Chelsea retain title in battled 2-0 win in League Cup Final

Chelsea 2-0 Manchester United

By Hope Robinson (15/3/26)

Above: Chelsea lift the Subway Cup Photo: Chelsea FC

Hope Robinson was in the press box and attended both press conferences for The Subway League Cup Final, which took place at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol on Sunday 15th March with a kick-off time of 2:15pm. Strikes from James and Beever-Jones secured a victory for the Blues, weaving their names into history, as they lifted the first piece of silverware this season.

Context and stakes

In the first English final of the season, Chelsea and Manchester United met at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol in a clash to lift the Subway Women’s League Cup. Manchester United have never won the trophy, while Chelsea lifted it last season, although it is a competition that often escaped them in previous years.

Winning the first title of the campaign would provide strong momentum for both sides as they continue to compete for the league title, European glory, and Champions League qualification in what has been an extremely competitive season. 

The two teams last faced each other before the international break, when Chelsea knocked Manchester United out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory at Kingsmeadow.

Manchester United have only beaten Chelsea once in their history, alongside two draws and 14 defeats, leaving Chelsea with a dominant record in the fixture. One of those draws came in their league meeting in October 2025, when the sides shared a 1-1 result with both goals arriving inside the opening 20 minutes.

Despite Chelsea entering the match as favourites due to their squad depth and history of success, Manchester United currently sit higher in the league table. United are second with 34 points, while Chelsea sit in third, one point behind.

Team news and shape

Manchester United were without star player Ella Toone and full back Anna Sandberg. However, supporters were encouraged by the return of Fridolina Rolfö, while Jayde Riviere was also available for selection after missing the international break.

Hinata Miyazawa was also unavailable as she is competing in the Asian Cup with Japan. Because of the same tournament, Chelsea were without Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter. Chelsea striker Mayra Ramirez remains out for the rest of the season.

The blues were without their captain Millie Bright, as well as Naomi Girma who suffered a knock in training. Natalie Bjorn, returning from injury, was fit enough only for the bench, leaving Chelsea’s defence looking depleted. 

Moreover, Chelsea altered the formation we are used to seeing them in this season, opting for a 4-3-3 over their more recent 3-5-2-, with Kadeisha Buchanan making her first start since rupturing her ACL in November 2024. 

First half overview

The final began at a fast and physical tempo, with both sides pressing aggressively and looking to regain possession quickly whenever the ball was lost. Chelsea threatened inside the opening minute when Lucy Bronze surged down the right flank before finding Lauren James, whose low cross flashed across goal and into the side netting as Alyssa Thompson arrived in the box.

Manchester United responded almost immediately. In the second minute Elisabeth Terland drove forward into space and struck a low effort that Hannah Hampton could only parry away for a corner. United’s early approach was clear, looking to release Terland quickly to run directly at the Chelsea defence.

Chelsea’s midfield gradually began to dictate the rhythm of the game, with Sjoeke Nusken and Erin Cuthbert combining through quick passing sequences. However, United remained dangerous on the break. Melvine Malard slipped a pass through to Terland around the eighth minute, but Kadeisha Buchanan produced an excellent one on one tackle to deny the striker.

The opening exchanges were largely end to end. James stole possession in midfield and drove forward shortly afterwards, but Maya Le Tissier recovered well to block the attempt. At the other end, Terland fired wide from distance despite having time and space after Ellen Wangerheim had won the ball high up the pitch.

Chelsea began to increase the pressure as the half approached the 15 minute mark. James curled an ambitious effort just over the crossbar following sustained possession around the United penalty area involving Thompson and Nusken.

The decisive moment of the half arrived in the 20th minute. Le Tissier took a heavy touch while receiving the ball in defence, allowing James to intercept before driving forward and finishing confidently from a wide angle to give Chelsea the lead.

United continued to push forward in search of an equaliser. Terland struck another powerful effort from distance just after the half hour mark but could not keep it on target. Moments later a scrappy sequence inside the Chelsea penalty area resulted in several blocked attempts before Terland eventually struck the crossbar.

Chelsea also threatened again before the break. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd produced an impressive run down the right before setting up Nusken on the edge of the box, but the midfielder fired over the crossbar.

Chelsea arguably produced their best attacking moment late in the half when an excellent through ball released Thompson one on one with Phallon Tullis-Joyce. As the forward prepared to shoot, Le Tissier made an outstanding recovery tackle to match her pace and deny the chance.

In stoppage time Malard delivered a dangerous cross that Wangerheim met inside the penalty area, but the effort drifted narrowly wide of the bottom corner as Chelsea took a slender lead into the interval.

Second half overview

Chelsea made a change at half time with Aggie Beever-Jones replacing Thompson on the left wing, potentially as a precaution.

The second half began with both teams searching for momentum. Malard attempted an ambitious bicycle kick early on, while moments later Hampton produced an excellent save to deny Lisa Naalsund after Buchanan briefly lost possession close to her own penalty area.

James remained Chelsea’s most dangerous attacking outlet and struck the side netting shortly afterwards after cutting inside from the wing. United began to rely more heavily on direct play during this period, frequently opting for long goal kicks to bypass Chelsea’s midfield.

The contest grew increasingly physical as the half progressed. James was shown a yellow card after losing possession to Ziggiotti Olme and attempting to halt the resulting counter attack with a late challenge.

Chelsea began to apply sustained pressure approaching the hour mark. Sandy Baltimore delivered a dangerous corner that led to a series of blocked efforts before Buchanan rose for a header from the recycled ball which narrowly missed the target.

