The View from France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the 19^th round of 2022-2023 D1 Arkema season. Plus, a photo gallery from Olympique Lyonnais v Paris FC match (18/4/23).

Above: Ellie Carpenter and Delphine Cascarino teamed up to pressure Paris FC’s defence under the gaze of Sonia Bompastor, Lyon Head Coach. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Bordeaux 3-0 Soyaux

An even match that was decided by the efficiency of Bordeaux’s attack. With this victory, Bordeaux are back to winning ways after four losses and a draw, whilst Soyaux continue to struggle in last place. Goals: Bordeaux – Maëlle Garbino (30), Mélissa Gomes (41), Julie Dufour (43).

Dijon 0–2 Le Havre

Le Havre slightly dominated this game and remain two points ahead of Bordeaux with their win. Dijon stay one point shy to going down to Division 2 at the end of this season. A red card for Jenna Dear near the end compounded their misery. Goals: Le Havre – Kelsey Araujo (49), Sadie Sider-Echenberg (89).

Reims 1-3 Fleury

An important win for Fleury who are now level on points with Paris FC (35) but have a better goal difference (+24 versus +21). Furthermore, as they obtained a draw at home and won away against the Parisians this season, Fleury hold the third spot in the standings, which is a qualifying position for the UEFA Women’s Champions League next season. Goal: Reims – Kethna Louis (32). Fleury – Batcheba Louis (14, 23), Ewelina Kamczyk (74).

Guingamp 0–1 Paris Saint-Germain

A game where PSG largely dominated (75% possession, almost 20 shots) but had to wait for an error from Guingamp, a back pass to Grace Geyoro from a defender, to score on the half-hour. With the absence of Marie-Antoinette Katoto and now Kadidiatou Diani, PSG had a few problems scoring. Goal: Paris Saint-Germain – Grace Geyoro (30).

Olympique Lyonnais 2–0 Paris FC

Not a spectacular game, but a very proferssional one from Lyon with two beautiful goals. Even if Paris FC had a few opportunities, the home side were never really in any difficulty. Selma Bacha had another good performance as a left-hand side forward with a decisive pass to Vanessa Gilles on a corner from the right-hand side. Ellie Carpenter, defender, and Delphine Cascarino, forward, on the right-hand side, caused a lot of problems for the defense of Paris FC. Goals: Lyon – Vanessa Gilles (15), Signe Bruun (88).

Rodez 2-3 Montpellier

Montpellier dominated with 70% possession but struggled all game to win until the very last minute. Montpellier led twice during the game (49, 65), but Rodez came back each time (59, 69) and hoped till the end to earn a draw especially since they were 11 players against 10 for the final twenty minutes. Goals: Rodez – Eloïse Sévenne (59 penalty), Yrma Mze Issa (69). Montpellier – Charlotte Bilbault (49), Amandine Pierre-Louis (65 Own Goal), Faustine Robert (90+2).