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NPLW Vic R2: Hatrick heroes and The Eagles take flight

By Kieran Yap 25/2/26

Above: Sloane Young of Avondale FC

Round Two of the Victorian NPLW threw up some surprising results, and some impressive individual performances. Impetus looks back at the weekend’s action and shows some appreciation for hatrick heroes.

The matches kicked off on Friday night with Box Hill reminding everybody that they are the current champions. An 8-0 thrashing of Bentleigh Greens was a huge return to form following last week’s loss to Essendon, with the damage done in the first 40 minutes.

Erin Keyt opened her account for the season with three goals in 33 minutes. The first was a well taken half volley at close range following good build up play featuring Maho Murakami and Juri Kawano on the right flank.

Kawano doubled the lead herself with a tap in after Box Hill opened up Bentleigh on that same flank again. Keyt brought up her brace before tha half hour mark after finishing off Gabrielle Simpson’s cross. She then turned provider from Kiara Bercelli, but her shot was saved by Ruby Samild in goal.

Bercelli returned the favour for Keyt just minute later, and the forward completed her hatrick, this time finishing a cross from the left.

Kawano’s header in the 40^th minute made it five before half time and effectively the contest was over. The nightmare continud through the second half with Kawano bringing up her own hatrick and two more added by Bercelli and Summer Trask.

The win was comprehensive and at this stage, it is hard to know which side it really says more about. Box Hill’s finishing was excellent and their creation of chances was relentless, but Bentleigh will also know they are capable of playing better, or at least defending more resolutely. The response to this game by both sides will be interesting.

Friday’s other match was a tighter affair. Preston Lions and South Melbourne played out a 1-1 draw at Genis Steel Stadium. New Preston recruit Hollie Massey opened the scoring in the 37^th minute, but Meisha Westland’s second half penalty earned South a draw away from home. Once again, Charlotte Hrehoresin was outstanding between the sticks and is looking like a very good signing for Preston.

Saturday saw Bulleen Lions travel to face Avondale FC in an entertaining match that ended up with a one-sided result. Bulleen started the stronger side, with Sarah Cain making an obvious impact in midfield. The Lions had plenty of the ball, but the midfield and attack sometimes felt like they were still adjusting to each other at times and Avondale looked dangerous on the counter attack, especially with World Cup goalscorer Hannah Wilkinson leading the line.

Sloane Young made the headlines with three well taken goals, including a calm finish in the 73^rd minute to extinguish any hope of a Bulleen comeback. Beattie Goad was at her menacing best on the left while Isabella Accardo had an impressive performance against her old side.

Avondale’s lineup alone hinted at performances like this, and given the opposition and the style in which this result was achieved, they look like they might be the team they have been hyped up to be.

Margeaux Clarke’s fifth minute goal was all tat separated Melbourne City and Spring Hills FC.

Taliso Soto’s through ball opened up the City defence and Clarke was one hand to complete the move with a finish, unmarked in the penalty area. This was an improved performance from City and a good win by Spring Hills, although a hard game to watch in the literal sense with an extreme case of kits clashing.

In Saturday’s other game, Keilor Park SC and Alamein FC both continued their undefeated starts to the season with a 0-0 draw at Keilor Park Recreational Reserve.

Sunday was witness to two very entertaining matches. The Boroondara Eagles made the trip to face Essendon Royals with a Coco Parker inspired win by the visitors. This was a more even contest than the 3-1 result indicate, but Boroondara’s finishing was ruthless, and they made the most of their opportunities for an impressive win.

Essendon looked to have the opening goal, but it was chalked off for offside and goalkeeper Zara Board pulled off an excellent save to keep the scores level at the other end.

Akeisha Sandhu brought the best out of Mia Mossman, who pulled off a remarkable close range save to stop the new Essendon signing from scoring, and that proved fateful when Genevieve Fontes scored the opener from long range after Board was forced to come off her line.