United attempted to change the momentum through substitutions, introducing Fridolina Rolfö and Lea Schuller to add fresh attacking energy. However, Chelsea’s defensive line was forced into a reshuffle when Buchanan was substituted as part of careful management of her return from injury. Natalie Bjorn replaced her but was forced off shortly afterwards after sustaining another injury, with Wieke Kaptein entering the match.

Despite the disruption Chelsea maintained control of the contest and eventually doubled their advantage in the 77th minute. Beever-Jones found space inside the penalty area and finished from close range, although United goalkeeper Tullis-Joyce may feel she could have done better to prevent the effort from crossing the line.

Chelsea then managed the closing stages with composure, limiting United’s opportunities and keeping possession effectively. James continued to threaten and forced Tullis-Joyce into another strong save after cutting inside late in the match.

United’s final opportunity arrived deep into stoppage time when their goalkeeper went forward for a corner, but the delivery ultimately came to nothing. The most dramatic moment came moments later when Malard broke through on goal, only for Hampton to produce an outstanding save before Bronze cleared off the line in an exceptional piece of defensive work.

Schuller also showed her attacking presence late on with a powerful run and shot across the face of goal as United pushed for a late response, but Chelsea’s defensive organisation held firm to secure the trophy.

Standout performances

Lauren James was the standout attacking player, scoring Chelsea’s opening goal and consistently drifting into dangerous spaces to link play and carry the ball forward.

Kadeisha Buchanan impressed in defence in her first start since returning from an ACL injury, producing several key tackles and looking composed in one v one situations.

Lea Schuller added energy and direct running after coming off the bench for Manchester United, stretching Chelsea’s defence and creating space in the final stages.

Ellen Wangerheim also performed well for United, pressing aggressively and linking effectively with Elisabeth Terland while posing a threat in attacking areas.

Outcome, decisive moments, and implications

Chelsea’s win was defined by their efficiency in key moments. Lauren James capitalised on a defensive mistake to open the scoring before Aggie Beever-Jones sealed the result with a close range finish in the second half.

While Manchester United created several promising situations, they lacked the clinical edge required in a final. The victory gives Chelsea early season silverware and momentum for the run in, while United are left reflecting on another near miss in a major final.

Managers’ reactions

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner admitted the result left his side frustrated, believing they had performed well in large periods of the game.

“Frustration really. I felt between the boxes we were better with the ball,” Skinner said after the match, although he acknowledged Chelsea’s clinical edge in decisive moments, explaining that “they are the best at finishing half chances.”

Skinner believed United created opportunities that on another day might have produced a different outcome. “We created chances we would have scored on other days,” he said, adding that he still does not fully understand why his side struggle to convert in finals.

“I don’t know what it is with these finals. It’s against Chelsea that we don’t produce the moments of clarity we need.”

Despite the defeat, Skinner insisted Chelsea had not necessarily dominated the match.

“I don’t think they’ve beaten us today. I don’t think they outplayed us,” he said.

He also admitted United allowed James too much freedom throughout the game. According to Skinner, “we gave her a bit too much respect today,” suggesting that limiting her influence is key to disrupting Chelsea’s attack.

Discussing the second goal, Skinner described it as disappointing defensively. “Poor goal from us as a collective,” he said, calling it “such a scrappy goal.”

The United manager emphasised that the next challenge is turning strong performances into decisive results.

“We need to stop getting closer and just be there and above. That’s my challenge so we don’t feel like this anymore.”

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor was delighted with the victory, emphasising the significance of winning finals whenever the opportunity arises.

“It feels great. I told the players before the game that when you have the opportunity to play a final it’s always special,” Bompastor said.

She also reflected on the personal significance of the occasion, noting that “it’s a special day also, being Mother’s Day,” and acknowledging the support she receives from her family.

Bompastor highlighted the importance of beginning a crucial run of fixtures with silverware.

“We knew starting this block it would be a really important part of the season,” she explained. “Starting the block with this trophy is the best way to start.”

The Chelsea manager praised Lauren James for her performance and continued development.

“If injuries stay away she is one of the best players in the world,” Bompastor said, adding that the forward has been performing “at a high level” since she arrived at the club.

However, Bompastor admitted she was concerned about the injury suffered by Natalie Bjorn during the match.

“We’re really sad for her. It doesn’t look good,” she said, explaining that the problem appeared to be related to the defender’s calf.

Despite those setbacks, Bompastor emphasised the importance of preparation and tactical flexibility.

“My job as a coach is to come into every game very prepared with many options,” she said, explaining that unexpected situations during matches require immediate solutions.

She also praised Aggie Beever-Jones for taking advantage of her opportunity, stressing the importance of confidence for attacking players.

“For every player confidence is crucial,” Bompastor said. “When a player is playing with trust, belief and confidence that’s when they can express themselves.”

The Chelsea manager also used the occasion to raise concerns about the development of young players in England, suggesting academies are not consistently producing footballers ready for the first team.

“In England the gap is big and they are not ready for the first team,” Bompastor said.

Drawing comparisons with her experience in France, she explained that at Lyon several academy players could regularly step into senior football and compete immediately.

“When I was in Lyon before, I could have five players coming up and they could meet the level.”

Bompastor suggested the issue should be examined more closely by the national governing body.

“The FA should look into it,” she said, adding that she is “always open to share my ideas” about how the pathway for young players could be improved.

