by Ben Gilby and Rob Lizzi at Dorrien Gardens (4/8/24)
Above: Ella Lincoln (azure shirt) looks to break through for Perth SC this afternoon against Balcatta Etna. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
A supremely well-disciplined defensive display from Balcatta Etna ensured that they ran out winners against a Perth SC side who had the better of the possession and territory at a sunny and warm Dorrien Gardens this afternoon.
This outcome pretty much ended the home side’s hopes of taking the NPLW WA championship this season, with Perth RedStar now eight points clear at the summit. However, it could have been so different for The Azzurri. They had were on top for much of the game. Their midfield trio of Charli Wainwright, Georgia Cassidy, and Tijan McKenna were strong and dangerous, but this was a game crying out for Jess Flannery.
With their pocket rocket watching on from the sidelines on crutches after long term injury, Perth SC were not quite able to hit the heights at the pointy end as they were earlier in the campaign. Attacker Ella Lincoln was having to drop back deeper to gain possession, and trouble the high Balcatta line with her excellent touch and turns, but it meant she was over 10 yards further back than from the penalty box which made it harder to break through and trouble the visiting defence.
Above: Balcatta Etna keeper Rebecca Bennett looks to deny Tijan McKenna (azure shirt). Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
The opening exchanges saw the home side that bit faster and crisper to the ball. Cassidy was dominant along the right flank looking to take on the Balcatta defence and provide balls across. Allied with McKenna, who was a creative ball of energy all afternoon with the crunching tackles, visionary passing and looking to crack shots in on goal.
Balcatta were holding a high line, which was able to reduce the impact of the Perth attack, and when the Azzurri did break through they were up against an inspired Rebecca Bennett in goal.
Just after the quarter hour mark, Daisy McAllister broke through along the right to feed Lincoln who advanced, but was denied by Bennett. Moments later, Epril Nossent hit an high effort from the left that Bennett palmed away. Following up was McAllister who sent a shot wide of the left hand post.
The Balcatta keeper made it a hat-trick of saves with 24 minutes played. Lincoln was fouled out on the right, parallel with the box. Cassidy’s free-kick came in for Sam Mathers to direct a shot that Bennett saved.
Above: Rebecca Bennett denies Perth SC’s Georgia Cassidy (12). Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
For the remainder of the half, chances were few and far between. Perth SC had the time to play and pass, with McKenna leading the way with those surging runs and passes.
The final opportunity of the half fell to the home side, and it came from a stunning build up of passing. McKenna, McAllister, and Cassidy all interchanged before the latter let fly with a powerful effort that Bennett pushed away.
Whilst the territory and chances were all Perth’s they couldn’t find a way through. For Balcatta, the key creative outlets of Abbey Meakins, Jamie-Lee Gale, and Lucy Jerram were largely on the periphery. They would need some ball if Pete Rakic’s side were to find a breakthrough.
The first change of the second 45 fell the home side’s way with Lincoln surging along the left to play a ball in for Cassidy to send another powerful shot goalward that Bennett held. The Azzurri came even closer on 51 minutes as Mathers’ curling corner from the left came off the near post. Shortly afterwards, Wainwright was brought down centrally 25 yards outside the area by Meakins. McCartney’s free-kick went just wide of the left hand post.
Above: Sam Mathers curls in a corner that came back off the near post. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Then came the game changing moment. Gale hit a shot on the right which was saved by Stacey Cavill at the cost of a corner, and from a resulting scrimmage in the box, the ball took a deflection off an azure shirt and into the net to put Balcatta ahead.
Balcatta pushed forward again on the hour with Jerram finding space to drive through the middle to find Kat Jukic outside her, with a corner the outcome.
Perth SC looked to press back in search of an equaliser that would have been the least they deserved for their possession and territory. With just over 20 minutes left, Nossent played a ball in from the left for Cassidy to direct a shot goalwards outside the box which Bennett saved. Just two minutes later, the same Azzurri star picked up a loose back pass but hit her shot wide of the right hand post.
Above: Balcatta Etna hit their winning goal. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
There were three further goalscoring opportunities – all for the hosts. With a quarter of an hour to go, substitute Grace Johnston cut in along the right, but her shot lacked the power to trouble Bennett.
Then, the real chance with 78 on the clock as Wainwright, who had another strong afternoon broke through and was one-on-one with Bennett in the box, but the Balcatta keeper maintained her superb afternoon’s form by denying the Perth youngster.