Sarah Brunner and Parker added two more before Essendon hinted at a comeback through Kelli McGroarty’s penalty kick. Parker’s in particular was a stunning solo effort borne of effort, skill and composure. She chased down a wide pass and cut inside from the flank to finish calmly at the near post in one of the best strikes of a goal-packed weekend. The 3-1 win means Boroondara have now scored seven in their first two matches and look set for another strong season.

Melbourne Victory brought some big guns out at the Home of The Matildas. Sienna Saveska, Rosie Curtis, Jess Young and Ella O’Grady joined the U23 team from the senior squad with both star strikers finding the net in a 2-2 draw with Heidelberg United.

The Bergers were not intimidated by the illustrious if young opposition and took a 2-0 lead into half time. Samantha Curwood-Wanger’s tireless chasing helped create a turnover, and when she was eventually passed the ball she was able to finish from an improbable angle.

Heidelberg’s second came through Aya Sasaki with a low struck effort from the edge of the box. Victory had controlled the early part of the game, but were susceptible to Heidelberg’s counterattacks.

The home side found their way back into the match through and excellent team move. Rosie Curtis cut off a promising Heidelberg move and Sienna Saveskas traded passes with Poppy O’Keeffe to put the playmaker into space in attack. O’Keeffe threaded a ball through to O’Grady and Victory had one back.

Saveska’s long range effort in the 69^th minute levelled the scores and although Heidelberg regained the upper hand in the later stages, neither side could find a winner. It was another impressive outing for the Victory youngsters and encouraging improvement from Heidelberg who’s new signings appear to have clicked early in the season.

In appreciation of… Hatrick Heroes.

Remarkably, three players scored hatricks this round the two of them were in the same game. Erin Keyt took just 21 minutes to score three times, while her teammate Juri Kawano equalled her tally by the end of the match. The pair put Bentleigh to the sword and took their chances to ensure that Box Hill’s dominance was reflected in the scoreline. By halftime the team had 16 shots on goal, with five hitting the back of the net.

Keyt was clinical. For her three goals, she only needed four touches with her last one coming off the left boot and perfectly placed in the bottom corner.

Kawano was just as threatening, but in a different way. She was mobile and creative where Keyt was instinctive and composed. Kawano’s third involved brilliant off-the-ball movement, and a combination of quick passes involving a backheel to open up space. The finish was just as good, and while this was a tough day for Bentleigh goalkeepers, they cannot shoulder the blame as Box Hill’s two attackers were in irrepressible form. It was a joy to watch from a neutral perspective.

Sloane Young was just as impressive for Avondale in their win against Bulleen. The Number Nine, might not be the biggest name in a squad stacked with former international footballers and NPLW winners, but she was the most exciting player on the pitch last weekend.

Young scored three very different goals for Avondale and really was the difference between the sides. Her first was a scrambled, determined effort from close range, the second was the result of an excellent turn and finish from the edge of the box, and the third completed a flowing move with Hannah Wilkinson providing the final ball.

Young played a complete forward’s game in a contest between two ambitious and talented sides.

All three players were brilliantly effective for their sides. In the end, the game is about goals, and with three-a-piece, these players were a joy to watch.

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Asian Cup Preview: Vietnam

Above: The Vietnamese Women’s National Team lines up. Image: VNA.

By Genevieve Henry (24/2/26).

The Vietnamese Women’s National Team, known as Những Nữ Chiến Binh Sao Vàng or Golden Star Women Warriors, have been a powerhouse in Southeast Asia for decades now. They competed in their first World Cup in 2023 and have participated in 10 Asian Cups. They are one of the best teams in the history of the ASEAN Women’s Championship, making 13 appearances and winning 3 titles.

