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Olympics Team of the Tournament.

By Emmanuel Faith 22/8/24

Above: Trinity Rodman. Photo: USWNT

While the Olympics wrapped up a week ago, a lot of us are still basking in the lovely memories it gave us. From Emma Hayes first medal with the USA team to Marta’s legendary departure from football, there are lot to reminisce about this magnificenttournament.

In this article, I will be taking a stab at the team of the tournament. To give a fair chance to all the performers, I will also be adding a section for substitutes.

Let’s see if you’d agree with my team.

Formation: 4-2-3-1:

Goalkeeper

Alyssa Naeher

This was a tough call between Ann-Katrin Berger whose heroic penalty saves was crucial to the Germans getting Bronze, and the USA legendary goal-keeper who put up a player of the tournament performance in the final with four crucial saves to ensure her team won their first Olympics gold in 12 years. If the trio of Smith, Swanson and Rodman got USA to the finals, then Naeher won them the gold.

Defenders

Centre Backs

Naomi Girma: USA.

A lot of people have credited Naomi Girma for her sturdy defensive traits, in fact, Emma Hayes called her the best defender she has ever coached, however another major trait that Girma adds to the US team is her ability to start the ball-play from the back.

This help soak in pressure, draw out opponents and create space for runners like Rodman and Dunn to exploit.

Tarciane: Brazil.

Again, this was another difficult decision between German’s Marina Hegerin and Brazil’s Tarciane. In fact, Canada’s Vanessa Giles’ caught my attention with her determined resilience and her crucial goals against France and Colombia but Tarciane gets the nod.

Despite the fact that Brazil conceded a couple goals, the youngster’s leadership at the back was pivotal when Brazil was under-pressure. She made some crucial blocks against Nigeria and France ensuring they maintained their narrow lead that put them on the path to the final.

Guess what? Two years ago, she was one of the stars of the U-20 tournament that I spotlighted and predicted an amazing career trajectory for; present-day, she is an Olympics silver-winning player at 21.

Full-Backs

Guilia Gwinn: Germany.

Two goals, two assists and a lot of dangerous set-pieces, Gwinn was reliable for Germany both as a defender and attacker. The multi-dimensional player was a key reason why the German team looked so revitalized after a disappointing outing last year.

Gwinn was everywhere for the Germans, thwarting the opponent’s attack while creating opportunities for her team-mates.

Emily Fox: USA

Another tough choice between Emily Fox and Crystal Dunnbut the formal gets the slot. From playing with so much grace and gait to nullifying attacks and almost bodying wingers with her physicality, Fox was a great compliment to Girma’sdefensive sturdiness and also created a perfect link-up with Trinity Rodman on the Left-wing.

Midfielders

In a tournament where people expected the winners of the last three Ballon D’or winners- Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellasto shine, it was the regular players like Ludmila, Brand, Abiodun, Buhl and others that took the stage.

Ludmila Da Silva: Brazil

Although she played as a midfielder, Ludmila’s energy spread through the whole team. She was a thorn in the flesh of every team she played against and was pivotal to the second half dominance Brazil had over Spain. Let’s not forget how dangerous she was against the United States and how she threatened for 60 minutes until she was substituted.

Jule Brand: Germany.

For Germany, Brand reminded the world how talented she was and showed her team what made her special. Her third goal against Australia secured their win, and sleeky passes, timely interceptions, and quick feet was a delicious spice to the German’s talent-laden midfield.

Attackers

This was the most difficult to select as it was the tournament where all the attackers showed up for the country. USA’s ‘trident’ came up clutch while Antoinette Katoto and Barbra Banda performed above their xG despite their countries’ disappointing outing. Below is my final four selection.

Sophia Smith: USA.

After a disappointing World Cup Performance, three goals and one assist in the Olympics was a great way to make a comeback. Forming a crucial partnership with the Swanson and Rodman, her crucial goal against Germany ensured that Emma Hayes team had the chance to fight for Gold.

Barbara Banda: Zambia

Now, before you begin to wonder, scoring four goals in two games against Germany and Australia is no easy feat, and scoring three hat-tricks in five Olympic matches, is a record people will be fighting to break. Despite the extremely disappointing performance, especially the loss to Australia, Banda will walk into the attack of any team at the Olympics, and surely deserved a slot in my team of the tournament.

Trinity Rodman: USA

Megan Rapinoe’s mood below was our mood when Rodman scored that sumptuous goal against Japan. Three goals and one assist, a lot of defensive work, and some delicious dribbling on the right flank made Rodman a delight to watch throughout the tournament. At 22, the sky is just the beginning for what the Californian-born youngster can achieve in the world of football.

Mallory Swanson: USA

This was a really difficult choice till the last second. Even as I type, I am wondering if I should replace ‘Mallory’ with ‘Marie’. Marie-Antoinette Katoto had a awe-inspiring tournament, scoring two braces in four matches against Colombia and New-Zealand, but Swanson’s performance at the Olympics reminded us of what the US was missing at the FIFA World Cup last year.

Her perfectly timed run and beautiful goal against Brazil won’t be forgotten by the Americans, and the world anytime soon.

Substitutes:

Goal Keeper: Ann-Katrin Berger

Defenders: Crystal Dunn, Hendrich

Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun, Khlara Buhl
Attackers: Marie-Anne Katoto

Do you agree with my team of the tournament? Share your thoughts below.

