England’s first meeting against Sweden since a 4-0 victory in the European Championship semi-finals of 2022 saw both teams targeting opposite wide areas with suffocating pressing to win the ball back high up the pitch.
Sarina Wiegman selected Alessia Russo flanked by Lauren James and Lauren Hemp for the front three. Lotte Wubben-Moy was selected as a potential counter to fellow Arsenal teammate Stina Blackstenius in the starting line-up while also offering potential longer-range passing to counter any Swedish pressing. Grace Clinton started in attacking midfield position.
Sweden manager Peter Gerhardsson was able to welcome back key players Fridolina Rolfö and Magdalena Eriksson to the startling line-up after injuries.
The opening movements saw the previously mentioned high press from the Swedish forward line, clogging up the centre of the pitch and forcing Mary Earps to make riskier passes to Lucy Bronze and Niamh Charles in the wide areas of the pitch to avert the pressure.
In particular, the Swedes targeted England’s left-hand side, Backstenius drifting into the left-hand channels, backing into Greenwood rather than Wubben Moy. Interestingly England focused on attacks from the right side in response. The Lionesses’ counter to the press was Greenwood passing finding Grace Clinton and breaking through the pressing forward line.
The press was effective from Sweden in the first half, impacting England’s attacking fluency and nullifying Hemp and James for the opening twenty minutes, with England’s midfielders unable to get them the ball. When Sweden won the ball back, they attempted to hit England with fast transitions and targeting the space created.
Sweden also focused on stopping the ball from getting to Kiera Walsh which consequently allowed for space for Clinton and Georgia Stanway to operate.
Yet, Hemp and James swapping wings was paramount to England’s opening goal. James was then able to isolate left-back Joanna Anderson, and this proved effective, finding Russo for the opening goal. James also drifted into more central positions to try to influence the game towards the end of the first half, with Russo filling the gap left by her teammate.
The beginning of the second half saw Sweden continuing to persist with their left-sided attacking focus. Their persistence paid off as it led to the equalizer. In a similar fashion to the England goal, a cross from the right from prospect Rosa Kafaji found Rolfö on the left-hand side of the pitch. Sweden were able to exploit the space left by Bronze on that occasion. Sweden targeted space left by Bronze again soon after. This time, Backstenius was unable to convert from a one-on-one position.
In response to the equaliser., England adopted a more fluid front line, with Russo being replaced by Man City forward Chole Kelly. Hemp was now the closest player on the pitch to a traditional centre forward, offering pace in behind instead of Russo’s hold-up play but was ineffective in finding a winning goal for the Lionesses.
In the end, a draw seemed a fair result based on the balance of play. The game proved how critical both Rolfö and captain Eriksson are for Sweden but will rue the missed chance by Backstenius. For England, a point against a strong Sweden side is not a catastrophic result but a lethargic second-half performance will be a cause for concern.
Above: Ellie Carpenter speaking from the Matildas Florida base. Image: Football Australia.
With a whole week of training behind them in the build-up to next week’s friendly with Mexico, Ellie Carpenter and Sharn Freier have been speaking from the Matildas’ Florida HQ.
Ellie Carpenter: “I really think we can achieve something special”
Ellie Carpenter feels the benefits of only playing one game in this international window could be hugely positive for the Matildas Olympic chances later this year, with the team having longer together to focus on “nailing” their style and game plan.
“It’s really rare that we only have one game in a window, and this allows us to train a bit more harder, do some more gym…I’ve really enjoyed this training block and it’s really important leading up to the Olympics,” the Olympique Lyonnais star said.
“We’re just nailing down our tactics. Getting the really big syncronising with everyone. We’re not really together that much during the year, so building those relationships on the ball (is important).
“We’ve come fourth at the last two (global) tournaments we’ve played and we’ve got that in the back of our mind not to let it repeat itself. Within the team, on and off the field, we’re in a really good place. We have a mix of some really experienced, some returning players, young up and coming (ones) – I think that’s a really great balance. Once that clicks, and I think it nearly has clicked…come mid-July…I’m really thinking forward with this team for the Olympics, and I really think we can achieve something special.”
Above: Ellie Carpenter proudly taking to the field for the Matildas against Uzbekistan in Melbourne. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.
Despite still being only 23, it is now ten years since Carpenter first played for Matildas at U17 level – a stat that the Cowra-born defender still finds hard to comprehend – but one she is visibly proud of.
“The time has just flied. It honestly feels that I debuted couple of years ago. I’m very proud of that and I feel I am a senior player in this squad despite still being quite young. You don’t know what it’s like to be a Matilda unless you’ve been in here for so long. The belief in the team and what we stand for.
“I’ve grown up in this team. I’ve really seen myself change a lot as a player and as a person…coming in here is always fun, I can’t explain why.”
“Recently I feel like I don’t have to change who I am – I am who I am. I feel I’m a leader on the field when it comes to communicating and showing my presence.”
Ellie Carpenter
That presence and respect has come with additional responsibilities. “It’s nice to be named vice-captain, having that respect from my team mates and showing I can be a leader. I think I’m also DJ now too, when we go to games it’s a kind of given that I’m on the music box…yeh, I’ll take that!”