Teams: CHELSEA (4-3-3): Hampton, Bronze, Buchanan, Buurman, Baltimore, Walsh, Cuthbert (c), Nusken, James, Rytting Kaneryd, Thompson Substitutes: Beever-Jones 45’ (for Thompson), Buchanan 62’ (for Bjorn), Kaptein 67’ (for Bjorn), Potter 90’ (for James)

Scorer: James 20’, Beever-Jones 77’

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Tullis-Joyce, Le Tissier (c), Lundkvist, Park, Malard, Terland, Riviere, Naalsund, Janssen, Zigiotti, Wangerheim Substitutes: Rolfo 59’ (for Riviere), Schuller 59’ (for Wangerheim), Awujo 87’ (for Zigiotti)

Referee: Grace Lowe

Attendance: 21,619

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Balcatta Etna claims back-to-back NPLWA Women’s Night Series titles ahead of regular season

Perth Azzurri 0 – 1 Balcatta Etna 

by Enya Liu (15/3/26).

Balcatta Etna head into the NPLWA regular season with a pep in their step as they claim the Women’s Night Series title for a second consecutive year.

A scraping goal by Balcatta defender Frankie Murray is all it took for the North Perth side to secure the silverware over Perth Azzurri. 

A fixture familiar for both teams and a replay of the preceding year’s decisive match, Balcatta came into their 5th Night Series Final hungry to defend their title, while Perth seeked revenge on their 2025 misfortunes. 

The game started in an expected fashion, with both teams focusing on keeping the game tidy and tightly contested. 

The 20th minute saw an unfortunate setback for Perth. Hannah Collins sustained an injury, forcing a premature substitution with Macey McCready entering the game. 

Seven shots at goal were recorded across both ends of the pitch throughout the first half, with the most promising going the way of Balcatta in the 15th minute. Rachel Jarvis picked out a clean pass to Jamie Duncanson who belted the ball towards the goal, forcing a stellar save out of eventual player of the match and Perth number 1 Dayle Schroeder.

The second half began with a bang for Balcatta, as the ball scraped across the line for the match-winning goal. Frankie Murray pinged a cross from the left-hand side into the penalty box. The pass ricocheted off the underside of the crossbar, before finding its way past the goal-line.

Despite continuous efforts from Perth, they were unable to find the equalizer they needed to send the game to penalties. The Azzurri struggled to break down a stubborn Balcatta defence, unable to get out of their own half, with the best chance coming in the 88th minute where Alisa Zindell found the side-netting.

Balcatta’s win tonight will fill the star-studded side with plenty of confidence ahead of their opening regular season match next week. 

Teams: PERTH AZZURRI (4-4-2): Schroeder, Warburton, Nossent, Collins, Marshall, Tana, Archibald, Boehm, Mathers, Flannery, McCartney. Substitutes: Longmore, Dalton, Contibalti, Ottobrino, Zindell, McCready, Ingrey.

BALCATTA ETNA (4-4-2): R. Bennett, Murray, Davis, C. Bennett, Meakins, Marwick, Van Heurck, Duncanson, Doeglas, Glanfield, Jarvis. Substitutes: D’Opera, Duncan, Mohammad Zainuurafiq, Foletta, Britton, Nalder, Comito.

Scorer: Murray 48’

Referee: Connor Richards 

Attendence: TBC

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Japan continues dominant Asian Cup run with another big win

Japan 7-0 Philippines

by Ella McShane (15/3/26)

Above: Japan (blue uniform) certainly had plenty to celebrate during their big win over then Philippines. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus Football.

Japan has waltzed into the semi finals of the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup with a comprehensive 7-0 win over the Philippines. Tōko Kōga scored a brace in the win, and was joined on the scoresheet by team mates Mina Tanaka, Remina Chiba, Manaka Matsukubo, Momoko Tanikawa and Riko Ueki.

Japan asserted their dominance from the inaugural whistle, cornering play into their favoured end of the pitch. Japan’s relentless attack was closely followed by a deep defensive block by the Phillipines that generated plenty of dynamic one versus ones and goalkeeping heroics by Nina Meollo in the first half.

An early scare did come for the Phillipines, with forward Mallie Ramirez forced off in the eighth minute for a non contact knee issue, and was replaced by Chandler McDaniel.

Japan did not miss a beat re-initiating trademark play though, making sharp cuts into the box and plenty of dangerous warning shots. This included Yui Hasegawa made a splitting run down the wing that resulted in a corner. Unfortunate for Japan, Hasegawa’s call for a goal was answered by a screaming punch from the Philippines’ shot stopper.

Japan’s relentless attack was yet again met by the heroics of Meollo at the twenty two minute mark when a direct header was promptly neutralised by a textbook block.

Just before the half-time whistle Japan was awarded yet another corner, which resulted in a nail biting back and forth in the box. Eventually Japan’s goal sneak Tanaka finally broke the gritty deadlock, just getting the ball over the line.

The heat intensified in the box mere minutes later when another Japan corner was converted by a powerful header from Koga, taking the scoreline to an impressive 2-0 for half time. 

Meollo’s heroics continued throughout the second half when she denied a dangerous on target volley from Chiba, parrying it out of danger with her leg.

Chiba responded promptly though, when a flying cross from Aoba Fujino from the left wing was met with a strike destined for the back-post. Chiba shot from just outside the goal area and pocketed Japan’s third goal of the afternoon.

A mere two minutes after, Matsukubo assumed the same position in the goal area and the strike raised the scoreline yet again.

Kōga converted another corner, after expertly anticipating a direct cross from Tanaka, Kōga seamlessly guided the ball into the net.

Coming into the final ten minutes of stoppage time, the Philippines regained a defensive presence for a short while but that was abruptly interrupted by a direct cross from Tanikawa from just outside the goal area that found the net.