They will compete in Group C with Japan, Chinese Taipei, and India.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Trần Thị Kim Thanh (Ho Chi Minh City), Khổng Thị Hằng (Than KSVN), Đoàn Thị Ngọc Phượng (Ho Chi Minh City)

Defenders: Trần Thị Thu Thảo (Ho Chi Minh City), Hoàng Thị Loan (Hanoi), Trần Thị Thu (Thai Nguyen T&T), Lương Thị Thu Thương (Than KSVN), Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Anh (Thai Nguyen T&T), Trần Thị Hải Linh (Hanoi), Lê Thị Diễm My (Than KSVN), Trần Thị Duyên (Phong Phu Ha Nam), Nguyễn Thị Hoa (Hanoi), Nguyễn Thị Kim Yên (Ho Chi Minh City), and Hồ Thị Thanh Thảo (Than KSVN)

Midfielders: Nguyễn Thị Bích Thùy (Thai Nguyen T&T), Thái Thị Thảo (Hanoi), Dương Thị Vân (Than KSVN), Ngân Thị Vạn Sự (Hanoi), Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhã (Hanoi), Nguyễn Thị Trúc Hương (Than KSVN), Vũ Thị Hoa (Hanoi), Cù Thị Huỳnh Như (Ho Chi Minh City), Nguyễn Thị Hải Yến (Than KSVN), Trần Nhật Lan (Than KSVN)

Forwards: Huỳnh Như (Ho Chi Minh City), Phạm Hải Yến (Hanoi), Nguyễn Thị Thúy Hằng (Than KSVN), Ngọc Minh Chuyên (Thai Nguyen T&T)

Head Coach:

**Above:** Mai Đức Chung coaches from the sidelines. **Image:** AFC.

Mai Đức Chung is one of the longest reigning head coaches in international football, entering his 11th consecutive year with Vietnam. The 74-year old was the oldest national team coach at a World Cup, male or female, as of 2023. As a player, he had a long career that included a few appearances with the national team. Mai Đức Chung has coached a few teams, but he started with the Vietnamese women’s national team in 1997 and has had many years at the helm, with a few other coaching jobs scattered between. He always comes back to this team.

Asian Cup History:

Vietnam will be appearing in their 10th finals appearance. Their best results were in 2022 and 2014 where they finished in sixth place.

How They Qualified:

Vietnam qualified as the winners of qualification Group E. They earned all 9 points in their group, beating the Maldives 7-0, United Arab Emirates 6-0, and Guam 4-0. Vietnam ended with a goal difference of 17, putting them in a confident position going into the tournament.

Strengths:

The Golden Star Women Warriors’ secret stretch may lie simply in preparation.Vietnam has been peppering their players with opportunities, playing unsanctioned and hybrid friendlies to keep players at a top level. Games against clubs in Vietnam, Japan, and even Germany help to keep the team sharp. The sheer amount of games they play is a great strength for this team, racking up a lot of wins and results to learn from. Vietnam only recorded two official losses in the 2025 calendar year. Many of the players play with each other at club level for Ho Chi Minh City, Than KSVN, Hanoi, and Thai Nguyen T&T.

Development Areas:

Mai Đức Chung has pointed out issues in Vietnam’s play, especially regarding precision. While the team can be set up well and stay in shape, the players’ accuracy often fails them when the right moment comes. In big competitions, this is crucial. Whether it’s passing or finishing, Vietnam need to up their game in critical moments.

Key Players:

**Above:** Huỳnh Như cheers her teammates on. **Image:** ZNews.

Huỳnh Như captains the Golden Star Women Warriors and is considered one of, if not the best player in Vietnam. The 34-year old forward has made 121 appearances — which is nearing the Vietnamese record — and scored 70 goals, which is the record. She also made history as the first female Vietnamese player to play abroad professionally when she signed for Länk FC Vilaverdense in Portugal. She now plays for Hồ Chí Minh City.

Nguyễn Thị Bích Thùy is a high scoring winger for Vietnam and Thái Nguyên T&T. The 31-year old has been with Vietnam since 2013, making 87 appearances and scoring 26 goals. She can also play in the midfield and provides a crucial link up play in all phases of play. Her leadership and playing style is crucial in scoring high enough to succeed in tournaments.

Trần Thị Hải Linh is a 24-year old defender who is becoming increasingly important for Vietnam. She is one of the few players below 30 who has made a significant number of appearances. In her 31 caps, she has also scored 1 goal. Her resilience and resolve in defense will be important if Vietnam do well in the tournament.