Carpenter also has a sense of unfinished business this year – her club side Olympique Lyonnais are in the Champions League semi-finals, with the defender aiming to get back to European club football’s biggest showpiece event after injuring her ACL in the 2022 final. The 23-year-old admits she may have part of the winning team in that final, but “it feels like I didn’t win.” In order to play in the final again, Carpenter will have to get past Paris St. Germain – and a player she knows very well – Clare Hunt.
“It’s crazy! We’ve were running against each other since we were, like, nine years old, so fast forward 15 years later and we’re playing in a semi-final Champions League. You wouldn’t write about it!”
Some 15 years on Carpenter and the Matildas are not only living the dream, but bringing large numbers of the population with them on the way. The defender is determined that confidence that the team took from last year’s World Cup will ensure that the next stage of that dream will include a medal in Paris.
“When we go home, it’s like another world now, and I think that’s credit to what we achieved as a team. I remember the press conference (against France in the World Cup) and I said ‘If I inspire one boy or one girl, then I’ll be happy’. I think I did that, I think we did that for hundreds of thousands of kids around Australia.”
Ellie Carpenter on the legacy of the Matildas’ home World Cup.
“We always had belief, but actually going out there and finishing fourth in the world just enforced that even more…in our brains, we can compete with the best nations…as a team we know we can.”
Sharn Freier – “Every little detail matters”
Above: An overjoyed Sharn Freier speaking from the Matildas’ Florida training base. Image: Football Australia.
Sharn Freier’s status as a Matilda started in the most unexpected of ways – a phone call from her sobbing mum whilst the Brisbane Roar player was trying on clothes in a shop.
“It was not expected,” she admitted. “I was on the reserve list and I was pretty stoked with that. My mum found out first, and she was overwhelmed with emotions…I was trying on an outfit and I missed the call from Mel (Andreatta) and mum called me from work and she was already crying so I knew…she gets very emotional about these things…and she was like, ‘I got an email, I will forward it to you’.
“I was with my partner, so it wasn’t like I was alone…I was trying on an outfit for our (end of) season awards with Brisbane Roar – I haven’t bought one yet, but I was trying one on!”
The way Freier found out she was a Matilda is the latest installment of a fairy tale comeback from an ACL injury two years ago, and she takes up the story.
“At the time my twin sister did her ACL like nine weeks before I did. It was a hard time for both of us. It was good in a way that I had her to lean on…we did our rehab together, and I’ve never really been a big gym person…so it actually opened my eyes up to see just how important those things are.
“It definitely made me a lot stronger, you are stuck in the gym for the majority of the time so it was understanding how important it was…after going back to playing I kinda prioritised the gym just as equally so I could stay at the same level and after that I felt so strong in my knee and good with everything like that, so it was really eye-opening for me.”
That renewed focus on the off-field requirements to be a top player paid dividends with Freier shining in this season’s Brisbane Roar side.
“I got a lot more game time this year, and it really helped me grow as a player..it’s a confidence thing. More game time allows you to have more of yourself on the field. It allowed me to be more free on the field.”
Above: Sharn Freier was in career-best form for Brisbane Roar this season. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
It’s all a long way from Freier’s earliest days playing sport with her sister. “I have a twin, Laini, we’ve always played sport together. We started playing netball actually when we could first join a team, I think we were around five. It didn’t really do it for us though!” she smiled.
“We moved over to football, and my dad said: ‘I’ll give youse some money if you score a goal,’ I think Laini got, like 14, or something crazy and from there there was no more – ‘no-one’s getting any money!’ I haven’t thought about not playing. It’s all I want to do.”
Freier kept developing and four years ago was rewarded by a contract with Brisbane Roar – the culmination of a dream.
“Going into (Brisbane) Roar, I was very nervous, a little bit intimidated to have such big names in the team, but it’s something I learned…they are just so professional and they bring that to the team and they lift the environment and you know what is expected of you. The only way to get better is to keep those standards, and they definitely lead from the front.”
Inspired by those around her in Queensland, the 22-year-old has been rewarded for her career-best form with that first-ever senior Matildas call-up – and she is loving every second of the challenge.
“It’s been good…there’s been a lot of information, adjusting to the way they play…I feel it’s more intense and it’s quite a big step up and I think it’s been challenging, which is a good thing for me. I’ve been learning each session we’ve had and for me to keep improving and be a better player, that’s something I’ll benefit from.”
The key take-away aspects for the midfielder so far? “It’s realising that every little detail matters. Making sure you nail your first touch and your movement because it’s all so fast-paced so you don’t worry about the little things, you concentrate on the bigger things that will help you improve and hopefully bring you into more camps.
“It’s given me more of a drive to be even better…it’s crazy, it’s a good feeling, it pushes you to want to be better…you just know there’s expectations and standards that have to be there…it’s a challenge but it makes you want to be better…obviously it’s overseas, and I’m not used to that, but it’s been welcoming and allowed me to be focussed on what I need to do…it’s fast, it’s intense, there’s a lot of chat, everyone is expected to do well. The environment is something that I’m honoured to join.”