Japan rounded off the afternoon by substituting on one of the tournaments leading goal scorers in Ueki, who then wrote her name on the scoresheet minutes later with a header of her own.

Teams: JAPAN (4-4-2): Hirao (GK), Hasegawa (C), Shimizu, Minami, Kōga, Miyasawa, Seike, Tanaka, Fujino, Hayashi, Moriya. Substitutions: Yamashita, Kumagai, Takahashi, Ueki, Nagano, Kitagawa, Yamamoto, Hamano, Tanikawa, Matsukubo, Okuma, Narumiya, Chiba, Hijikata.

Scorers: Tanaka 45+2’, Kōga 45+3’, 76’, Chiba 65’, Matsukubo 67’, Tanikawa 86’, Ueki 90’. 

PHILIPPINES (5-4-1): Meollo (GK), Long (C), Cesar, Cowart, Sawicki, Hawkinson, Curran, Pasion, Marley, Pino, Ramirez. Substitutions: Bradley, Beard, Carpio, Castañeda, DeFazio, Eggesvik, Frilles, Guillou, Guy, C. McDaniel, O. McDaniel, McSwigan, Oca, Villapando, Wunsch.

Referee: Dong Fangyu (China).

Attendance: 13,321.

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City give coach perfect birthday present and extend ladder lead

Melbourne City 3-1 Canberra United

by Alyce Collett (15/3/26)

Above: Laura Hughes (left) and Chinaza Uchendu (right) celebrate during Melbourne City’s win over Canberra United this afternoon. Photo: via the A-Leagues.

Melbourne City gave coach Michael Matricciani the perfect birthday present after picking up a 3-1 win over Canberra United this afternoon. A brace from Chinaza Uchendu complimented an earlier goal from Aideen Keane to help get City over the line. Bethany Gordon managed to get one back late for the visitors but it ultimately was not enough.

Canberra actually started the game very positively, with the visitors spending the majority of the time early in their attacking half.

Hayley Taylor-Young in particular was working hard up and down the left wing for Canberra, trying to propel her team forward. Josie Aulicino was also lively in attack.

However, as hard as Canberra tried they just could not work the ball past City’s defensive line, which was very well positioned in a way that crowded the space for the opposition attackers but still gave themselves enough room to manoeuvre.

City also had a couple of attacking potential in the first half, but ultimately neither side could find the back of the net and went into the main break with plenty to think about ahead of the second half.

City finally broke the deadline just after the hour mark when Keane headed home a perfectly placed cross from Deven Jackson, which completely missed Canberra goal keeper Sally James who had come out to attack the ball.

City then extended their lead with a well hit goal from Uchendu, who had only been on the pitch mere moments before scoring. It was a well timed that went across goal and into the bottom corner.

Despite being two goals down Canberra was not going down without a fight, and Gordon popped up at the perfect time to score and breathe some life into the hopes of those in green. Barely a minute after Uchendu’s goal, Canberra found itself down in their attack and after some exceptional footwork around some defenders Gordon struck the ball beautifully into the back of the net. It ultimately did take a deflection off Taylor Otto, but the visitors were not complaining.

However, that momentum was snuffed out mere minutes later when Uchendu added a second goal for the afternoon. Her second goal showed off the incredible power she has in her shot, with the shot coming from outside the 18 yard box.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-2): Mieres, Turner, Otto, Stott, Apostolakis, Roestbakken, Davidson, McMahon, Henry, Jackson, Keane. Substitutes: Barbieri, Butrus, Hughes, Jugovic, Mckenna, Uchendu.

Scorers: Keane 61’, Uchendu 83’, 87’

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

Scorers: Gordon 85’

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

Attendance: 595.

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“We’re proud to make history but we want more”: Renée Slegers ahead of London City derby

By Emme Fortnam (14/3/26)

Above: Renee Slegers applauding Arsenal fans last season Photo: Arsenal FC

Ahead of another WSL London derby taking place on Sunday, Renée Slegers spoke to the media. She confirmed that Beth Mead should be back, and assessed the threat of London City in what is sure to be a very different matchup to their season opener.

There was a big focus on injuries and those who have returned from major and minor injuries. Thankfully Arsenal haven’t had any new injuries and are expecting the return of Beth Mead ahead of the game. Focus shifted over to star player Chloe Kelly who is gaining an increasing amount of minutes as the season progresses following an injury earlier on. Slegers said “She’s come back with so much energy” and is “training really well”, and she can look forward to Kelly posing a strong threat to London City.

Former Gunner turned Lioness Freya Godfrey us sure to be a factor in the game. On their relationship, Slegers said “I’m in touch with Freya every now and and then. So when she was selected for England for the first time, for example, I sent her a message.” Godfrey has proven herself this year with the opportunity to play more, as Slegers noted how “she can finish, left foot, right foot, so yeah she’s playing really well.”

As the WSL season is slowly coming to a close, Slegers was questioned on how the players are dealing with the current international break, as well as the key players missing out through their continued involvement in the Asian Cup: “the players love it…. so we are in a great place.”

Slegers seemed positive about the extended length of this international break as she exclaimed “it was new” and “for us staff we get more time to review and preview”, which echoed Andree Jeglertz’s thoughts on the changes.

Currently sitting in sixth, London City have had a mixed season, with big signings continuing to be made. Slegers spoke briefly on how she expected London’s Lionesses to play compared to their first matchup: “the first Emirates game of the season, we don’t expect to be playing out like that on Sunday because they’ve changed tactically.”