One to Watch:

Ngọc Minh Chuyên is an up-and-coming talent in Vietnam. The 21-year old forward is one of the youngest players on her team, which she made her first appearance for in 2025. In her three appearances — during Asian Cup qualification — she has already scored one goal. She plays for Thái Nguyên T&T and is learning to score goals with the best of them. With Vietnam’s U20 side, she scored 21 goals in 26 appearances.

Success Would Be:

Making it out of the group stage would be the least of Vietnam’s hopes. They have extensive tournament experience and a very well-acquainted player group. They should win at least one group stage match and make it to the quarterfinals. Success would be winning World Cup qualification.

Prediction:

Vietnam should qualify for the World Cup. They have a good chance to make it to the quarterfinals and win a playoff if they don’t win initially.

Fixtures:

4th March — Vietnam vs India, 7pm, Perth Rectangular Stadium

7th March — Chinese Taipei vs Vietnam, 1pm, Perth Rectangular Stadium

10th March — Japan vs Vietnam, 5pm, Perth Rectangular Stadium

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An icon on and off the pitch: How Lucy Bronce continues to inspire

By Emme Fortnam (23/2/26)

Above: Lucy Bronze celebrating after England’s quarter final at the Euros Photo: Ennio Leanza

Lucy Bronze is an icon in the women’s game for her toughness, longevity and skill on the pitch. Off the pitch Bronze has been generously open about her neurodivergence, having been diagnosed with autism in 2021 and then ADHD in summer of 2024.

The 2020 Fifa best player spoke in depth about it online through a BBC interview and podcast titled “In Focus” with ex-professional footballer Alex Scott, a major women’s football role model herself.

Bronze said: “It was always something I knew about,” describing how she always felt different from her peers and would copy behaviors from teammates like Jill Scott in attempt to fit in. There are many ways that people with ADHD have a more creative brain and thrive off dopamine, which Bronze has said she found through playing football.

This has helped her in so many ways as she continues to support those struggling with neurodivergence, finding their place in a world not made for them. She has mentioned her brain “is like 100mph, even when lying in bed” which is common for those with ADHD.

Her autism, meanwhile has helped her with structure and composure, whilst hyper focus allows the right back to perfect her mentality, on-pitch intelligence and overall sociability. Bronze continues to be an ambassador for the National Austistic Society, showing young girls that their lives don’t end after an diagnosis; but that they continue to thrive. By aiming high they can always achieve what they set out to do, which is exactly what Bronze did.

She continues to publicly put herself in a vulnerable spot by talking about a topic still feared by so many people. Bringing awareness to neurodivergence and the idea that it can help them through, sharing her story and creating a legacy for what a neurodivergent athlete can be. Bronze is a proud believer that ADHD isn’t just about hyperactivity but also has so many strengths.

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Montrose denied fairytale top split finish by late Partick winner

Rangers 2-0 Montrose

By Gethin Thurlow for Impetus at Broadwood stadium (23/2/26)

Above: Lauren Perry claims a cross from Rangers in the swirling rain of Cumbernauld. Photo: @amyphotography_22 on Instagram.

Montrose missed out on what would have been an incredible achievement of reaching the top six and getting into the top split of the SWPL for the first time thanks to a late goal from Partick Thistle in another game.

Montrose did enough – losing only 2-0 to high flying Rangers, which would have seen them through in sixth on goals scored if Partick drew with Hamilton, but Thistle struck in injury time to grab that spot themselves.

The Teams

There were some big calls up front for both managers. Leanne Crichton dropped SWPL top scorer Katie Wilkinson, Mia McAulay coming in for the English star. This allowed Laura Berry – who’s scored 2 hatricks in a row, to take up her preferred position in the middle. With McAulay and Brookshire on the wing, Rangers would have more width than with Berry on the right, although right back Eilidh Austin has been incredible in taking up that attacking burden recently.