Above: Alamein vs South Melbourne. Photo: Centre Circle Photography
Game week 3 of the NPLW, Easter round saw some dramatic finishes, some great comebacks and plenty of top quality strikes.
Box Hill suffered their 3rd straight defeat to start the season, going down 1-0 to Preston Lions. A good ball through saw the Pythagorean keeper Natasha Statopoulous come off her line and taking our Lions Miri Nishamura in the 81st minute. Nishimura calmly rolled the spot kick into the bottom right corner to give Preston a 2-0 start to the season.
FV Emerging seem to be on the wrong end of some absolute worldies, with Olivia Bomford for Bentleigh Greens hitting a volley from outside the box with pace and precision right into the top corner in the 32nd minute. However, goals in the 29thfrom Eva Kokotis and another goal for Carina Rossi in the 54thsealed a 2-1 win for FV who continue their unbeaten start.
31:05: GOAL! Bentleigh Greens SC score to make it FVE 1 : BGFC 1.
Calder United converted two spot kicks, first from Akeisha Sandhu in the 24th minute and then in the 60th minute, with Mami Ambo stepping up to convert. Nicole Cooper for Brunswick was on the end of a wonderful ball from Emilie Keppens to tap in a goal in the 8th minute. Looking for a late, late, late equaliser in the dying minutes, Juventus send long ball after loing ball until finally, Keppens brought one down, but keeper Shanel Camilleri was out quick to make the block. As the ball was cleared to just outside the box and the keeper well out of her girl, Emma Perrone went for a long range shot, looping it into the corner of the net and sealing a dramatic 2-2score to keep their unbeaten start alive.
21:10: GOAL! Alamein W score to make it SMFC 0 : AFC 1.
South Melbourne hosted Alamein, and it was the visitors with the early lead against the run of play. Rebecca Saber scoring in the 22nd minute. South Melbourne down 1-nil at the break came out in the second half with more intent, and a goal from Dragana Kljajic in the 49th levelled the game. Tayla Christensen converting from the spot in the 81st and it looked like Alamein, for all their effort would leave with nothing. Some lovely play from Sidney Allen saw Ashleigh Lefevre with the ball in the box, latching onto it and scoring in the 88thminute to end the game 2-2.
Boroondara-Carey faced FFC Bulleen Lions, the top 2 teams from last season. In a high scoring game, FC Bulleen took the points, with a brace from Maja Markovski (3’76’), an Alana Cortellino (67’) header and an own goal from Eagles defender Cassie Carmen. Anais Josefski (17’ 63’) shone for the Eagles, with a brace of her own, a goal in both halves. The final score 2-4.
Easter Monday game pitted Heidelberg United up against Essendon Royals have been playing some fantastic football in their top tier debut. A brace for Audrey Oastler with goals in the 18th and 54th minutes, plus a Reona Omiya goal in the 53’ was enough to seal a second win for thr Royals, despite a late goal from Keely Lockhart in the 78th. The final score 1-3.
Above: Pompey thank their fans after their win over Rugby Borough at Fratton Park. Photo: Jason Brown.
It’s a great time to be a Portsmouth fan. The men’s team are top of League One and on the cusp of promotion to the Championship. While Jay Sadler’s Pompey Women are close to confirming their promotion to the FA Women’s Championship (FAWC).
Three points against Plymouth Argyle this Sunday will not guarantee the FA Women’s National League (FA WNL) Southern Premier Division title, Pompey would have all bar one little finger on the trophy.
Presuming that their main competition, Hashtag United, overcome Ipswich Town as well then they would remain six points adrift, needing Pompey to lose all their remaining two matches and conceding forty goals in the process.
This is the first season that the FA WNL are promoting both Northern and Southern Division winners.
In previous years, promotion would have been decided in a play-off match between Northern and Southern Division winners. However, with two teams now dropping out of the FAWC it will spare one team the heartbreak – the likely winners look to be Newcastle United, they currently have a thirteen-point lead over Burnley in second.
Beth Lumsden may well be in line for two medals this season. She began the season with Portsmouth after joining from Southampton in the summer. Sixteen goals in seventeen appearances caught the attention of the Magpies and Lumsden made the move north in January.
The last time Portsmouth came this close to promotion to the second tier was back in 2015 when they took on Sheffield FC for a place in what was then known as the Women’s Super League Two. It was Lisa Giampalma who broke Pompey hearts when she scored the only goal in added time.
After last season’s fourth-placed finish, the club clearly took notice and in June the club announced that the women’s team will be integrated alongside the men’s team under the ownership of The Tornante Company. This was part of a move that will see new investment into the women’s team, allowing many of the first team squad to sign semi-professional contracts for the first time at the club.
Georgie Freeland holds off Kim Fuller of Moneyfields in the FA WNL Cup. Photo: Sheena Booker
While Pompey have led from the front for most of the season you can forgive many fans for trying to keep their feet on the ground. After all, they say it’s the hope that kills you. Ian Chiverton from the YouTube channel Pompey Women’s Vlogs described to me the match where he really started to believe.