Three minutes into stoppage time, Nossent cut through along the right, but saw her shot go just wide, and Balcatta claimed all three points.
This was a real frustrating loss for Perth SC who, on another day could have run out comfortable winners. However, there has to be real credit paid to Balcatta. They were exceptionally well organised at the back and did something that very few sides manage to do – keep Perth SC goalless. Rebecca Bennett was superb and they forced the goal when it mattered.
More of Ben Gilby’s photos from Dorrien Gardens today:
Above: Germany celebrate the penalty shootout win over Canada. Photo: DFB
Germany are through after some penalty shoot out heroics from Ann-Katrin Berger. Saving two of the spot kicks before converting the winning penalty, Berger produced a fantastic game to knock Canada out of the tournament.
For 120 minutes, it seemed both teams were content to play a cat and mouse kind of match.
It was clear early that Germany were looking to play fast and hit first time balls through the middle, via Alexandra Popp, who was again playing in that deeper midfield role for Germany. Giulia Gwinn started sharp as well, the right back cutting out on the stretch a ball down the wing in the opening minutes and also getting into dangerous positions going forward.
The first real chance came via lovely run down the right, as Jule Brand jinxed through the middle with the ball resulting in a shot from Klara Brül which was well saved by Kailen Sheridan.
The rest of the first half was largely uneventful save for the 5 minutes the crowd got involved with the Mexican Wave. A couple of half chances and nearly moments for both teams. But both Sheridan and Berger remained largely unchallenged. Canadian captain Jessie Fleming was involved in a heavy clash right before the half ended and was subsequently taken off during the break.
The second half saw Germany lift the tempo, and the first 10 minutes was one way traffic. But much like the first half the chances were not clear cut and the great play outside the box could not be converted into opportunities, nevertheless, Germany looked likely to find something. A triple change on the 57′ mark was exactly the boost the Canadians needed. Cloe Lacasse and Adriana Leon both providing spark and dare with their play and signalling a chance in momentum.
Suddenly the game had more zest. Both teams knocking at the door, but it was Canada who would have the best chance. Released one on one with the keeper, Leon had the chance to give Canada the lead, yet it was Berger, fully stretched, and out quickly to deny with a fantastic save who rose to the moment. Despite missing a golden opportunity, Canada remained set to the task and kept pressing. Just after the cooling break, Canada whipped in a corner which was well claimed by Berger, who copped a knock in the process and was in the hands of the trainers for a few minutes.
The rest of the 90 was again much of the same. Some good looks and getting the ball up the pitch but a lack of committed bodies in the box resulting in most attacks fizzling out.
Extra time and within a few minutes, Ashley Lawrence expertly cut inside to fire a shot which was well saved and then held by Berger. Again though, neither team willing to risk much. The second half of extra time saw chaos almost immediately, with Berger coming well out and it was the great defending of Gwinn, heading a ball well clear of danger, to the recuse for the Germans.
The final few minutes had as much action as the first 90, with Sydney Lohmann being brought down just outside the box and the resulting free kick finding a head and hitting the crossbar and over. A half chance for Leon at the other end who latched onto a cross and saw her shot fire just wide. With no winner, it would come down to penalties.
Gwinn and Quinn both with excellent penalties to start, Janina Minge cooling converting before Berger with a fantastic save to her right to deny Lawrence. 2-1 Germany.
Lohmann firing well over the bar but no matter because Berger yet again saving the penalty.
Felicitas Rauch with another textbook spot kick, and Beckie stepped up, and squeezed the shot beyond Berger, the shot looked saved initially, with many believing it was, yet the German Keeper would still have the final say.
Berger, stepping up with all the class and composure of a number nine, slotted the winner to send Germany through to face USA in the semi finals.
Above: Melissa Andreatta. Photo: Aleksander Kostadinoski
Football Australia must now move to find a new head coach of The Matildas. With the exception of 2020 (and COVID lockdowns) the next 12 months ahead are the first in recent times without a major tournament and that grants time to make the right decision.
However, with some retirements or replacements imminent among the playing squad, the next manager will play an important role, and with a home Asian Cup in 2026, the decision must be made carefully and correctly. Genevieve Henry and Kieran Yap go through some of the possibilities.
Melissa Andreatta
Photo by Aleksandar Kostadinoski.
Andreatta is the simplest and most immediate option. If Football Australia like the way the team has been performing over the last four years as a whole, Andreatta is a good choice to continue that while leaving her own imprint on the team.