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Victory grind out narrow but important win

Melbourne Victory 1-0 Western Sydney Wanderers

by Alyce Collett (14/3/26)

Above: Melbourne Victory celebrate after Holly Furphy (second from left) scored against the Western Sydney Wanderers tonight. Photo: via the A-Leagues.

Melbourne Victory have pulled off a gritty 1-0 victory over the Western Sydney Wanderers to pick up a very important three points in the race for the finals. The winning goal came from Holly Furphy, who pounced on a deflection from a shot from Kennedy White to drill the ball into the back of the net.

Possession between the two sides was fairly even, but there was one glaring issue both sides struggled with.

Both sides certainly had plenty of shots on goal, but they both struggled to get those shots on target.

In the first half, Melbourne Victory had eight shots on goal and the Wanderers had nine.

However, both sides tended to put too much power in their shots, with plenty of them sailing well over the top of the goal.

This meant that at half time, each side had only recorded one shot on target.

Things were not much better in the second half in terms of percentage of shots on target. Four of Victory’s nine second half shots were on target, while none of Western Sydney’s four second half shots were on target.

Western Sydney’s best chances came late in the first half, with Tahlia Younis hitting the crossbar in the 42nd minute, while Danika Matos also went close in first half stoppage time.

Victory’s win tonight is an important one in a tight race at the bottom of the top six. They are still in a logjam, but with only two matches in their season left (they have the bye next weekend) every extra point they can get is crucial.

Teams: MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-2-3-1): Newbon, Pickett, Bunge, Morrison, Blissett, Lowe, Ray, Furphy, Pollicina, Sakalis, White. Substitutes: Curtis, Jančevski, O’Grady, Techera, Maher, Woodward.

Scorer: Furphy 57′.

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (3-4-1-2): Khamis, Buchanan, Hooks, Cerne, Matos, Chessari, Harrison, Bennett, Younis, Fazzari, Collins. Substitutes: Edwards, Harada, Khoshaba, Ng-Saad, Rue, Zumaya.

Referee: Sophie Allum.

Attendance: 901.

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Phoenix rise ever powerfully to dominate Brisbane

Wellington Phoenix 3-0 Brisbane Roar

by Ben Gilby (14/3/26)

Above: Wellington Phoenix‘s Macey Fraser, wearing their special Match for Good kit, made a welcome return for her team from the bench against Brisbane Roar today. Photo: Wellington Phoenix

Wellington Phoenix closed in on their first ever Finals qualification with a comfortable win over Brisbane Roar at Hnry Stadium today.

Two goals in a six minute burst in the first half from Manaia Elliott and Emma Pijnenburg were later added to by Makala Woods as the Nix put a dent in Brisbane’s chances of finishing in the top six.

Phoenix were dominant in attack, firing in 20 shots compared to the Roar’s six, with five of them on target to the Queenslanders’ three.

The two teams’ form prior to the international break had seen Bev Priestman’s side win four of their last six matches, compared to Brisbane’s run of two wins in the same period. With just four matches of the regular season remaining, Roar needed to step it up if they were to improve their top six chances.

Nix went into the game without teen star Pia Vlok, who suffered concussion on her first international duty with the Football Ferns, but this news was balanced with the welcome return of Macey Fraser on the bench. Brisbane named Matildas’ star Tameka Yallop among their substitutes.

Wellington had the game’s first chance with just six minutes played – and what a chance. After building along the right, Pijnenburg turned and sent a curling rocket of a shot from around 20 yards that came crashing back off of the cross bar with Roar keeper Tahlia Franco beaten.

Four minutes later they hit the front after more good work along the right as Brooke Nunn lifted the ball in, and Elliott got up above Aimee Medwin to nod home inside the six-yard box.

Just after the quarter-hour mark, the red hot Phoenix made it two. Roar initially cleared a corner that came in from the left, but the ball fell for Pijnenburg on the left hand side of the box. The 21-year-old took a touch with her left foot before hitting an effort with the outside of her right that flew in.

Wellington were dominant, and at this stage, Brisbane were holding on for dear life.

With 28 played, the visitors had a let off when Ellie Walker’s drive from right of centre just outside the box was parried away by Franco, but only as far as Woods who could only put it wide with the goal gaping.

The Roar had a chance as the half edged towards its conclusion as Ashlyn Miller broke through the middle and lifted a shot, but Victoria Esson was able to parry. Marianna Seidl’s follow-up was blocked by the Nix shot-stopper.

The home side conjured up one more chance before the break as Elliott released Lucía León along the left. The former WSL star advanced towards the box and squared a pass to an unmarked Woods, but the American side-footed wide of the right hand post.

Brisbane had the first chance of the second 45 when Wellington could not quite clear their lines, allowing Miller to lift a side-footed chance narrowly over the top.

Wellington finally put the match to bed with 18 minutes remaining as Fraser’s corner from the right caused chaos in the Queenslanders’ box with Walker having two shots blocked in quick succession. The second rebounded back off Woods who turned and fired home inside the six-yard box.

The final opportunity of the encounter fell the Roar’s way as Amali Kinsella skipped away along the left and put in a low cross into space, for Daisy Brown to strike, but Esson made a superb save to maintain her clean sheet.

This was a comprehensive victory for Wellington, which probably should have been by a much bigger margin. They now go to New South Wales for two away games in the space of five days starting next Friday at Sydney FC before facing reigning champions Central Coast Mariners. If they can take at least four points from those matches, then a home Final could well be on the cards for Bev Priestman’s team.

Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-4-2): Esson, Jale, Walker, Barry, van der Meer, Nunn, Pijnenburg, Nunn, León, Elliott, Anthony, M.Woods. Substitutes: Benson, Brazendale, Feinberg-Danieli, Fraser, Jaber, Main.