Ian said, “For me, the game where I really felt we had the squad to challenge for promotion was Plymouth away on 15 Oct. We won the game 3-1 but it was such a difficult match. A challenging playing surface, a large boisterous home crowd and a fired-up Plymouth side.
“We had to give everything and had the quality in the final third to win the game. It showed we could rough it in the difficult away games and get three points. A critical attribute you need to win a league.”
This is apt given that Pompey’s opponents are the same Plymouth side this weekend.
Argyle are nine places lower than their opponents and while they recently turned heads with a 2-2 draw against Hashtag United I cannot see a scenario where Pompey do not come away with a win in front of a jubilant home crowd.
Ian added, “This season we have never let the opposition dedicate how we approach a game or play out the match. We do our thing and they have to deal with us. The squad has an exquisite balance, no matter the challenges they have faced there has always been the players in the squad to overcome it.
“Bringing in experienced players like Lumsden, Rutherford. Freeman and Casley then balancing that out with enthusiastic youth in the likes of Pitman and Humphrey has given Jay Sadler the arsenal to overcome every challenge thrown at the squad.”
In the build-up to the match, Sadler told me, “It’s been a fantastic season for us so far. The consistency levels this group have shown has been remarkable. It hasn’t been without its challenges, and when faced with adversity we’ve ran towards it.
“That resilience has transferred throughout our performances and although everyone is enjoying their football right now, there still remains a focus and humility.
“We work on a game-by-game process. Plymouth have proved to be a dangerous side this season, competing with the top sides in this league. We certainly won’t be taking this game lightly.”
However, if I am right then while the league trophy will not be presented after the match, Pompey fans will not have to wait long until the team’s captain, Hannah Haughton, is lifting the trophy.
Above: Mackenzie Arnold in action at training in Florida. Image: Rachel Bach/Football Australia.
By Genevieve Henry(4/4/24).
Impetus’ Genevieve Henry spoke to Mackenzie Arnold following another day of camp in Florida with the Matildas. An unusual camp, with a week of just training without a match to interrupt the flow, Arnold discussed the importance of this period to change and advance Australia’s gameplay, as well as how playing for West Ham United and the Matildas compliment each other.
“It’s different to what we’re used to, but I think it gives us the best chance to prepare for how we want to play. It comes at the perfect time, just to really get a solid seven days together, really working on that, and not being interrupted by a midweek game. So yeah, it’s really worked out and it’s really beneficial for this time of year.”
While it’s mostly business as usual for the goalkeepers this camp, Arnold hinted that they have been working on something new. “We’re trying to do a new playing style and trying to focus on a couple of different things. I guess it’s sort of just adjusting to each other and playing in the national team– we don’t get to do that too often.”
While playing out from the back–something the Matildas have tried as of late– comes with both advantages and disadvantages, it’s something Arnold embraces. “I love playing out from the back, to be honest. I feel like I’ve always been quite comfortable with my feet. West Ham are trying to do a similar thing, so I feel like I’m really learning in both environments. I’m glad that we’re playing that way and I hope it works out.” She continued, “as a goalkeeper, my position is obviously quite similar in how we want to play at West Ham to the national team, so it’s helping me a tremendous amount trying to prepare for these Olympic Games.”
One challenge the Matildas are facing is the injury to midfield maestro Katrina Gorry, Arnold’s club teammate at West Ham. Arnold confirmed that she had undergone surgery a few days ago, but that she had no clear timeline or news about her availability for the Olympics. While a sidelined Gorry is a big loss for both club and country, it has not put a dent in either’s ambitions.
Above: Arnold and teammates celebrating their win over Arsenal in February. Image: Ben Phillips for Impetus.
West Ham’s acquisition of Gorry seemed to be a turning point for the club, now 7 points safe from relegation, with some excellent results against top opposition. The Hammers will hope her absence will not negatively impact the remainder of their season. Arnold reflected on the progress the club has made, saying, “we’re playing the best football we’ve played since I’ve been there, so it’s hard to differentiate our results from how we’ve been playing. I’ve really enjoyed it this year and I feel like we’re really taking positive strides.”
Arnold, club captain, will be out of contract at West Ham at the conclusion of the season, but emphasised the fact that she is just focusing on the season at the moment. “I haven’t really dived too much into it yet, to be honest. I’m still in the midst of the season, just trying to get points and stay above relegation…We’ll see at the end of the season.”
“Before the World Cup I was sort of able to just focus on myself, try to play the best that I can, and try to get a spot in the World Cup roster. But, I think now since the captaincy, I’ve taken on a lot more responsibility. It has its good and bad, but I’m enjoying the challenge and love leading the girls out. There are definitely new lessons that I’m trying to adjust to in the West Ham environment, but I think when I come back here I’m able to just be myself and take a backseat.”
Above: Michelle Heyman speaking from the Matildas camp in Florida. Image: Football Australia.
Heyman: Experience and age is a gift
Michelle Heyman is buzzing. That trademark smile is even wider than before. This is a 35-year-old striker at the top of her form and having the absolute time of her life in the process.
“It’s the best feeling. I feel so lucky, so privileged, and honoured to be a part of the squad. It’s so nice to be back in the environment doing the job I love,” the Canberra United attacker enthused.