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Lucy Jerram on “perfecting the art of what we are good at”

For this week’s WA on Wednesday NPLW WA interview, Balcatta Etna attacker Lucy Jerram speaks to Ben Gilby about her footballing journey that has taken her from WA to NSW and back twice, and how she feels Balcatta are building into the 2024 season (21/8/24).

Above: Lucy Jerram lets fly for Balcatta Etna against Perth RedStar in this year’s Night Series. Photo: JASP Photography

After several years playing on the East coast in both Sydney’s NPLW and the Northern NSW NPLW, explosive attacker Lucy Jerram is back tormenting defences in her home state, and she is thrilled about it.

Jerram’s status as an eye-catching attacker at Home Group Stadium this season is the culmination of many years of hard work, dating back to her early years in Rockingham.

“I started at Port Kennedy Soccer Club. I then moved when I was probably 12 years old to Rockingham City Football Club where I played until under-17s when there wasn’t too much women’s football set up down there at all. When I got selected in a state team when I was 16, I made the move to Melville with a few of the girls I played with in the state team for three years.

“Then when that team folded was around the same time I graduated school and was due to go on an Australian schoolgirls tour of England and I met quite a few girls in that team, and the coach of the team was Sydney-based and really wanted me to try over East, so that was what drove me to move to New South Wales initially. It helped that the team that I was once a part of had split up – that made it easier.

**Above:** Lucy Jerram (front row, number two shirt) in the Australian Schoolgirls’ squad for their tour to England. **Photo:** Women’s Soccer.

“From there I played at the Emerging Jets Academy which is pretty much the equivalent to the NTC program for New South Wales. It was pretty full-on. I’d never really played academy-level football or trained like that before and it was quite hard not only adjusting to the load but also the fact that I had literally just moved there (almost 4,000 km) was pretty rough to start.

“The second season I was in Sydney and played NPL1 for North Shore Mariners which was good, but the travel definitely got the better of me after not too long, and midway through the season, I moved to Blacktown Spartans and played reserve grade for the remainder of that year.

“I then moved back to Western Australia and had a pretty nasty surgery done on both of my feet which saw me out of the game for two years, but it was nice just to press ‘reset.’ Through word of mouth, I got involved at Broadmeadow Magic in the Northern NSW NPL, and that absolutely flourished and I played my best football in a Magic jersey.”

Jerram sees herself as “one of the most passionate players on the team. I’ve got to wear my heart on my sleeve. People get the wrong idea about it sometimes, they think I’m aggressive, but I just have so much love for the game and so much desire to win and do well for my team.”

That desire for success has also been tinged by the frustration at not yet being given an opportunity to play A-League Women football. Jerram has a number of weapons in her armoury that would make her a potentially dangerous player in the league – the pace, the ability to beat players for fun, and explosive finishing. The attacker reflected on those disappointments saying “(it’s possibly) not tooting my horn as much as I probably should to be able to put myself in the right place and gain opportunities.

“I’ve always thought too highly of people when it comes to putting all my eggs in one basket year after year when I’m trying to find an opportunity with A-League, which is my doing, and also taking people too literally.

**Above:** Lucy Jerram celebrating a goal for Broadmeadow Magic in the Northern NSW NPLW. **Photo:** Newcastle Herald.

“To be told there’s no contract on the table for me one year is OK, but after two or three years it gets a bit…you wonder whether that opportunity is ever going to come. You just have to wait for the right person to come who believes in you to give you an opportunity. I’ve always found it quite hard to be expected to have a certain level of experience when the level of experience I had was not being picked in the first place.”

Jerram has twice moved to the other side of the country in a bid to challenge herself in different standards of competition – and enthused about her spell at Broadmeadow Magic in the Northern NSW NPLW.

“I was pretty lucky being over in New South Wales, I was exposed to the NPL1 competition in Sydney metro itself and then played four years in the Northern New South Wales NPLW and they are quite different in terms of standard. You’ve got more people to choose from and the standard is quite a bit higher in the NPL1.

“The Northern League was still really good. We had four or five A-League Women players coming back to play, so I felt I had a bit more competition across the league rather than just a couple of teams which is good. I’d say that the NPLW WA sits pretty well between the two.”

After honours and great success with Broadmeadow Magic, Jerram returned to Perth for the 2024 season. The attacker revealed that the decision was based solely on family and maturing as a person.

“The main reasons for coming back were quite family-based decisions. Playing in Newcastle (160km north of Sydney), and living over there, it was quite a university sort of town, so it was super fun and there was always stuff going on. There was quite a nice vibe there, but I felt like I had to put my adult pants on and decide what I wanted to achieve in life.

**Above:** Lucy Jerram fires in a shot for Broadmeadow Magic. **Photo:** Newcastle Herald.

“It’s all well and good to be running around having a great time, but then you have to consider family, and the amount of lost time I’m now trying to make up for – my parents are getting a little bit older – and I have a little niece now too.”

A player with such a reputation was always going to receive a number of offers from clubs in the NPLW WA once it was clear she was returning to Perth. In the end, Jerram opted to sign up to the new-look Balcatta Etna squad. She admits it was a risk, but one she is now thrilled about taking.