Scorers: Elliott 10′, Pijnenberg 16′, Woods 72′.

BRISBANE ROAR (4-2-3-1): Franco, Seidl, Cuthbert, Studer, Medwin, A.Woods, Hayashi, Miller, Kruger, Stephenson, Brown. Substitutes: Campbell, Hanson, Kinsella, Meyers, Piazza, Yallop.

Referee: Sarah Jones.

Attendance: 4,169.

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Exclusive: FC Utrecht’s Lobke Loonen on the Eredivisie golden boot race and learning from Alessia Russo

By Jan-Kees Joosse (14/3/26)

Above: Lobke Loonen in training. Photo: Jan-Kees Joosse.

On a Tuesday morning, FC Utrecht are training ahead of their match against Ajax. After weeks of sunshine, the weather has turned nasty, but for one striker there is not a cloud in the sky. Lobke Loonen currently sits second on the top scorers list in the Women’s Eredivisie with 12 goals, one behind Twente’s Jaimy Ravensbergen. With the form she’s in right now, the football world seems at her feet and she is rightly seen as one of the rising stars of Dutch football.

After taking photos in the rain, I was in the canteen at Stadion Zoudenbalch drying my dripping hair before heading to Stadion Galgenwaard to interview her. Lobke walked into the canteen by herself, which briefly made me think we would do the interview there. That turned out to be coincidence — she had “bib duty.” Later she explained she had forgotten to fill in her daily wellbeing check, which meant she got an extra task and had to hand in the training bibs. Once we were sitting in the players’ area at Stadion Galgenwaard, it gave me the perfect opener to ask how her “wellbeing” was.

Yeah, things are good!

That doesn’t surprise me when you’re having a season like this.

Yeah, those things are connected. I can only speak for myself of course, but I feel that if I’m feeling good off the pitch, you can see that on the pitch as well. I play with more confidence, I’m braver. And when I feel good on the pitch, I automatically feel better off the field too. So I do think there’s a link there.

You’re currently second on the top scorers list in the Eredivisie. Does that make you nervous or does it give you a kick?

I’m not nervous about it, I just enjoy it. It’s a reward for what I show on the pitch, that I’m up there. So that’s a nice bonus. It also motivates me to keep scoring, keep working and keep going. I’m one goal behind Jaimy (Ravensbergen, ed.), so that’s a nice challenge to catch her.

When I looked into your career, I saw that when you were 17 at KAA Gent you took a penalty in your very first match. How do you do that at 17, playing at the highest level for the first time for a new club?

I actually don’t know how that happened. I went there from PSV’s youth team and I was brought in with the idea that I would play. That was the reason I went to Belgium. I wanted to get out of the youth league and play lots of minutes at the highest level. At PSV I could train with the first team and sometimes sit on the bench, but I was never going to get minutes. So I thought: I just want to play at the highest level and get minutes.

Then Gent approached me and that already felt good, because it means they see something in you. That gives confidence and the idea you can play a lot. I was young, but I came there to play, so that gave me more the position of a starting player and not the “young kid”. I’m a striker, so I thought: if there’s a penalty, I’m taking it! I never really thought about how strange it might be when you’re 17.

I also remember that I had already scored quite a lot in pre-season, so then you also think: yeah, I can take that one. Then you’ve earned your spot.

Is the football culture in the Netherlands different from Belgium?

Yeah, I do think so. People often say the Dutch are more direct than Belgians. That’s also how I experienced it. Sometimes things stay a bit under the surface there, whereas in the Netherlands we would say it straight away. That’s not always better either, because sometimes things just explode, so to speak. But that’s a big difference.

I was there with another Dutch girl, so we could laugh about those cultural differences. Or the Belgians would laugh at us. That made it quite funny.

You’re from North-Brabant — did you live in Ghent?

Yeah, I lived there at the time. I’m from near Den Bosch. It was about a two-hour drive to my parents, so I lived in Gent.

That’s quite young to make a step like that.

Yeah. I have two sisters and they had already left home to study. I had also finished secondary school. I didn’t really think too much about it. I finished high school quite early, so I just thought: yeah, this is possible.

Maybe you matured early?

Yeah… I don’t know.

Was it a strategic choice to leave PSV for Gent?

Yeah, I wasn’t really ready to play at PSV yet either. They had Katja (Snoeijs, ed.) and Joëlle (Smits, ed.) as strikers then. I was always going to lose that competition at that moment. So it was a strategic choice to get minutes. Not necessarily to leave the Netherlands. It could also have been ADO at the time. The chance to go to Gent just came up, and with Covid it was a bit harder as well.

Two years later ADO Den Haag came calling. Did that feel like a chance to prove yourself in the Netherlands?

Yeah, it was my first chance to play in the Eredivisie, so I definitely felt like: now I want to show it here as well. I knew a lot of girls from the national teams, so I wanted to show in the Netherlands what kind of player I am. I felt that if I could score goals in Belgium, I could do it here too.

What did Linda Helbling say when she wanted to bring you to FC Utrecht?

She told me a lot about the club, her vision, the playing style and why she thought I would fit in. It was also about what she sees in me and what Utrecht needed at that moment. I think Utrecht were third at the time, so that already said a lot. It was a really fun team to watch. Good football. Lots of energy.

The week before I had played against Utrecht with ADO and we had lost 2–0 quite convincingly. That also made me think: I want to take the next step.

Did you feel that it was necessary for your career?