A return to the national team after six years away saw Heyman bag five goals in the two-legged Olympic qualifier against Uzbekistan at the end of February. She reflected on just how crazy things have been in the five weeks since.
“My life’s changed a lot! I always knew that I could do this job and be back in this squad, so I just wanted to come out here and prove a point to other people and myself that I was still good enough to be here. My life now ever since Melbourne (and the second leg of the Uzbekistan game) has been a different world. The amount of support that I get from fans and the amount of people coming out to games to cheer on Canberra United, it’s just been wild.”
“To hear so many little kids scream out ‘Heyman! Heyman!’ it’s really sweet… I’m just happy, it’s just nice.”
Michelle Heyman on life since her Matildas return against Uzbekistan.
Heyman came back to a Matildas team unlike any other that came before it. Off the back of a sensational home World Cup where they captured the nation in a way that still sends shivers down the spine thinking back, this is a group idolised. It’s so different to the Canberra United star’s previous experiences with the squad.
“Everything about it has changed. I’ve never been in such a professional environment. I debuted (for the Matildas) in 2010 – to where we are today. I don’t think there are many things that are similar minus the players. It’s a whole lot of the same girls, which is just incredible, but everything on the outside from that squad has changed. To be treated so well, like a professional athlete to be able to be so successful in a training camp allows you to be the best you can be.
Above: Michelle Heyman in training with The Matildas in Florida. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
“I have more confidence in myself now because everyone believes in you. You have the full support from everyone within this squad. It just makes your life so much easier and it’s a joy to play for your country.
“I enjoy being able to support players, being able to be that bounce number nine who holds the ball up, and that quick movement off the ball really suits my style – but the amount of k’s that we’re doing in games is a lot higher than before. I remember the stats back in the day when I would run eight or nine k’s, now, every game I’m doing 10 to 11 – so it’s revved up…and made the quality of the football a lot more entertaining.
“I felt confident in myself, and that came with age. I knew what my role was as a player and I didn’t need to think too much about everyone else around me. It was just focusing on what I needed to do to get back into the squad…I had a good conversation with Tony (Gustavsson, head coach) so I knew what he wanted from me and that was my number one focus – that was to get into the box and score goals – and that I can do!”
Heyman is loving every second of her time back in the national squad, and playing better than ever as a direct result – something she also links to the benefits of age and experience. She wants to ensure that this opportunity is one that does not end any time soon.
“I want to enjoy every minute. You never know how long your career can go for…I want to experience this incredible environment – I want to be part of the Matildas again. My goal is the Olympics – I’m going to be pushing for that squad. I’m going to do everything I can to get into that team, but right now my main focus is for this camp.”
“I’m just so much smarter these days, it’s fantastic! Experience and age is a gift, and I look at my 25-year-old self, and I wish I knew everything then that I know now. I think it’s better than ever being older because I understand the game more.
“I’ve been around for a lot longer, and I’ve been able to watch these girls play for a number of years so I knew exactly what needed to be done for my role, so age is fantastic! I love getting older! I’m keeping up with the young ones, so it’s making me feel really good about myself!
“I knew I could score goals, but when I got that call back to The Matildas, it gave me that little bit extra because it was getting that approval from the national team to say that I’ve still got it.
Yallop: “Mexico are going to be very competitive”
Above: Tameka Yallop speaking from the Matildas’ Florida base. Image: Football Australia.
Australia midfielder Tameka Yallop is expecting a tough and exciting encounter when the Matildas face Mexico next week.
Speaking from the team’s Florida training base, the Brisbane Roar star said: “I think it’s going to be an exciting match and a good test for us. It’s an excellent opportunity to see how we’re going with the style of play that we’re trying to implement and they are going to be competitive, they are a footballing country, they are very passionate about their football, so it’s going to be a very exciting and competitive match.”
Yallop comes into camp after a strong season back in the A-League Women where she has been used in a more attacking role for the Roar than she has been deployed in for a while.
“I’ve loved being back at home, back in Queensland. I think the time to come back to the A-League was definitely after the World Cup – there was just so much excitement and you can still feel it flowing in Australia. You also saw that with the competitiveness of the league this year.
“It’s exciting for me, it’s where I definitely feel I’m at my best and my most creative, which is what I definitely enjoy about football.”
Above: Tameka Yallop puts in a cross for Australia against Iran last year. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Yallop is joined in the Matildas squad by her Brisbane Roar teammate Sharn Freir for the first time, and the midfielder revealed just how much Freir is revelling in her call-up.
“I don’t think I’ve seen her smile so much in her whole life! It’s really exciting to have her here and our whole Brisbane Roar team is just super excited as well. She’s got a lot of support coming in and it’s nice for her to have a familiar face in myself, but she does know other players, she’s been in A-League for a while and she’s fitting in well.
“She’s an exciting player. Her one-on-one skills are excellent and I think Australia will be pretty excited to see her play.
This international window sees Australia play one match rather than the usual two – a move that Yallop feels is a big plus as there is less need to focus on recovery and managing minutes. Instead, the team have more time to hone their style of play and prepare for the opposition.