The former Brisbane Roar coach has been one of Gustavsson’s assistants during his time in charge and is a natural successor to the Swede. She is familiar with both Australian football and the A-League Women, and knows the pitfalls of navigating Asian tournaments.
Andreatta is the current head coach of the Under 23 side and has been vital in helping players make the leap from youth to senior football and providing players like Sharn Freier or Kaitlyn Torpey a chance to show that their club form can be replicated for the national team.
Whoever the next coach is, will rely heavily on the work Adnreatta has done to prepare the likes of Amy Sayer and Ana Margraf to step into the shoes of Michelle Heyman or Tameka Yallop when the time comes. It might as well be the woman who helped usher them through herself.
Leah Blayney
Hana Lowry (L) Leah Blayney and Bryleeh Henry. Photo: Football Australia
The Young Matildas coach has been in charge of Australia’s Under 20 side since 2019. It has been an impressive and entertaining tenure.
The 2019 Asian Cup ultimately ended in defeat, but Mary Fowler, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Charli Grant, Courtney Nevin and Karly Roestbakken have all appeared at major tournament as senior players since.
Deborah Anne De La Harpe and Indiah Paige Riley have gone on to play for other nations and Princess Ibini has become one of the most successful A-League Women players by the age of 24.
Essentially, she knows how to develop players and bring out their strengths.
Blayney’s 2022 Young Matildas performed admirably at the World Cup in Costa Rica. After winning the first game against the hosts 3-1, they exited at the group stage but took the game to Brazil and Spain with some encouraging performances, particularly from a then 15 year old Daniela Galic.
In 2024, Blayney guided the Young Matildas to World Cup qualification with a third place finish at the Asian Cup. Australia scored in every game, in sometimes frightening conditions and against a variety of opponents and tactics. Blayney rotated the squad heavily, ensuring fresh legs and avoiding mental fatigue in the do or die tournament.
Before the 2023 World Cup, the focus had to be global. Australia simply had to make the knockout stages and make an impact on the tournament to take full advantage of the occasion.
Now, the focus could be much more regional. Australia have only been the best team in Asia once in 2010, and it is fair to say that the rest of the AFC is either trying to catch up or are close to overtaking us now.
Results will matter against Asian opposition, and the AFC is a vast confederation that Blayney has success in navigating.
She has built three very different, very valuable sides as a youth team coach, on limited resources. It feels like a matter of when and not if she will one day take charge of the senior team, but she does have the small matter of the U20 World Cup first.
Ante Juric
Photo By Kris Goman
The record-breaking A-League Women coach is surely one of the best coaches in Australia. Juric has achieved almost everything he can with Sydney FC and it might be time for him to look for a new adventure. In a press conference last season, he was asked if he would take the reins of the national team if called upon. His answer? An emphatic yes.
The work Juric has done to develop some of the brightest stars in the A-League Women is remarkable. He excels at not only bringing young players to their best, but taking players who have struggled at other clubs and making them into household names. From current Matildas Cortnee Vine and Clare Wheeler, to Future Matildas Indiana Dos Santos and Maddie Caspers, Juric knows exactly how to get players performing their best.
Not only that, but Juric has managed many of the current Matildas squad, helping them from the W-League to overseas, including Caitlin Foord, Alanna Kennedy, and Amy Sayer, as well as dozens of names likely to be in the national team in the future.
He receives the highest of praise by all those he has coached, with Vine saying, “He breeds a culture that is a winning culture, an accepting culture… No other coach does it like Ante.”
Juric also has experience coaching in the national team set up, leading the Young Matildas to top their group at the 2015 AFF Championship, with players such as Alex Chidiac and Princess Ibini leading the line.
Since 2017 when he became head coach of the Sky Blues, he has won three Championships and three Premierships. Although he’s had great resources and players at his disposal, it’s never been an easy ride. Just this past season, he managed to lead Sydney to the Championship while losing some of his best players to transfers and injury. He knows how to scrape through a season to get a win.
One of Juric’s strengths in coaching is his defensive management, an area the Matildas desperately need fixed. His side let in the fewest goals throughout the 2023-24 season even with captain and centre-back Nat Tobin out with an ACL.
All in all, Juric has the experience, the skill, and the relationships to do something special with this job if it comes his way.
Emily Husband
Photo: Central Coast Mariners
Although Husband has only just completed her first season in top flight football, her record and experience speak for themselves. After a 14-year absence from the A-League women, the Central Coast Mariners found success under Husband, even making a convincing finals run. She was named A-League Women coach of the year.