Yeah, and that summer I had already wanted to make a move, but it didn’t happen.

Was that move to FC Utrecht?

No, to another club. So I already had that thought in my head. When it didn’t happen I stayed at ADO and thought: then I’ll give everything for one more season. Work extra hard. I could train extra with the coach, really focus on my own development.

The plan was basically to move the following summer. But then the opportunity already came in the winter to go somewhere higher. Then I thought: why wait if it can happen now?

Maybe it was a great way to adjust to the club and benefit this season?

Yeah, I think so. The first six months here weren’t amazing. I underestimated how difficult it is to join halfway through the season. The group is already formed. Everyone has their place and suddenly someone new comes in and changes the group dynamics.

I struggled with finding my place socially. Linda gave me a lot of trust, but that also brought pressure. I felt like I had to score and be important every match. That made me think too much on the pitch, which doesn’t help me at all.

For me it works best when I feel good, when I feel free and play with that mindset. I play much better like that than when I’m constantly thinking about what people think of me or what I should do. So it was good that I had that half-year to adjust. After six months things fell into place and I found my spot. Now it’s paying off.

You study psychology. Does that help when you go through a period where the goals aren’t coming?

Since my time at PSV I’ve been in contact with a sports psychologist. That helps me anyway. When things weren’t going well I also reached out to him more. I’m really interested in that side of football — the mental aspect. Learning about it is one thing, but applying it to yourself is always harder. But it definitely helps me in some way. It remains a complex thing.

Utrecht are known this season as a team that often comes back from behind. What’s the psychology behind that?

I think it’s also something in our team. When things aren’t going well, at some point something just drops off us. When we’re 3–0 down it almost feels like… not that the match is gone… but you start thinking: well you don’t give a shit at that point! We’re already behind anyway. Let’s just play football and do everything we can to turn it around.

It gives you more freedom. It’s easier to attack something — to have to score goals — than to defend a 3–0 lead. When you’re chasing the game like that you also have nothing to lose. Maybe that’s it.

Why are you no longer with the Netherlands U23s?

Last season was basically my last year. That age group is finished unless you get special permission. Last year was my final period. I’m too old now.

You’ve said before that you want to reach the top. What do you think it takes nowadays to represent The Netherlands?

I think you have to play for a top club and show it on the pitch — that you can handle that level. In the Netherlands you probably have to be the best player on the pitch to really get noticed. Otherwise I think you have to make the step to a higher league abroad and show it there.

If you look at the Dutch national team players, they all play abroad and they actually play for their clubs. From the Eredivisie it’s difficult to reach that level, so at some point you have to make the step abroad.

Would you choose a growing club, or if Chelsea called would you go anyway — even if it meant getting benched?

If Chelsea calls, I’m going, she laughs.

I see it a bit like the start of my career. If I make a step, I want to play. You can never get guarantees, but at least the intention to play. Because that’s where you learn the most. That probably means not going straight to a top club, but to a mid-table club or a lower club in a top league.

Do you have role models?

Not really players, but I have huge respect for Sarina (Wiegman, ed.). For everything she has achieved. First with the Netherlands and then with England. But also how she keeps speaking out about the development of women’s football and the position of women in society. I think that’s really cool.

Because I didn’t really grow up with women’s football, I never had a real idol. But if I look now, for example at Alessia Russo — I’d like that.

In the way she plays?

Yeah. I think our playing style is a bit similar. Physically strong. A real finisher. She always works incredibly hard. I’ve always had that too. She won the Champions League last year and the European Championship, and she played everything.

When did you realise you wanted to become a professional footballer?

I always wrote in those little friendship books at school that I wanted to be a professional footballer. But at that time I had no idea what the possibilities were. Women’s football was never on TV, for example. That makes a difference.

That’s why it’s so nice for young girls now. We can be role models. The club you support — you can actually play there yourself. I’m sure that if it had been on TV back then, I would have watched every week.

Did you grow up in a sporting family?

Yeah, very sporty, but not really a football family. My mum and my sisters all played hockey and my dad used to be a cyclist. But everyone was very active. My parents still run a lot. Just not much football.

How important was the role of your parents in your career?

Without my parents this would never have worked. The mental support first of all. When I had a bad match or was going through a tough period, they always made me feel like I was good enough and that I mattered. Even if I played badly — just as much as when I played well. It’s about who you are.

But it was also practical. Driving me to training, making sure there was food. When I was in secondary school I had to go to Eindhoven four or five times a week. Sometimes I could manage by train, but sometimes I had class until a certain time and someone had to take me. Luckily my parents had that possibility. Without them it would never have worked.

FC Utrecht face Ajax on Sunday 15th March at 11:15 UK time – the match is broadcast on ESPN in the Netherlands.

This interview was published in Dutch on www.fcleeuwinnen.nl – follow Jan there for news on Dutch women’s football.

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“We only want wins”: Blissett Sets Sights on Finals for Victory

By Isabelle Campbell (14/03/26)

Melbourne Victory defender Chelsea Blissett believes the extended mid-season break may have come at the perfect time as Victory prepare for their final regular-season home match against Western Sydney Wanderers.

The pause in the A-League Women schedule during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup gave the squad three uninterrupted weeks on the training track before the final run of games.

“We spent a lot of time on the field, working on the things that we felt like we needed as a team coming into these last three games of the regular season,” Blissett said.

“I think we made the most of the opportunity that we had to really hone in on what we felt we were lacking as a squad. It was a really enjoyable three weeks.”

“We just spent a lot of time together as a team, really enjoyed each other’s company and just pushed each other on the training field.”