“I think as a squad we can get a lot more out of training only having one game. We can have a lot more intense sessions and really focus on our game and how we want to play.
“It’s just about learning and understanding the style we want to playing; the different manipulations within that as well and different structures that we can move between and flow between and get used to playing that different style with different players in different positions and rotating, so I think it’s really a whole team inclusiveness and gelling.”
Matildas training photo gallery supplied to Impetus by Football Australia
Above: Natasha Snelling in action for Norwich City in their 2-2 draw at AFC Wimbledon. Credit: Norwich City Women FC
FA Women’s National League Division One South East
Norwich City failed to win their must-win game at AFC Wimbledon. They were 2-0 behind thanks to Ashlee Hinks and an Own goal but late goals of their own from Holly Kennard and Shannon Shaw saw the points shared in a 2-2 draw. However, that was not enough for Norwich City who are now major outsiders for the title after drawing their last three league games.
Eastern Region Premier Division
Wroxham were beaten 4-1 at Real Bedford. Hannah Fuller got the goal for Wroxham but goals from Zara Carroll, Natasha Fensome, Francesca Partridge and Georgie Giddings saw Real Bedford take a comfortable victory.
Eastern Region Division One North
Thetford Town produced the result of the weekend In Norfolk with an emphatic 3-0 victory away to local rivals Mulbarton Wanderers, Melissa Boulton, Laura Martins and Amber May scored the goals for Luke Pickford’s side.
Fakenham Town were beaten 2-0 at home by Newmarket Town as Katie Hayes scored a brace for the visitors.
Above: Frances Peeling gets a head to the ball for Thetford Town in their 3-0 win at Mulbarton Wanderers. Credit: Ben Cunningham
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One
Caister continued their cruise towards the title with a 4-1 win at Mulbarton Wanderers Development, Rebecca Waters and Lauren Goulder both scored twice each. Mary-Anne Hoy scored for Mulbarton.
Sprowston were 4-1 winners at Aylsham thanks to a brace from Mollie O’Callaghan and a goal each from Aimee Dickson and Breana Rudd. Christina Papadopoulou scored for Aylsham.
Bungay Town were 4-0 winners at North Walsham Town thanks to a brace from Brooke Osborne and goals from Selina Rowland and Maddie Flatman.
Long Stratton beat Costessey Sports 1-0 at Manor Road thanks to a goal from Elsie Downer.
Photo: Action from the match between Long Stratton (Red) and Costessey Sports. Credit: Shaun Button
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two
Shrublands made it 8 wins from their last 9 games with a 3-2 win over League leaders Stalham Town thanks to goals from Amy Barker, Hannah Halfnight and Ruby Timms. Emma Gillespie scored a brace for Stalham Town.
FC Viking Valkyries were 8-1 winners at Martham thanks to 6 goals from Jessica Bennett and goals from Charlotte Kenny and Evie Tolson. Bethany Shearing scored for Martham.
Beccles Town were 8-0 winners over Freethorpe thanks to braces from Phoebe Carter, Vicky Bloomfield and Saffron Jones-Yates, Stevie Potter and Libby Elder scored the other two goals.
Above: Action from the match between Shrublands (Red) and Stalham Town that saw Stalham win 3-2. Credit – Steve Wood
Waveney were 1-0 winners at Great Yarmouth Town thanks to a goal from Shauna Brunton-O’Neill.
Horsford Hurricanes vs Bure Valley was postponed and the points were awarded to Bure Valley as Horsford Hurricanes were unable to field a side.
The match between Mundford and Horsford Harriers was also postponed.
Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One
Mulbarton Wanderers were 3-1 winners at home to Taverham thanks to a hat-trick from Alice Ladbrooke. Chantel Davison scored for Taverham.
Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two
FC Viking Valkyries were 8-0 winners at home to Bulldogs FC thanks to a hat-trick from Kayleigh Ellwood, a brace each from Bethany Howman and Kiara Thrower plus a goal from Emma Powers-Richardson.
Hockering were 3-2 winners over Aylsham thanks to a brace from Maisie Hendry and a goal from Summer Davies.
Above: More action from the match between Shrublands (Red) and Stalham Town. Credit – Steve Wood
Above: Matildas U23 head coach Mel Andreatta – her side will be returning to action Photo: Football Australia.
Australia’s U23 Women’s National Team will return to international action during the May/June international window when they take part in the Four Nations Tournament held in Växjö, Sweden.
The friendlies – hosted at Visma Arena and Värendsvallen – will see the U-23 Women’s National Team compete against U-23 sides from Sweden, Germany, and Poland from 29th May until 4th June, 2024.
Australia will open the tournament against hosts Sweden (29th May) before taking on Germany (1st June) and completing their schedule with Poland (4th June).
U23 Women’s National Team Head Coach, Mel Andreatta, highlighted the importance of the tournament in continuing the development of U23 players to prepare them for the senior national team.
“We are excited to receive this invitation to participate in the prestigious Four Nations Tournament next month in Sweden,” she said.
“An opportunity like this, to compete against three high-quality U23 national teams, is invaluable at this age group as a next step so that they are ready to represent their country at the senior level if and when the opportunity arises for them.”