Although not from Australia, Husband has worked her way up from the NPLW, so she knows the talent pool more than anybody. Her time as head coach of Sydney University in the NSW NPLW was nothing short of spectacular, winning the league and coach of the year.
Husband’s coaching career has taken her all over the world, from the UK originally, to the US, Fiji, and all over both Africa and Europe. Wherever she goes, she brings her passion for football and nurturing players to be their best with her.
With the Mariners this past season, Husband has proved that she can take a group of players to the highest level with her tactics, recruiting, and culture building. Her side had one of the strongest back lines, second only the champions Sydney. A side the Matildas could learn from, they stuck it out through tough defensive moments to hit opponents both on the counter-attack and with possession based football.
She built the new Central Coast Mariners from the ground up and came agonisingly close to bringing them glory in her debut season in the top flight. As the national team enters an era of growth and rebuilding, Husband could help the Matildas reach the level they need to be.
Casey Stoney
Casey Stoney on Jaedyn Shaw’s success and Makenzy Doniak coming on as a substitute: pic.twitter.com/0iqvwWg0kR
Stoney is one of the very best coaches in the women’s game, and at the moment, she is clubless. After leading Manchester United women into the top division and making history with San Diego Wave in its first year as a club, Stoney finds herself in high demand.
After a third-place finish in arguably the world’s most competitive league in the Wave’s debut season, Stoney was named NWSL coach of the year. She furthered their progress in the 2023 season, winning the Shield (comparable to the Premiership). But after an underwhelming start to the 2024 season, she was given the boot.
Stoney, like many others mentioned in this list, excels defensively. A defender herself with over 100 caps for England, Stoney knows the calibre of opponents and exactly how to prepare her team for the best of the best. With both the Wave and United, their defence is what won them games and leagues, even. If she could carry that over to the international level, she may just be the coach that Australia’s talented yet chaotic defenders need.
Even with the poor season the Wave have had this year, under Stoney they conceded the third-fewest goals in the league. Unfortunately, they also scored the third-fewest goals. But scoring never seems to be the Matildas problem. They can score. They just can’t seem to stop conceding and letting opponents have massive chances due to negligence or silly mistakes. Stoney could be the woman to rectify that situation.
While Stoney could bring much value to the Matildas, especially in the backline, it is worth mentioning that once again going with a coach from outside of Australia could be risky, as she would not know the depth of talent available to develop, unlike others on this list.
Above: Olivia Wood, who has had a superb month for Perth RedStar. Photo supplied to Impetusby: Rob Lizzi.
To further complement Impetus‘ coverage of the NPLW WA competition in 2024, we’ve assembled a group of people who are watching the competition’s matches especially closely to identify the league’s most consistent players each month. For the fourth month of the season, Ben Gilby, Kelechi Osunwa, and Tommy Doleman produced a five-player long list from which July’s winner was selected.
The shortlist – July 2024
Gabby Dal Busco (Perth RedStar):
Above: Gabby Dal Busco has been in superb form as Perth RedStar ended the month five points clear at the NPLW WA summit. Photosupplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Gabby Dal Busco has been arguably one of the best shot-stoppers in the league for years, and this season with her now at Perth RedStar is no different.
The former Perth Glory goalkeeper has had a sensational July. Two clean sheets (one in the NPLW WA, one in the State Cup Semi-Final) and only three goals conceded in total across the month’s five matches mark her out as a performer of consistent excellence. This form, combined with the increasing influence of RedStar’s leading attackers sees the defending champions heading towards their imperious best as the season approaches its business end.
Baxter Thew (Perth SC):
Above: Baxter Thew (left) has had an exceptional month for Perth SC. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
The strongest players and strongest teams step up their levels when it matters, and Baxter Thew has played a crucial part in Perth SC’s July with a succession of outstanding performances.
A clear example of Thew’s form came in Round 15 when she did something that few players have done this season – keep Tanika Lala out of the game for long periods of the match. Her ability to track Fremantle City’s dangerous attacker was crucial in showing Lala the touchline rather than allowing her to cut inside. This, plus Thew’s work rate in tracking the former NTC striker’s runs was crucial in assisting her team to record a vital win against a Freo side who were on a long winning run.
Tanika Lala (Fremantle City):
Above: Tanika Lala (burgundy kit) striding through on goal once more for Fremantle City. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Tanika Lala took the Impetus NPLW WA Player of the Month award for June and gained a second successive nomination after another superb set of performances.