“In choosing Balcatta, I noticed a friend of mine had reposted on Instagram that Pete (Rakic) had been appointed head coach for the season-upcoming. Ideally, the location is probably the most inconvenient for me living where I do. I sort of knew a few of the girls there, and I had a bit of a blank canvas having been away for so long, so I really could have gone anywhere and enjoyed it, but I think I’ve really made the right decision.

“The team vibe is really good. I kept on saying to my Mum: ‘I’m not going to know I’ve made the right decision until I make the wrong one,’ so I’m super fortunate I made the right one straight away.

“Everyone seems to be on the same page whether it’s what we want to achieve as a team, or basic visions or values of us as people, which makes a massive difference. It’s really harmonious. Sometimes that goes so much further than the actual quality on the pitch you have.

**Above:** Lucy Jerram (3) with teammates after a goal against Fremantle City earlier this season. **Image:** Streamer.

“Then we have the likes of Jamie-Lee (Gale), Kat (Jukic), Abbey (Meakins), Alyssa (van Heurck) – it’s such a solid spine, and we’re only going to get better with time.”

The squad that has been assembled at Home Group Stadium this season is one that looks will achieve Top Four Cup football – something that the club has been capable of on paper for a number of seasons, but never quite managed to achieve.

Jerram though cautions that in order to bring trophies back to Balcatta, they are going to have to overcome a powerful Perth RedStar side and strong Perth SC and Fremantle City outfits.

“Obviously, every team wants silverware, and that’s something we are very, very capable of – we just have to find a bit more consistency. People are quite demanding of what they are expecting of us so far. They are comparing us to the likes of RedStar who have played together – half a team have played together since before I left (WA), so like, eight, nine years. It’s a bit unrealistic to compare us, but at the same time, I know we are capable.”

However, the attacker believes she knows some of the important facets about RedStar that she believes can help her own team to focus on becoming their equals or betters, this season.

“I think the main thing I’ve picked up about RedStar is something that’s quite similar to the team I played in last year (Broadmeadow Magic in the Northern NSW WNPL) – we were able to play good football, but we were able to identify the things that we were good at, whether it was pretty or ugly. That was what we focussed on, that’s what got us goals, and we won the minor and major (Premierships) last season, and RedStar have been able to do the same thing year in and year out.

“It’s going to be a matter of us at Balcatta perfecting the art of what we are good at and be good at it. We can try and play football around them as much as we like and be possession-based…but at the end of the day, they have a team that are able to get forward and know how to execute. We have to just be better at it than what they are.”

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Matildas announce Germany friendly for Europe based October window

21/8/24

Above: Australia’s Steph Catley battles against Germany in the Olympic Games last month. The Matildas will get a chance in October to set the record straight. Photo: Luisa Gonzalez/The Guardian.

The Matildas will face Olympic Games Bronze Medallist, Germany, away in Duisburg during the October international window.

Australia will spend this window in Europe, where they will play two friendly matches, the second being against the world-ranked number four side at the 31,500 capacity Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena in Duisburg on Monday 28th October (6.10pm CET).

This match will be the seventh ‘A’ International meeting between the two senior women’s national teams, with the most recent occurring in the group stage of the Paris Olympics which Germany won 3-0.

**Above:** The Schauinsland-Reisen Arena in Duisburg, where the Matildas will face Germany in October. **Photo:** Wikimedia Commons.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson said: “With a home AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 and with an eye on the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, it’s important we continue to test ourselves against nations who will best prepare the team for these marquee tournaments.” .

“With many of our Matildas now based in the Northern Hemisphere and having only just commenced their new domestic seasons, we were keen to play this window away, with Germany fitting the bill and providing a great opportunity to commence the next four-year cycle,” concluded Johnson.

Following the Paris Olympics, Football Australia commenced the recruitment process for a new Head Coach of the Matildas. There is no news as yet about whether or not a permanent replacement for Tony Gustavsson will be in place in time for this match.

Details for the second match in the October international window will be announced in the coming weeks.

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Bulleen Lions crowned premiers, while Preston and Royals offer finals preview

Preston 2 Essendon 2

By Joe Rosedon 20/8/24

Title rivals Preston and Essendon battle out to a 2-2 draw that puts Bulleen in pole position to secure a first-place finish. A goal from Ava Groba and an own goal from Ellie La Monte were cancelled out by Georgia Henderson and Haley Johnson

A frenetic start to the game saw both teams find the back of the net in the first ten minutes. The visitors struck first. Serbian international Tyla-Jay Vlajnic’s corner was inadvertently headed home by Ellie La Monte to give Essendon an early advantage

Essendon only led for two minutes. Mebae Tanaka was allowed too much space to deliver a cross into the box. On the end of the cross was captain Georgia Henderson. Her header was too much for Bethany Mason-Jones to handle, spilling the ball into the net.

Preston really began to take control and apply serious pressureafter their equaliser but Essendon was resolute in defence for the remainder of the first half. The visitors did have sparing attacks but were not clinical enough in those positions to make them count. Any kind of attacking threat came from Vlajnic.

The beginning of the second half saw little action with La Monte’s long range attempt the closest either side got to scoring during this period. However, this lack of action was soon to be concluded with a sensational goal.

After winning the ball back in midfield, Reona Omiya spotted Ava Groba in space down the left-hand side. Slipping the ball through the defence, Omiya found Groba. With a first-time effort, Groba was able to lift the ball over Preston keeper Charlotte Hrehorsein to restore the lead for Essendon.

