle and her love for life by the beach.

“I think that Australia gets it right in enjoying life a bit more than Americans do sometimes. I don’t know if I can ever not live by the beach now”

From Alabama, to Melbourne, to Perth, Hollar is no stranger to a change of scenery in the name of soccer. 

“I thrive off controlled chaos. I always joke, I like big change, but I can’t do little change. I’m such a routine girl, disrupt my nighttime routine and I’ll crash out. But throw me on the other side of the world and I’m good.” 

“I’m super close with my family, I’ve been blessed that they’ve been able to come visit me and with technology we can stay in touch, but I’m not as much of a homebody as my sisters are so I’m like, what can I do next? What next adventure are we going on?”

Throughout Hollar’s playing career in Australia, the discourse surrounding conditions, pay and funding in what was promised to be a ‘prosperous post World Cup league’ has become increasingly multifaceted and pressing for the quality and longevity of the league.

Hollar expressed the importance of extending contracts from the current nine month period to a more sustainable twelve. 

“We have girls who go and play in the NPL in the offseason. You play once week and I know the demands aren’t as high as this league. But if you’re staying on top of things and trying to stay fit to play in those games, you never get a break. You don’t have an off season.”

“We have a lot of young girls who are able to do it now, but personally I couldn’t go and do that in the offseason. My body can’t do that anymore. But that’s how we get paid.”

“Unless you have another job that can like sustain your living, then that’s what you have to do is you have to go play. And I think that it’s really sad that that’s where we’re at. To think that we can’t be employed like with a full-time job, with the amount of work and desire and effort and just time that we put into the sport.” 

“If we have 12-month contracts, you get a longer preseason, it’ll show on the pitch. It is the next step that I believe needs to taken for the health and safety of the players too. so that people aren’t getting burnt out or injured or bringing injuries from either way into the other league.” 

(c) Impetus 2026.

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“We’re Up for the Fight.” Perth Glory’s Stephen Peters and Izzy Dalton Preview Canberra United. 

Above: Izzy Dalton speaking to the media. Image: Perth Glory.

By Ella McShane (11/02/26)

Perth Glory are set to host Canberra United this Saturday at Sam Kerr Football Centre in round 17 of the Ninja A-League. The match may fall on the day of love, but with final standings now on the line, there isn’t predicted to be much love lost. Head coach Stephen Peters and skipper Izzy Dalton spoke to the media to preview what is set to be a dynamic attacking test. 

Glory brings an impressive defensive outfit into this match with first goalkeeper Teresa Morrissey receiving the A-League Player of the Month nomination earlier in the week.

“She commands a box so well and you’ve seen ever since she’s come in, she’s saved us so many times,” said Dalton. “The back four as well…they’ve been immense for us. They’ve been great at defending, clearing and interception.”

Although defensively doing well, the girls in purple have not found the net since their trip away to the Central Coast in mid January. Peters admits that his side is guilty of  “looking for the perfect chance.”

“Maybe it’s there’s a little bit of pressure in that front third to not blow the moment,” Peters said. “We’ve just got to be a little bit more clinical. We’ve got to be a little bit more free as well. Just have a few shots from outside the area and just see where it goes. Bring the opposition defence out of the box a little bit.”

For the majority of this A-League season, the table has been congested to the point of one goal being the difference between the climbing to the top or falling to the bottom of the ladder. However the last week in particular has seen the table become more dispersed with final standings beginning to establish.

There are still 6 games and 18 points to fight for. Peters said, “we’ll keep fighting and keep going to the end.”

Looking to the opposition, a gritty evening is almost guaranteed with Canberra United bringing one of the top attacking records in the league across the Nullarbor. 

“They’re probably on the top end of the spectrum in terms of entries into the box and shops on target and crosses. So that tells you the contrasting styles there.”

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

“I think there’s going to be opportunities in transition as well, if we get our game right,” said Peters. 

“It’s always a tight fixture. I don’t know why but it always seems to be a battle,” Peters said. “I think maybe that’s the nature of the two teams that we are.”

“It’s not going to be necessarily a pretty football match, but I think we’re up for the fight and I’m sure they will be as well,” said Dalton.

With the season at an early dusk, the memories of 2025/26 for players, staff, and fans alike are beginning to set.

“We are definitely a different team at home…I think teams would probably look at that and know that’s our strength,” said Dalton on their legacy. “I think we’re really growing as a team.”

“We’re a team that gives everything, gives 100%. And you know that when you play Glory, you’re going to be in for a fight. That’s definitely something where I think starting to be known for.”

“With the with the team, we’re looking at building a squad that’s capable of challenging for the title, so we’ve got to find out who are the ones that are going to lead us to that…I think we’ve made some significant strides in that.” 

“In terms of staff, you know, I’m super happy with the staff. I think everyone’s very much on board of what we’re trying to do,” commended Peters.

“It’s important that we leave [the fans] with something that they are going to want to come back to next season,” Peters said. “And again, for the playing group, it’s the same thing. I mean, we want to make the top six, so it’s about putting our best foot forward to do that.” 

The Round 17 fixture will take place at 5pm AWST at the Sam Kerr Football Centre and will be available to stream live and free on 10Play and on Paramount Plus for paying subscribers. 

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