The team used that time to focus on areas they felt had been off the mark in recent matches, particularly the way the team attacked in the final third.

“We just really felt like we needed to be more aggressive when we’re going forward, how we went forward and our movement up top, we felt like we were lacking a little bit in our last couple of games,” she said.

“So we really started working on that. But we also just worked on enjoyment and how we play together as a squad as a whole.”

Victory have struggled at times to convert chances this season, but Blissett believes the side may be starting to find better cohesion at the right time.

“I think we’re starting to really find our rhythm and find our togetherness, not only as a team, but in that front third as well,” she said.

“So I definitely wouldn’t be surprised if those goals start flowing in these last couple games.”

While the opening half of the season may not have unfolded as they had hoped, Blissett said building chemistry within a squad can sometimes take longer than expected.

“I think sometimes, as a squad, you never really know how a team is going to gel together,” she said.

“You never really know when you put 11 people on the park how it’s going to go. Obviously, we’ve not had the season we’ve necessarily wanted so far, but I think as long as we all want to win and we all want to put our heads down. Unfortunately, sometimes it just takes longer than others.”

Despite the Wanderers sitting near the bottom of the table, Blissett said Victory are wary of the threat they pose in transition.

“I think it’s how we go forward, how we prepare for their quick transitions. We’ve been working on that all week. We know that they can be a dangerous team on the counter, so that’s probably what we’re going to try to nullify moving forward.”

With matches remaining against Western Sydney, Sydney FC and Perth Glory, Victory see the final three fixtures as a key opportunity to finish the regular season strongly.

“It definitely is an expectation on us moving forward, that we only want wins,” Blissett said.

“We don’t want draws. We don’t want to rely on other results to kind of get to where we want to go. If we want to make a really good run into finals and set ourselves up really well, we definitely need to collect those nine points.”

Saturday’s match will also be part of the league’s Female Football Round, celebrating the growth of the women’s game and the people within it.

“It means a lot to us,” Blissett said. “We’re seeing a change and a growth in the game that we haven’t really seen. We’re starting to really push for full time professionalism, and it means a lot to us to be able to celebrate the round and be able to push that open into our fans and into the A-league Women’s in general, that this is what we want out of our league, and this is what we see the future for our league.”

“For everyone to come down and support and show that not only do we all love football, but Australian fans love female football too.”

As Victory head into their final home game of the regular season, Blissett and her teammates know the stakes are clear: secure the wins needed to push into the finals. With confidence building and determination high, the defender is optimistic the team can deliver on the pitch and showcase the women’s game during Female Football Round.

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Hoban gives Jets finals hope


Newcastle Jets 3-1 Sydney FC

By Kieran Yap 14/3/26

Above: Josie Allan and Sophie Hoban. Photo: Newcastle Jets

The Newcastle Jets have defeated Sydney FC 3-1 at No. 2 Sportsground thanks to a brace by Sophie Hoban. The win gives the Jets some hope for the season and keeps their slim finals hopes alive.

Following a three week break for the Asian Cup group stages, the A-League women was back in action. Sydney FC named an almost first choice lineup for their trip to Newcastle, but curiously chose to have two goalkeepers on the bench. Newcastle came into this game in search of their first win since January. If they needed a boost in confidence, when these two sides last met, Newcastle secured the points.

The home side were aggressive early, and Melina Ayres looked dangerous. The striker tested Heather Hinz from outside of the box and then again with a header. But neither effort could beat the in-form goalkeeper.

Sydney FC took the lead slightly against the run of play. Riley Tanner caused chaos with a run behind the defence, then pressuring Claudia Cicco as she attempted to clear. Georgia Ritchie made a decision to take matters into her own hands and came roaring out off her line, but Tanner beat her to the ball.

Despite the open net, the ball passed through three more Sydney FC players before Mackenzie Hawkesby finally slotted the ball beyond the repositioned Ritchie to make it 1-0.

Melina Ayres soon had her side level when Hinz and Madison Ayson became bizzarely discombobulated. Ayres took full advantage and scored with a simple finish in the 21st minute.

Sophie Hoban has be the architect of most of Newcastle’s best moves this season. Before half time she put The Jets into the lead with her first of the season. After dispossessing Rubi Sullivan, she prodded the ball beyond Hinz with a classy toe-poked effort.

Another flick from Hoban almost provided The Jets with a third, but the ball tricked wide. Newcastle were in the ascendancy and Josie Allan was next to test Hinz with a long range stinger.

The home side continued to probe and Allan’s ball found Hoban in the area. Her finish through the legs of Hinz gave Newcastle the important two-goal cushion that they needed.

Sydney FC pushed forward in search of goals, but despite coming close through Bianca Galic they could not close the gap. Sydney’s finals hopes have all but faded with that result, but The Jet’s season still has a pulse, and they played the type of football that would trouble most teams. They will look to add another win to their season when they travel to face Brisbane next week

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (4-3-3): Ritchie, Cicco, Wilson, Prior, Bates, Hoban, Dundas, Copus-Brown, J Allan, Collins, Ayres. Substitutes:  Boertje, Paige, Lancaster, L Allan, Karapidis, Brown.

Goals: Ayres 21′ Hoban 30′ 73′

Sydney FC (4-3-3): Hinz Fenton, Ayson, Sullivan, Pearson, Lemon, Hawkesby, Galic, Corbett, Ulkekul, Tanner. Substitutes: Tallon-Henniker, Halmarick, Luchtmeijer, Cassar, Robertson, Oppedisano.

Goals: Hawkesby 15′

Referee: Izzy Cooper.

Attendance: 897.

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