Craig Feroz meanwhile made the massive call to bench star striker Kaela McDonald Nguah, and club captain Jade Mclaren from the midfield. Looking to hold this Rangers attack, Montrose went with a back five, and two holding midfielders in front of them. Talitha Robb as an attacking midfielder in behind Sophia Martin and Hannah Innes made up the attacking structure of Montrose.

The Action

This was a much more even start than Rangers usually have against the bottom five sides. Montrose weren’t sitting back in a low block, they were winning the ball back in midfield and looking to play the attackers in. The high press also had some success, earning a number of early attacking throw-ins and a corner for the ‘Mighty Mo’.

On the ball, it was a struggle for Rangers to break down their opponents, particularly when they were in structure. Trying to use the pace of their front four, lots of balls went in over the top, but not much came from them. Montrose’s defensive seven stayed well disciplined and rarely gave up any space for the technical hosts to work some magic. The first shot of the game was an off-balance volley, outside the box from McAulay, who sliced the effort high and wide.

After the team won a free kick on the halfway line, Montrose captain Cassie Cowper played a quick clever ball to find Phoebe Murray open on the left hand side. She played it to wingback Demi Taylor, who put a sumptuous ball into the box. Here was the danger though for the away team. Out of position, a quick Rangers ball up the left exposed them May Cruft turned inside and found McAulay, who get inside her defender and unleashed a left footed shot past Lauren Perry in goal.

The goal didn’t really alter the course of the match. Montrose stayed strong when they held a structure, and had some limited options of their own going forward when they did win that ball back.

Laura Berry should’ve made it 2-0 on the half hour mark. She picked up the ball in the box, sending two defenders sliding to the four with some skill, but she tried to be too perfect and that final touch carried into the grateful arms of Perry. Goalkeeper Perry probably had less to do than she’d have expected in the first half, making another strong save from the boot of McAulay – who was getting everywhere today.

As the second half got going it was clear that Rangers were stepping it up a gear, they started to really pressure Montrose’s backline. Laura Berry was played in through on goal, but was only able to sting the hands of Perry. There was two more shots hit wide by Berry it what was a difficult afternoon bearing that main striker responsibility.

She did however find that second goal after Katie Wilkinson replaced Callie Brookshire and Berry was moved back out to the right. A delightful ball from Quinty Sabajo once again saw Berry in behind the defence, she managed to tuck it under an incoming Perry and put just enough power on the strike that when Georgia Carter slid in to stop the ball crossing the line she could only push it in, colliding with the post herself.

Knowing that 2-0 was the very last possible scoreline Montrose could afford to give up assuming the other game ended in a draw, there was an incredibly nervous 20 minutes where they didn’t quite know whether to attack to bring that goal difference down to one or even try and get a result, or just sit back to protect the 2-0 as it was. Striker Kaela McDonald-Nguah was brought on pretty much straight after that goal and unfortunately for her it was the time in the match Montrose really offered nothing on the ball.

Bar a long range shot from Kim Shin-Ji which flew over the bar however, Craig Feroz’s team gave up nothing to the Glasgow side. As the final whistle sounded, it was a waiting game for Montrose and time to celebrate for Leanne Crichton, as Celtic’s defeat over Hearts meant they entered the split in second place, five points below Glasgow City.

About 10 minutes after the game had ended, Partick Thistle scored a late winner, through Celtic’s own Sienna McGoldrick, who had just signed for Thistle on loan that very morning. The gaggle of Montrose fans that had made the long journey down despaired as their dream season was taken away in the blink of an eye.

Player of the Match Lauren Perry

It was a strange game. Rangers had control, but never looked too threatening to Montrose. It was far away from a vintage Rangers performance like the two we’ve seen the last two weeks. The gap between the sides in performance was still worth more than the two goal margin – which would’ve been a top-split achieving margin without that late Partick winner, and Lauren Perry in goal had a lot to do with letting only two goals in.