Mirroring the first half, their lead did not last long at all. Straight from kick-off, the ball was worked wide to La Monte. Her first time cross found Haley Johnson unmarked to rise high and head home to level up the game once again, her 18^thgoal in 21 appearances.

For the remainder of the game, both teams pushed for that all important winning goal, yet it wasn’t to be.

The only team this result benefited was Bulleen at the top of the table. If they win away to Alamein, then they are Premiers. Bulleen will need to drop points against Alamein if either Preston or Essendon want to claim the league title. They conclude their regular seasons away to Heidelburg and at home to Alamein

Alamein 1-4 Bulleen Lions

By Kieran Yap

The result at Preston put the title in Bulleen’s control. Although the league leaders lost on the previous Monday, Bulleen did not look like fumbling the premiership against Alamein.

Melbourne Victory star Alana Murphy lined up in a deep playmaking role, while new Western United signing Alana Cortellino lined up on the right at Dorothy Laver reserve.

On their renovated home turf, Alamein did not take a backwards step. Sidney Allen was busy in attack, and tried to test the visitors defence with some determined runs. At half time the scores remained 1-0 and it felt like Bulleen needed at least one more to secure the three points.

That cushion arrived through the right foot of Maja Markoviski. Alamein’s defence had done well to push the striker deep, but that only afforded her the space to unleash a long range rocket that flew into the net, leaving everybody in attendance stunned.

Bulleen extended their lead to three when second half substitute Lourdes Gonzales curled home her effort from the edge of the penalty area.

Rebecca Saber pulled back a well deserved goal for Alamein to make it 3-1, but a Tiffany Eliadis free kick found a way past Tayla Murphy in goal to make it 4-1 and crown Bulleen the minor premiers for the second season running.

The top place finish grants Caitlin Friend her second trophy of the season after defeating Preston in the Nike FC Cup, and puts Bulleen on course for a treble should they go one step further in the finals than the last two years.

While last season’s premiership had a feeling of relief about it, this felt more emphatic. Bulleen have won again in an increasingly competitive and unforgiving league. They have overcome significant injuries and the departure or absence of some stars of 2023 such as Beattie Goad and Alana Jancevski.

Despite their obvious attacking abilities, this premiership was once again built on a strong defensive foundation. They conceded the fewest goals of the season and only second placed Preston fared better in attack.

Bulleen are worthy premiers, having never really suffered a dip in form, despite needing to restructure the squad and tactics throughout the season. The finals cannot come soon enough for this team, especially as they have contested the previous two Grand Finals and will be hungry to win that last
elusive trophy.

Congratulations Bulleen Lions FC on another tremendous home
and away season.

Michaela Thawley: “We’re one determined team”

In this week’s ‘WA On Wednesday’ feature, Ben Gilby speaks to UWA-Nedlands’ Michaela Thawley who has brought experience from playing in America and Spain to the NPLW WA’s newest club (14/8/24)

Above: Michaela Thawley (green shirt in possession) in action during UWA-Nedlands’ first NPLW WA match against Hyundai NTC – a game in which she scored. Photo supplied to Impetus by: UWA-Nedlands.

Michaela Thawley is a player who will go down in UWA-Nedlands history. The scorer of their first-ever NPLW WA goal.

“Mackenzie Rastatter took a beautiful touch and struck the ball right into the pocket for me to run on too. From there I saw the NTC keeper had been pretty far off her line with two defenders coming on my back, so I decided to chip/ lob it over and it ended up working out.”

It ended up working out in some style – it was quite a goal, and Thawley is quite a player – one who has caught the eye across the 2024 season. The UWA-Nedlands star sees herself as a player who is fully focussed on the attack with the team ethic central to all she does.

“I am a highly competitive and determined athlete. I love to be challenged in my game and am always looking for ways to improve on my weaknesses. On the field, a lot of my play is very technical and quick. I love the ball at my feet and taking players on one v one. I am constantly looking for space on the field and how I can make use of the area. I also love to get my whole team involved in plays. I look to work off my teammates and offer support whether it’s a one-two pass or a through ball. My brain is always thinking and scanning what plays I can do to help my teammates succeed.

Her current status as an NPLW WA player is a long way away from where her footballing journey started back in the USA – something she reflected on with me.

“My parents introduced me to football at the age of three. In America, typically children play recreational football until they are 10 and then move to the higher leagues, which is exactly what I did. My dad coached my recreational team from five to 10 years old until he realised it was time for me to take the step up.

From there I played with three different traveling club teams Breakers FC, Marin FC, and North-Bay Timbers FC. The most successful being North-Bay Timbers. We were ranked number one nationally and got to attend a regional tournament in Hawaii. While club football is typically played throughout the majority of the year, the team breaks during winter to play high school ball.

**Above:** Michaela Thawley (green kit) taking on Hyundai NTC. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** UWA-Nedlands.

“I got to play for Marin Catholic High School from grades nine-12, where we placed second in the league for two out of four of those years. During this time I also had the opportunity to play on the Olympic Development team for the United States at both the state and regional level.

“Out of club and high school, I got recruited to play in college, which had been a dream of mine since I started playing. I committed to Knox College, a Division Three school, during my senior year of high school. I started and played all games throughout my four years at Knox. Here, my team won the league, the Midwest Conference Tournament, and got the opportunity to compete in the NCAA tournament, which is one of the biggest accomplishments an athlete in America can get.