Above: Amy Sayer – now a regular member of the senior Matildas squad – and a recent alumni of the U23 Matildas. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.
“This series of fixtures will be beneficial because of the tournament-like conditions it will expose the players to. Everything from the international travel to the close scheduling of matches and high-intensity football will provide key learnings on what is required to be able to perform at the highest level.”
Established in 2022 following the Performance Gap Report, the Australia U23 Women’s National Team has since seen three players (Sarah Hunter, Charlie Rule, and Kaitlyn Torpey) make their senior national team debuts following strong performances at the age group.
Meanwhile, Amy Sayer and goalkeeper Jada Whyman have received regular call-ups to the Matildas. In the case of Sayer, the 22-year-old has also recorded regular international match minutes and notched up the career milestone of scoring her first international goal in February’s Round Three Asian Qualifier against Uzbekistan at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne.
“It is pleasing from a technical team viewpoint to see that the program is staying true to its task and supplying the platform for these players to demonstrate their quality and what they can bring to the senior team,” Andreatta explained.
“What this program gives the players is different to the club environment and we want to ensure it continues to meet both the needs of the players and our programs as a whole. Our hope is as a federation and a technical team is to see more players taking this opportunity and embrace it,” she concluded.
The Australia U23 Women’s National Team squad will be announced in the fortnight prior to the commencement of their camp in Sweden which starts on 23 May 2024.
Above: Australia training in Florida. Photo: Rachel Bach, Football Australia
The Matildas have just begun national team camp in Florida in preparation for a friendly against Mexico next week. After the first training session, two veterans of the team, Alanna Kennedy and Emily Van Egmond, spoke to the media.
Only a small group were able to train as the arrivals trickled in, Kennedy saying, “it’s nice to be in the sun. It was just good to get the legs going after the flight.” With long travel associated with serious injuries, the European-based majority of the team will have a reprieve compared to their usual tedious travel home.
This camp is a unique one for the Matildas, with just one game instead of two, leaving the team much more time to train together and gel ahead of the Olympics. Kennedy said, “it’s a good opportunity for us to get more sessions together. Obviously when we have the two games, it’s always a quick transition from our clubs into game mode for the Matildas, having to taper into the game and not getting too much tactics under our belt. So, to have that training load and opportunity for us to really work on things as a team is good.”
With the Olympics just around the corner, Australia are in full preparation mode, testing personnel and tactics that will carry them through the Olympics. “It’s a good opportunity for us to spend as much time as we need on the training paddock.” Van Egmond said, “it’s a bit different, we’ll be able to get a couple more training sessions in, which I think is valuable for us as we prepare for the Olympics.” She emphasised the importance of getting fresh ideas and each player focusing on being the best they can be.
Looking back at their Olympics qualifiers, Kennedy reflected, “it’s not easy qualifying through Asia. We always want to be at these major tournaments to test ourselves against the best. It’s a great achievement from the team to have qualified for our third Olympics in a row.” Van Egmond reiterated her teammate’s point, saying, “it’s an amazing achievement…we’re just so happy now that it’s out of the way. Now we can focus fully on our preparation heading into the tournament. You don’t get as much time as you would love together, so it’s just about making sure you make every minute count and put our heads down and work as hard as we can before Paris.”
With the recently-drawn Olympic groups in mind, Kennedy expressed both the difficulty of Australia’s group (Australia, Germany, USA, and either Morocco or Zambia) and the whole tournament. “I think when you look across the groups, they’re all hard. The margins are so small in women’s football at the moment with the top ten or fifteen teams in the world. It’s definitely going to be a test, every single game. We’ve definitely got a challenge ahead but I think we’re all excited for it. As Matildas, we love to rise to those big occasions.”
The Matildas have put all of their focus on that first game against Germany, Van Egmond saying, “I think it’s important to just focus on that first game. We treat it the same way we treated that Ireland game in the World Cup. We go into that game with great confidence and belief in the team, which I know the girls have. It can potentially set us up to have a great group stage.”
One problem the Matildas are facing is playing time and injuries. With many players being over or under-utilised at their clubs, they not only risk injury but form. Alongside Sam Kerr who will almost certainly miss the Olympics with her torn ACL, Katrina Gorry, Clare Hunt, and Courtney Nevin all had to withdraw from this camp due to injury, a concerning sight for the Matildas. While this gives opportunities to players such as Emily Gielnik, Winonah Heatley, and Sharn Frier, having two or three of Australia’s best players in doubt is obviously detrimental to the side.
Luckily for Australia, Kennedy was back in the starting lineup in club land for Manchester City, alongside fellow Matildas Mary Fowler. “I was out through injury for a while, and being at such a great team, there are many quality players around, so I’m happy to have gotten my spot back and hopefully that continues through to the end of the season.”
Van Egmond has already made her impact at the beginning of her second season with San Diego in the NWSL, scoring a stoppage-time winner to secure Wave’s first ever win over Seattle Reign. “I was pleased to get on the scoreboard, hopefully I can continue to get a few more goals and help the team in any way that I can.”