The Goldfields’ nugget opened the month with a bang by scoring a hat-trick in Fremantle City’s superb 3-2 win over Perth RedStar. Lala would go on to notch a total of nine in July’s five league and cup games – four came against Murdoch University Melville, one at Balcatta Etna, and despite having a real battle against Baxter Thew all afternoon, an impressive strike against Perth SC.
Her runs, vision, and superb link-up play with the likes of Abbey Green and Clara Hoarau at the port city club have gone a long way to push Freo towards the top four after a challenging start to the season for the Hilton Park side.
Theodora Mouithys (Hyundai NTC):
Above: Theodora Mouithys (gold shirt) in action for Hyundai NTC earlier this season at Perth SC. Photo: Football West NTC.
It’s been a hard month for the NTC, but they have kept their top four hopes alive with two wins, with powerful young attacker Theodora Mouithys a key part of those successes.
Mouithys has pace and superb upper body strength which makes her a tough attacker for the league’s experienced defenders to handle. She has contributed three of the NTC’s six goals this month as their battle with Fremantle City for fourth place in the league goes on.
With Mouithys continuing to impress, plus the return to the starting line-up of the likes of Klaudia Houlis, Ruby Cuthbert, Ischia Brooking, and Mia Britton, there are hopes of a powerful run-in for the attacker and her talented teenage teammates.
Impetus NPLW WA Player of the Month for July 2024:
Olivia Wood (Perth RedStar):
Above: Olivia Wood (red kit, right) – Impetus‘ NPLW WA Player of the Month for July 2024. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Olivia Wood is back to her best, and how.
She opened July with an outstanding display in her team’s vital encounter at top-four rivals Balcatta Etna where she scored both goals in her team’s 2-0 win and ended it with a superb strike to seal RedStar’s 2-1 win over Perth SC in the first against second clash.
Hugely influential with runs, and strong link-up play with Jayna Ridley, she has also caused real headaches for opponents with her sublime shooting skills and ability to bring those around her into the play.
From six league goals throughout the month and outrageous efforts with the outside of her foot, well-judged crosses, and link-up play with her teammates, this has been a month to remember as Wood has played an influential role in RedStar’s pursuit of yet another league title retention.
Impetus NPLW WA Player of the Month Award Winners 2024
Above: Ellie Carpenter in action for Australia. Photo: Football Australia.
Til it’s Done
It’s a saying that has become the call for Matildas and fans alike. It’s applicable on and off the field. In the 11 goal thriller over Zambia it was evident. Two goals down against USA it was alive, and came so close to getting that vital point. The cruelty of football being that the Matildas put in their best performance in what was a pulsating defeat.
With a different approach to this game, playing Kaitlyn Torpey on the left, having both Katrina Gorry and Kyra Cooney-Cross in deeper roles, and Mary Fowler up top Australia looked more compact in defence, and when they got the ball right out wide, looked threatening with the best chance in the first 20 minutes.
In the next 20 minutes, USA peppered the goal, getting a lot of joy down the right-hand side, and forcing Mackenzie Arnold into a number of top quality saves. Then, chaos. A set piece and a goal for the USA. Australian pleading for the flag, Tony Gustavsson more so than most, earning a yellow which he sarcastically clapped. After a lengthy pause, to check for what could be argued was offside due to interference. The goal stood. The delay led to an extended first half which so nothing really eventful.
Second half saw USA start strong. Cooney-Cross off for Clare Wheeler, and the beginnings of signs that Australia may crumble looked likely. Yet, this was not the same team who shipped eight goals in the last two games. More resolute and willing, the Matildas fought back. Creating chances and when Michelle Heyman and Emily van Egmond came on, the attack had bite. It had a direction and the Aussie crowd was had been loud and energetic all evening upped the volume.
USA rang through the changes, looking for more stability and a way forward. Then. Heartbreak for Tillies. A misplaced pass was latched onto and Korbin Albert hit a sensational strike into the top corner the fingertips of Arnold not keep it out.
Desperate to keep their fate in their hands, the Tillies lifted. Hayley Raso throwing herself around to the point of injury to further the cause. Tameka Yellop on, and Australia kept on fighting. 90 minutes ticked over and the chances looked slim. Turn to defender-turned back up striker Alanna Kennedy to finish smartly home from a Heyman-headed ball. Pandemonium.
The crowd was on its feet, the possibility of that second goal looked tantalising close, and another ball whipped in went agonisingly close to Kennedy’s head again. Wave after wave of attack and a late corner deep into seven minutes of injury time meant Arnold joined the attack, to find that moment that would bring joy to a nation.