“The other two years we came first in league play but unfortunately didn’t make it to the NCAA tournament. After my senior year at Knox, I knew I wasn’t finished with football so I took an extra year due to Covid and committed to Dominican University in Chicago. Here I was able to receive all-conference honours as well as help my team get first in the league. A bonus at Dominican was being able to play a year with one of my younger sisters, which was special for my family and me. Again, I knew I wanted more time with football so I started to seek more opportunities.

“I got recruited to play in Spain directly out of college but, before heading to Spain, I got the opportunity to play semi-professional football with the SF Nighthawks. They are one of the oldest established clubs in the WPSL who play all around California. After a season in San Francisco, I headed to FC Malaga City Femenino. This is a club in Spain that competes in the 3a RFEF, the fifth tier of the women’s game.

“Playing in Spain was an absolute dream, not only did I get to travel around Europe but I also got to compete and train with some of the best teams and players around the world. I had the opportunity to play against Real Betis and got trained a few times by the Tottenham Hotspur coaching staff.

“Spain’s style of play is very possession-based while keeping a quick tempo. They love playing out of the back with the ball at their feet. The coaches instill patience into their players by waiting for the right time to attack once the other team has been deconstructed by the movement of the ball. This team challenged me both mentally and physically in the best way possible and ultimately made me a better player.

“Our practice schedule was very intense, our team practiced five days a week with one or two games weekly. With this practice schedule, I improved my football IQ and my first touch. Accurate passing is a huge aspect of the Spanish game, which I improved on during my time in Spain as well.

“After competing with the team for five months, I met my agent Ryan with Playsport Agency and he connected me with UWA Nedlands and my coach, Lawrence Lewis, which has been an amazing experience thus far.”

Thawley’s successes in both America and Spain before joining UWA-Nedlands have come after having to prove the doubters among her previous coaches wrong.

**Above:** Michaela Thawley (22) getting away from her marker. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** UWA-Nedlands.

“Growing up I was never the strongest or the tallest athlete, which a lot of athletes are in America. This made a lot of coaches sceptical about choosing me to be on teams because they thought I would get pushed around. This ended up being a blessing in disguise because it pushed me to prove people wrong and work hard for something that I loved.

“I would have the ball at my feet for hours during the day. Whether it be by myself against a wall, going to the gym to get stronger, or playing pick-up with local men’s players, I was so determined to prove those coaches wrong and prove that I was worth taking a chance on. What I lacked in height I made up for by practicing my technical and speed ability.

Thawley’s arrival in Western Australia initially came about after discussions with one of her teammates in Spain, Nikolina Musto – and little did she know initially that that chat would take her to the other side of the world.

“I expressed to her that I wanted to keep going with football. She and I had extensive conversations about playing in higher leagues in different countries. She would always tell me her stories of playing in Iceland and Greece and I knew that I wanted something similar to her experience with the game. My agent Ryan and I worked together to find the best team for me both as an athlete and a person, which is how I ended up at UWA-Nedlands.

“Australia is an up-and-coming area for women’s football, which I think is what attracted me to the area. One of my goals in my football career has always been to promote the women’s game. I just think a lot of the time women’s programs are underappreciated and overlooked. With the recent success of the Matildas and the rapidly growing women’s programs, I thought Australia would be the perfect place to promote the women’s game and pave the way to inspire female athletes at home to play internationally.

“On top of this Australia is a beautiful country to be in and it has always been a place that I have wanted to at least visit, if not live in. Being from California, I enjoy the sunshine and beach. Perth is very similar to where I live which makes me feel at home.”

Moving so far away from home always comes with its challenges, but Thawley feels her club went above and beyond to make her settling-in period as seamless as possible.

“Moving to a new place, let alone a new country is always challenging. But lucky for me everyone at UWANFC has gone above and beyond to make the Americans on the team feel welcomed and at home. I am so grateful to have the support of UWANFC families such as the Watkins and Quantrills, who have brought us in as their own and helped us get on our feet as we figure out everything in Perth. The club has gone above and beyond to make us feel welcome.

“Lawrence and Salv (Todaro) are both amazing coaches. Their knowledge of the game is amazing and they are the kind of coaches who support their players on and off the field. Lawrence encourages the team to make mistakes in practice and to learn from them. Within my few months here I already feel like I have improved as a player under their coaching.

**Above:** Michaela Thawley working hard to get better each day. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** UWA-Nedlands.

In terms of our team, the UWANFC girls are some of the most supportive and positive girls I have ever had the privilege of working with. Our team is a little family. High standards are set for our team and upheld throughout our team and club. We care about each other on and off the field and will do anything to see each other succeed.”

A debut season in the NPLW for UWA-Nedlands has been one that has been challenging, but the side has been competitive and are more than capable of retaining their status for another season at least.

Their inaugural NPLW campaign began with a home game with Hyundai NTC – where Thawley went down in history as the scorer of the club’s first-ever goal in the league. It’s something that is a source of huge pride for the attacker.

“It is an absolute honour to score the club’s first-ever goal in the NPLW. Talking with the team, I know how special it is from a club standpoint to finally be in the NPLW after a lot of hard work. The game was a big day for everyone and with the number of supporters, the team wanted to show everyone what we have been working on since pre-season.