She commanded her box well, something she has done in recent months against other top teams – conceding one each to Hibernian and Celtic. There was also a number of show-reel saves that Perry pulled off, providing frustration to McAulay and Berry in particular. As Montrose prepare for a fierce battle with Aberdeen and Motherwell to avoid the relegation playoff ninth position, the games are going to be tight and keeping clean sheets crucial to picking up points, they will want to see more of the same from Perry.

What slowed Rangers down

The Rangers of 2026 has looked like the team to beat in Scotland since the turn of the year, brushing past opponents with ease and stepping up the game against the top sides too. Having lost to Hibs and Glasgow City first time round, they took four points from those teams in January and beat Celtic for a third time already this season in the league cup semi’s.

On this day however, the same could not be said for the Glasgow residents. With the introduction of winger Mia McAulay into the side for striker Katie Wilkinson, it seemed like Rangers would be symtretical on the wings once more. However, McAulay seemed to be playing the same role as Berry – sitting inside a little on the left sided centre back rather than staying wide, allowing Eilidh Austin to take up that role as she has been.

Whilst this had brought out the best in striker Berry, it didn’t quite work for McAulay. Rangers had less passing lanes with a very narrow front five for Montrose and as such Scotland’s own didn’t get ball to feet as much as she would like. She got into great areas and was unlucky to score, but this system certainly didn’t give us the best of McAulay.

When Brookshire, who continues to star down that left wing departed for Wilkinson, pushing Berry into that right hand side and McAulay in her preferred left winger position, the game opened up a bit more for Rangers and Berry ultimately had enough chances to get that third consecutive hatrick. An interesting one to ponder for Crichton, fitting in the fantatsic Brookshire and McAulay, while Berry and Wilkinson continue to lead the league for goalscoring.

What bottom split means for Montrose

A combination of two games that Montrose will want back and a turn around in form from Partick Thistle saw them lose out on that spot which absolutely no one believed they could get when we kicked off in August. The damage was done last gameweek as Partick defeated the Mo 2-1. They knew that losing by two goals or less and hoping for at least a draw in the other game was the most they could expect on Sunday and it so nearly happened.

However, after an international break Montrose have to come back, pick themselves up and fight for the rest of the season. With two games each against the other bottom split teams – Motherwell, Aberdeen and Hamilton Accies, they have to avoid ninth place and that playoff against an SWPL2 side. They currently sit four points above Motherwell and Aberdeen, with the Accies a further nine away after picking up just two draws all season. Montrose have looked a cut above the rest of these teams so far, but a couple of close results against them and the fight is well and truly on.

TEAMS: RANGERS (4-2-3-1): Fife, Austin, Eddie, Rafferty, Docherty (c), McLeary, Cruft, McAulay, Lafaix, Brookshire, Berry. Substitutes: Wilkinson (for Brookshire 61′), Shin-Ji (for McLeary 61′), Sabajo (for Lafaix 65′), Hay (for McAulay 65′), Boyce (for Eddie 81′), Kelly, Pegram, Black.

Scorers: 1-0 McAulay 18′, 2-0 Berry 73′.

MONTROSE (5-2-1-2): Perry, Murray, Ross, Cowper (c), Glover, Taylor, Brown, Robertson, Robb, Innes, Martin. Substitutes: Carter (for Murray 56′), Guthrie (for Innes 56′), Elliot (for Gover 74′), McDonald-Nguah (for Brown 74′), Milne, Mclaren, Henderson.

Referee: Lauren Whitehead

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Asian Cup Preview: Uzbekistan

Above: The Uzbekistan Women’s National Team lines up. Image: AFC.

The Uzbekistan Women’s National Team is making their long awaited return to the Asian Cup. From their first year as an official team in 1995 to 2003, they played in every Asian Cup group stage, but then they fell off the map.

In 2018, Uzbekistan found success in tournament football for the first time, winning the inaugural Central Asian Championship. They went on to retain their title in 2022.They are also prepared to host the 2029 Women’s Asian Cup, becoming the first central Asian to do so.

They will compete in Group B against China, Bangladesh, and North Korea.