Looking to the Mexico game, an unfamiliar but exciting opponent, both players expressed the necessity of focusing on strengthening themselves. Kennedy said, “I’ve not faced Mexico before, so I’m looking forward to playing them. They’re obviously a strong team, but for us the focus is on ourselves and working on our style of play, progressing our game from previous camps and looking to get a win as well.”
Van Egmond continued Kennedy’s statement, saying the important thing was “just getting on the same page and utilising the time that we have, as we don’t have much time. If we can nullify some things we need to get better before the tournament, that’s the main objective. We want to put on a good performance against Mexico, as every single game is gonna count.”
22 Goals, last minute goals and unexpected results. What a weekend of fixtures it has been.
Chicago Red Stars lost points for the first time this season as they took on Orlando Pride as they took on Orlando Pride who are yet to win a game. The game finished 1-1 with Mallory Swanson scoring in the 64th minute for the Red Stars and also earned Jenna Bike her first assist of the season. The goal for Pride came from an unfortunate by the red stars Talyor Malham after she goes on defensive duty but ends up heading the ball into her own net. Pride were in possession with the ball most of the game but the dominant attack and strong defence work from the Red Stars meant they were unable to claim the three points. This means that Pride are yet to claim three points this season as they have fought all their games to a draw.
The champions are seeking their first win of the season as San Diego Wave take on Seattle Reign. The game finished 1-0 after a goal from Australian international Emily Van Egmond in the 98th minute. She was assisted by Alex Morgan who recorded her first assist of the season. Wave also had Melanie Barcenes earn her first minutes of the season, the 16 year old is a young talent in the making. Kirsten McNabb also earned her first start and minutes for Wave since returning from injury. Throughout the game Reign had multiple attacks on goal but the Wave defence held strong and Reign were unable to find the target.
The only team left unbeaten in the league is Kansas City Current as they look to extend their lead and defeat Angle City. The game finished 4-2 to the current. Vanessa DiBernardo, Alexa Christine Spaanstra, Temwa Chawinga and Beatriz Zaneratto Joao, were all on target and helped their team keep their unbeaten streak. Sydney Leroux and Madison Curry who scored her first goal for Angle City, they also had a goal ruled offside which would have meant that they scored 3 goals. Both teams remained dominant on and off the ball and had the same amount of shots on target but Current were just stronger on the finish.
Gotham FC are without Midge Purce after her season ending injury where she tore her ACL as they take on North Carolina Courage. Brianna Pinto scored the only goal of the match for the Courage just before halftime in the 44th minute . After a cross came in from Williams that Sanchez got her head to and directed it downwards and Pinto was there to poke it in. Both teams were dominant on and off the ball trying to push for a goal but both teams’ defences held strong. Gotham had 15 shots on goal but the Courage defence held strong and they did not manage to steal a clean sheet of courage.
Points are shared in Oregon as Portland Thorns taken on Racing Louisville. A late goal by Sam Coffey in the 99th minute for Portland means they share points at home. Uchenna Kanu scored a brace in the first 10 minutes which left the thorns trailing behind and fighting for a goal until some magic from Morgan Weaver in the penalty box after chaos as Louisville failed to clear the ball and she brought the thorns back into the game. Sam Coffey received a beautiful pass from Kelli Hubly before weaving her way through several Louisville defenders and goalkeeper before burying her shot in the back of the net. Both teams were pushing for the winning goal but both defences held strong.
A late goal from Havanna Solaun for Houston Dash in the 100th minute means that they steal all three points as they take on Bay FC. Diana Ordonez scored a brace for Houston in the second half. The first goal came from a cross delivered in by Maria Sanchez and Ordonez made no mistake and headed it home. The second goal came off a loose ball from the Bay goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx who saved the original penalty but Ordonez punched on the loose ball and sent the ball into the back of the net. Havana Solaun scored the third and final goal for Houston as the cross got played in from Sanchez and was originally cleared from the Bay defence but the ball fell and she made no mistake and sent the ball into the back of the net. Goals for Bay came from Deyna Castellanos and Rachel Kundanaji. Castellanos scored the first goal of the match as the original shot from Asisat Oshoala was blocked but Castellanos was quick to jump on the loose ball and her strike found its target in the top left corner. Rachel Kundanaji scored the second and final goal for Bay as she picked up the ball in space and made a run down the right side of the pitch and cut back into the centre of the 18 yard box and her strike curled into the net.
Utah Royals take on Washington Spirit as Utah looks to pick up their first points. The game finished 2-1 to spirit with goals being scored by Andi Sullivan and Ouleyamata Sarr. Andi Sullivan scored a penalty after Croix Bethune was taken down in the box. She sent Mandy Haught the Utah keeper the wrong way with her right sided shot. Sarr headed the ball home after a cross from Trinity Rodman. The goal for Utah came from Ally Senator who managed to weave her way through the defence and sent it past Spirit keeper Kingsbury to bring the Royals back into the game. The Royals kept pushing for another goal to steal them a point away from home but was unable to break through the spirit defence for the second time.
Photo: Washington Spirit Website
Now we are on to the international break with league games returning on the 13th April.
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