“I made it an individual goal to score during that game the night before. At the end of the first half, we were down 2-0 and I knew we needed something to keep us in that game before the half ended. Mackenzie Rastatter and I come from the same area in California and both played for the same semi-professional team in the US. We have an amazing chemistry on and off the field.

“I won the ball back from NTC in the midfield area. I scanned and saw everyone was pretty much marked moving forward, so decided to play it back to Mackenzie who had a lot of time in space in the back line. As I turned I saw a pocket of space between the two NTC centre defenders and decided to make a run-through as our striker had dropped during transition.

“Mackenzie took a beautiful touch and struck the ball right into the pocket for me to run on too. From there I saw the NTC keeper had been pretty far off her line with two defenders coming on my back, so I decided to chip/ lob it over and it ended up working out. The feeling after scoring is always amazing. You feel so accomplished as a player and feel as if you’re making an impact on your team. It was really special to celebrate with my team afterwards with hugs and high fives. We had been working so hard for that moment all game.”

Thawley is not one to rest on her laurels and is determined that the club to be a competitive force in the division.

“As a team, our goal is to show that we belong in the NPLW and can hang with the best teams in the league. Being the first team to be promoted to the NPLW, we came in as the underdogs of the league and have a lot to prove. We are one determined team and our team goal is to stay in this league.”

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Preston get revenge at Veneto Club

Bulleen 1 Preston 2

By Joe Rosedon 13/8/24

Above: Preston Lions. Photo via Preston Lions FC Instagram.

Preston stun league leaders Bulleen at home with a stunning performance. Goals from Ellie La Monte and Miri Nishimura gave the away side the victory after Alana Murphy opened the scoring for the home side.

In a rematch of the Nike Cup final and potential precursor to a playoff match, it was critical that both teams put in a solid performance to keep momentum going for the critical part of the season. Both teams came into the game with excellent form

League leaders Preston was first to signify their intent. After the home side won a free kick just in front of the half way line, Murphy launched the ball into the box. At first it seemed like a simple claim for Preston keeper Charlotte Hreohorsein, but the ball burst through her hands and into the goal.

Preston could have easily folded after this early setback, yet were able to claw their way back into the game. A free kick did the damage once again. Bullen thought they had done enough to clear Emma Checker’s set piece. This could not have been further from the truth. Sneaking in was La Monte who looped the ball just underneath the cross bar past Erin Hudson to level the score.

Alana Murphy almost capitalised on a poor back pass from Hreohorsein to get her second of the game but snatched at her shot and could not capitalise on the mistake. The away side could have taken the lead too in the closing stages of the first half but Haley Johson’s attempt from a tight angle was saved well by Hudson.

Understandably, this could have been the conclusion of chances in the first half. Nishimura had other ideas and again a free kick proved critical. Her edge of the box free kick wrongfooted Hudson after a deflection from the wall. Preston deserved their half time lead.

Johnson again could have scored after being played through by Rasamee Phonsongkham but Hudson did enough to smother the ball. Maja Markovski attempted another moment of induvial brilliance, her long-range effort flashing past the far post. Her influence did increase in the second half but was unable to impact the game to the level she has previously this season.

Hreohrsien made up for her earlier mistake with an excellent low save from Jess Young in the closing stages. The ball looked destined for the bottom left corner without the keepers’ intervention. Preston’s defence were resolute againstincreasing pressure.

This is a huge result for Preston that will do plenty for their confidence going into the crunch time of the season, gaining their first win over Bulleen this season.

This result also helps title chancing South Melbourne and Essendon Royals, giving them to close in on Preston who still remain top of the table with this result. Preston’s clash against South Melbourne next Friday will go a long way in deciding the top four.

Bulleen will look to respond against Alamein. A first place finish is still in their hands but this result has now added pressure for their remaining two games.

NPLW WA Photo Galleries

In a break from his usual weekly reports on the NPLW WA action, Ben Gilby was out and about at two of this afternoon’s games – here are his galleries from UWA-Nedlands v Perth SC and Subiaco v Fremantle City (11/8/24).

Above: Fremantle City’s hat-trick hero Tanika Lala gets a show away at Subiaco today. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

UWA-Nedlands 4-8 Perth SC

Teams: UWA-NEDLANDS: Springer, Gibson, Dobbin, Dadswell, Rastatter, Preiato, Armstrong, Thawley, Dinsdale, Riches, Franklin. Substitutes: Lyons, Hartley, Rodrigo, Khiati, Seeley, Visic, Lin.

Scorers: Dobbin, Dinsdale, Gibson, Thawley.

PERTH SC: Cavill, Thew, Nossent, McCartney, Johnston, Wainwright, McAllister, McKenna, Lincoln, Cassidy, Mathers. Substitutes: Insch, Bohm, Harvey, Hannan, Marshall, Papalia.

Scorers: Lincoln (5), Cassidy (2), McAllister.

Subiaco 2-3 Fremantle City

Teams: SUBIACO: Robinson, Cochran, Wallwork, Olsthoorn, Suckling, Burgis, Bailey, Campos, Murray-Hocking, Zampogna, Tabain. Substitutes: Riddle, Harvey, Kifayatullah, Taylor, Player, Edwards.

Scorers: Kiama (OG), Murray-Hocking.

FREMANTLE CITY: Schroder, Poad, Leek, Adams, Osborne, Kiama, Mayoe, Kronberg, Green, Trueman, Lala. Substitutes: Siah, Lyons, Beretovac, Stiles, Yeo.

