By Kieran Yap 17/6/26
Above: new Heidelberg United signing Tamar Levin. Photo: Adrian Geremia for Heidelberg Utd.
Heidelberg United have increased their lead at the summit of the table with a 4-0 win over fellow top four side Boroondara Carey Eagles. Tamar Levin marked her arrival in the league with a brace while Sawa Matsuda scored her 14th of the season so far.
Heidelberg have looked strong this season and began the second half of the league calendar by naming some impressive new signings.
Former Brisbane Roar midfielder Levin starred at The Olympic Village and was joined by Perth Glory stars and Heidelberg returnees Sarah O’Donoghue and Bella Wallhead.
The new signings arrived at the right time as they hosted a Boroondara side that sat third on the table. The Eagles have been impressive this season, but this would be their firmest test yet.
Heidelberg controlled possession early on and created the more dangerous opportunities, but Boroondara’s defensive organisation and the offside flag snuffed out those chances.
The visitors attempted to play a counter attacking game in response, but struggled to string the passes together or put Heidelberg under any real pressure. Their best chance for the half came when Rachel Stirton won the ball in attack, but Mia Bailey in the Bergers goal was able to make a scrambling save and spare her defence.
Molly Burke opened the scoring for Heidelberg with a good finish following a cutback by Asuka Miyata on the right. The goal encouraged the home side to attack more and Bronte Peel could have made it 2-0 but was stopped by an excellent 1-1 save by Mia Mossman.
Mossman once again kept it at 1-0 with a fingertip save to push Levin’s strike onto the crossbar before half time.
Boroondara’s plans to get back into the game were hampered by a second Heidelberg goal soon after the break. Levin’s turn and strike at the edge of the box squirmed under Mossman to double the lead on 48 minutes.
Heidelberg looked in control for the rest of the match and Levin effectively ended the contest with a third after being played through by O’Donoghue.
The final goal was scored by the in-form Sawa Matsuda who forced one home from close range to increase her lead in the Golden Boot race.
The win keeps Heidelberg at the top of the table six points clear of South Melbourne and Alamein.
Round 13 will see them face a dangerous Bentleigh Greens, while Boroondara-Carey Eagles can respond against Brunswick Juventus.
Bulleen Lions and Box Hill United played out a dramatic 1-1 draw on Friday night. Danella Butrus opened the scoring in the second minute of play to continue her excellent individual season. Bulleen were eventually undone by Sienna Techera’s 53rd minute strike after she was played in by Sofia Sakalis.
Maja Markovski struck late for Spring Hills FC to defeat Preston Lions 2-1. Last season’s Gold Medal and Golden Boot winner attacked a dangerous cross from Eri Narita to secure a remarkable win.
Ellie La Monte-Whyte opened the scoring for Preston in the seventh minute but Narita’s equaliser in the 43th minute started a memorable comeback.
Goals to Fujiwaea Airi and Emma Langley secured full points for Essendon Royals in their 2-0 win over Brunswick Juventus. At Lakeside Stadium South Melbourne returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win against Bentleigh Greens thanks to Grace Taranto’s early strike.
Alamein FC delivered their best attacking game of the season with a 5-1 win over FV Academy at Dorothy Laver reserve.
Zoe Houghton scored twice for Alamein with Paige Clemenson and Prius Archdeacon also adding to the scoresheet. Neve Duston scored the fifth from a deflected free kick, while Alice Francou was on the scoresheet for FV Academy with a first half equaliser.
Alamein were ruthless on the counterattack in a win that sees them equal on points with second placed South Melbourne to begin the second half of the NPLW season.
Follow Impetus on social media –
Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Instagram: @impetusfootball
impetusfootball.org 