Scorers: Lala (3).

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Young Matildas squad blessed with experience and excitement

By Kieran Yap (9/8/24)

Above: Young Matildas striker Kahli Johnson (L) Emilia Murray and Ella O’Grady with manager Leah Blayney. Photo: Tiffany Williams/Football Australia.

The Australian team to compete for the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup is one of experience, depth and has plenty of attacking potential.

Young Matildas manager Leah Blayney has named her 21 players that will challenge for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup on September 1.

Captain Jessika Nash will be supported by Alexia Apostolakis and Naomi Chinnama when Australia’s best take on the world in Colombia. Blayney has named a strong squad with a diverse attack, and although one of the stars of qualifying in Daniela Galic is missing, the return of Ella O’Grady and Emilia Murray to the team adds significant firepower.

The team has a heavy emphasis on attack. Seven forwards have been named in all, including Peta Trimis who’s four goals at the Asian Cup were instrumental in qualifying and Lara Gooch, scorer of the goal that won The Young Matildas third place.

When presenting the squad to the media, Blayney looked back at the long road to her second World Cup as coach.

“This cycle has taken the team to the Kyrgyz Republic, Vietnam, China, Uzbekistan, New Zealand and now we will complete this two-year journey in Colombia where the players have a golden chance to display their abilities and represent Australia with pride on the world stage,” Blayney said.

“Over this cycle we have seen over 60 players across all Member Federations participate in the process, and every single one of them has contributed to the quality of this team as they showed up to test and challenge each other to keep evolving. I would like to thank all the players, Member Federations, NPL clubs and Liberty A-League Women clubs for their contribution to the final squad.

“We’ve selected a roster that has exhibited strong current form, combined with an important balance across the lines of defence, midfield and attack. The collective of players across those three lines provides us with plenty of variety as they all have different types of playing profiles and attributes.

“Ultimately our team will strive to maintain our attacking playing style with a focus exciting and entertaining football which we hope will capture the Australian public and gain their support. The test that this group craves, is now to pull it all together under tournament conditions.”

This Australian team is a young squad. Like the 2022 side that travelled to Costa Rica, it contains players that will be eligible for the next cycle of games in 2026 such as Trimis, Indiana Dos Santos and Maddy Caspers.

Excitingly for the future senior depth, six players will be making their second appearance at an Under 20 World Cup. Apostolakis, Chinnama, and Nash will return to the global stage alongside Jynaya Dos Santos, Kahli Johnson, and goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln.

There were a few surprises. Melbourne Victory prodigy Alana Murphy is a notable absentee, as is Tottenham’s Milly Broughton. New Sydney FC striker Amber Luchtmeijer is one of the few players without a full A-League Women season under her belt.

After a goalscoring debut for the Young Matildas against New Zealand, Alicia Woods will travel to Colombia. The Young Matildas did not lack for goals at the Asian Cup, and scored in every game, but Blayney’s squad looks to be one that aims to make their opposition defend.

O’Grady is a very welcome return. The 18-year-old Queenslander is capable of both spectacular goals and getting into great positions for tap-ins. Against stronger opposition like Japan, her ability to score from nothing was missing, and her ability to shoot from range will be a handy weapon in a strong group.

GOAL OF THE NIGHT from Ella O’Grady.

End-to-end stuff, passing from one goal line to the other, perfect final ball from Murray and the finish was perfect.

Losing the ball initially due not discourage them from trying to play the ball out calmly but aggressively. pic.twitter.com/m9CbVwZLAL
— Kieran Yap (@KaptinYap) March 10, 2023

Murray was a key player in the Asian Cup qualifiers. The new Melbourne City winger was a regular scorer but also drove the ball forward with her direct running and well-timed passing.

As a former captain of the green and gold, Murray was thrilled to be back. The South Australian has been playing football since the age of four and is seen as one of her state’s brightest stars. She missed the majority of the 2023/24 A-League season through injury, and after missing the Asian Cup the relief was clear and her pride was well earned.

“It means everything. I’ve been working really hard for this.

“It’s not just me representing this green and gold jersey but my friends and my family who made the sacrifices for me to get to where I am.

“It’s a real privilege and honour to represent Australia, and I’m so grateful to be able to do it on the world stage.”

In 2021 Murray found out she would captain her country while sitting a school exam. For the 2024 World Cup, she learned of her inclusion in bed.

“We got the email quite late,” she told the media.

“We got it and I straight away called my mum and my boyfriend and I told my family the news.

“The whole day I was just refreshing my emails… it was a long day,” she laughed.

**Above:** Leah Blayney (left) Emilia Murray, and Kahli Johnson. **Photo:** Tiffany Williams/Football Australia.

Alongside the likes of Trimis and Gooch, this is a team packed with pace in the final third, and it means that the midfield of Indiana Dos Santos, Shay Hollman, and Caspers can play long passes or find shorter targets to pressure defenders.

Western United’s Kahli Johnson is in her second U20 World Cup and looks like a very different player to the one who started in Costa Rica two years ago. She has become a dependable attacking outlet for her club and a consistent performer for her country.

A late recovery from injury meant that she ended the Asian Cup uncharacteristically goalless, but her ability to push or dribble past defenders with a quick change of pace and that rocket of a right foot unleashed from the left wing has earned her comparisons with Caitlin Foord.

As far as their own defensive stocks go, The Young Matildas options can be best described as enviable. Nash, Chinnama, Apostolakis, and Sasha Grove can all play almost any position across the backline, with Grove able to push into midfield or even up front if needed.

It gives Australia options. Chinnama and Apostolakis are most likely to take up the central posts but can move out wide if Grove or Nash need help, with Captain Nash able to be as creative with the ball as most midfielders in the A-League Women.

This will be a big opportunity for Australia’s best young footballers. They will face Mexico who have recently drawn with Spain and the USA while also beating Japan 3-0. They will also play hosts Colombia who have been rapidly improving on the international scene and will be tested by Cameroon.

However, this team will fear nobody and will have the chance to greatly improve as footballers and forge the experience of a lifetime.

Impetus extends our congratulations to the Young Matildas Class of 2024.

Colombia v Australia

Date: Saturday, 31 August 2024 / Thursday, 1 September 2024 (AUS)
Time: 6.00pm (local) / 9.00am (AEST)

Venue: Estadio El Campín, Bogotá, Colombia

Mexico v Australia

Date: Tuesday, 3 September 2024 / Wednesday, 4 September 2024 (AUS)
Time: 5.00pm (local) / 8.00am (AEST)

Venue: Estadio El Campín, Bogotá, Colombia

Australia v Cameroon

Date: Friday, 6 September 2024 / Saturday, 7 September 2024 (AUS)
Time: 8.00pm (local) / 11.00am (AEST)

Venue: Estadio El Campín, Bogotá, Colombia

Poor crowds for Olympics in France don’t come as a surprise

by Jean-Pierre Thiesset (9/8/24)

Above: A full Stade Velodrome in Marseille – not something that the venue has been close to being during the women’s football event at the Olympic Games. Photo: Inside The Games.

A total of just over 26,000 fans watched the Olympic Games women’s football semi-finals in stadiums that together had a combined capacity of almost 120,000 fans. More widely across the women’s tournament, it has been no better.

Despite my admiration for women’s football, I must come to terms with the fact that France is still not a Women’s football country. For most football fans in France, football means men’s football.

Just looking at the stadium capacity in D1 Arkema for two of the best teams in the world, shows a part of the problem: Olympique Lyonnais, OL Training Center, 1,524 seats; Paris Saint-Germain, Campus PSG, 700 seats.

**Above:** UEFA Champions League winners eight times – Olympique Lyonnais’ home stadium has a tiny capacity. **Photo:** Jean-Pierre Thiesset for *Impetus*.

But do we need more capacity when the attendance is just over 6,000 per round during the 2023-2024 regular season? Only two games during the season saw crowds of over 4,000 spectators – Olympique Lyonnais v Paris St. Germain attracted 21,764 in a stadium that can contain 59,186, with the return game in Paris pulling 15,899 in a stadium that can contain 48,583; if we remove these two games, the average total attendance for a round during the season is just below 5,000.

Attendances for the French national team over the past two years remain frustratingly low. Crowds of 26,453 against Austria last December and 30,267 against Germany in February 2024 were against the norm. Their recent European Championship qualifier against England – the defending champions and one of the continents’ big guns was watched by only 10,194 in St. Etienne.

Whilst the French national side boast one of the most exciting collection of players in the world, and the duo of Olympique Lyonnais and Paris St. Germain contain some of top-class talent, there is still much to do in France to attract the crowds.

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Lowry leaves the West aiming for Glory at Sydney

Additional reporting by Ben Gilby (8/8/24)

Above: Hana Lowry unveiled today by Sydney FC. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Sydney FC.

Sydney FC today announced the major signing of Perth Glory’s Young Matildas star Hana Lowry on a two-year deal.

The 21-year-old midfielder, a produce of the Football West NTC program made her debut for her hometown team Perth Glory back in 2019, ironically against Sydney, and has gone on to make 72 appearances for the Western Australian club, scoring 11 goals.

Speaking today about her decision to swap purple for sky blue, the Young Matilda said: “I am so excited to be joining the biggest club in the country. Sydney have always been challenging at the top of the table and I believe that they can take my game to another level.

“I will try my absolute hardest to help this club win more silverware and win their third Championship in a row and I can’t wait to get started.”

Reflecting on her time at the Glory, the 21-year-old said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to Perth for these last five years. Representing my hometown club has meant everything to me.

**Above:** Hana Lowry (purple) in action for Perth Glory against Sydney FC at Macedonia Park last season. **Photo:** Rob Lizzi for *Impetus*.

“I have grown so much as a player and as a person and I can’t thank everyone at the club enough for all the opportunities that I have been given. Whilst it’s time for a new chapter, I will always cherish the incredible memories I have made here and I want to wish the club all the best going forward.”

Lowry played every minute of the 2023/24 season for Perth, winning the Most Glorious Player award for the campaign as a result.

Sydney FC boss Head Coach Ante Juric was delighted to capture the Western Australian, who will team up once more with Millie Farrow, one of her teammates at the Glory last season.

“Hana is an outstanding player full of class and quality and she is a fantastic signing for the club,” Juric said.

“She has the quality to go to another few levels in her play and I am looking forward to seeing her grow, shine, and become a Sydney FC star. Hana is the type of player fans come to watch. I have no doubt with her play she will fit in well at Sydney and in no time will become a fan favourite.”

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