Alas it wasn’t to be. The corner amounted to nothing and the final whistle shortly after signalled the fate out of their hand and the Tillies done for 2024 Olympics.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (4-3-3): Naeher, Dunn, Sonnett, Girma, Fox, Horan, Coffey, Lavelle, Swanson, Smith, Rodman. Substitutes: Williams (for Rodman 65′), Bethune (for Swanson 80′), Albert (for Lavelle 65′), Krueger (for Fox 65′), Nighswonger (for Dunn 46′).
Above: South Melbourne revel in another goal. Photo by Kou Media via South Melbourne FC instagram
Calder United 0 South Melbourne 4
Within the opening seconds, South Melbourne really should have taken the lead. Isabella Sewards’ inch perfect through ball set Francesca Iermano through on goal. Her effort however rolled passed the far post. This was a sign of things to come.
Meshia Westland clattered the ball into the cross bar just two minutes later, a goal was surly coming for the visitors.
Indeed, it did and it was Emily Roach who did the honours. In similar fashion to the early miss, Sewards again played the perfect pass. This time, Roach was able to find the net, steering the ball past an onrushing Natalie Picak
South Melbourne began the second half in a similar vein to the first, having all of the ball and continually threatening the Calder defence. Ierman was denied at close range from a brilliant Picak reaction save.
The inevitable second goal soon followed. Roach, who this time was the provider, turned just before the half way line and drilled the ball into the path of Tayla Christensen. Christensen looked up and after notching Picak was off her line, attempted an audacious lofted effort which flew over the head of the Calder goalkeeper and into the net
Christensen was close to getting her second and Melbourne’s third, cutting into the box from the left-hand side and forcing Picak to push away for a corner.
South Melbourne rapped up the scoring with two goals in quick succession during the closing stages of the game. Christensen retrieved the ball and was given time and space to pick out Grace Taranto in the box who had the simple job of tucking the ball away in the six-yard box
Christensen was again involved with the creation of the fourth goal and usurpingly it again was a cross from the left-hand side. The ball was intended for Danielle Micallef but after some fortuitous deflections, the ball bounced off of Emma Langley and into the net.
Calder United still remain bottom of the table but remain only a point behind Moreland in 10th and have the same points as Bentleigh in 11th. With games quickly running out, there form needs to improve as soon as possible if they want to avoid relegation. They will hope the turnaround can begin away to Alamein.
South Melbourne still has a chance of finishing in the top four but fourth place Heidelberg have hit form at the right time, denting their chances. They next play Box Hill United at home
Ben Gilby and Ava-Marianne Elliott provide a full review of this weekend’s action, including photography from Rob Lizzi and Cat Bryant (28/7/24).
Above:Ella Lincoln (azure shirt) holds off Perth RedStar’s Mischa Anderson today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Game of the week
Perth RedStar 2-1 Perth SC
by Ben Gilby
Perth RedStar earned a crucial victory in the battle of the top two which sees them go five points clear of The Azzurri at the NPLW WA summit.
Goals from Jayna Ridley and Olivia Wood, with Tijan McKenna’s penalty in between ensured that the home side gained the three points that have gone a long way to see them retain the title for another year.
Carlos Vega Mena’s side were boosted by the return of Caitlin Doeglas to their matchday squad as a substitute. For the visitors, Grace Johnston was back after last week’s injury scare and took her place on the bench. Sam Mathers was down as sub with Ruby Marshall coming into the starting line-up. Lilly Bailey played her last game before moving to the USA for college football.
Above: Tijan McKenna (azure shirt) reaches out to get her foot on the ball at RedStar Arena today. Photosuppliedto Impetusby: Rob Lizzi.
Perth SC opted for an extremely young and gifted midfield with the Young Matildas and A-League Women stars Georgia Cassidy and Tijan McKenna joined by the talented Charli Wainwright. The runs and insightful passes that the trio possess could be potentially game-changing if they could stamp their authority on their experienced RedStar opponents.
The early stages were an arm-wrestle with the hosts seen more from an attacking perspective, which required visiting captain Baxter Thew to maintain her concentration and mop up when necessary.
Around the quarter-hour mark of the encounter, RedStar began to step up the intensity. Quyen Doan was able to get on the ball more and look to bring those around her into the game, but The Azzurri were still comfortable in defence.
Indeed, shots were few and far between at this stage. The home side were working tirelessly to keep Ella Lincoln at arm’s length, and the attacker was dropping deeper in a bid to look for possession and outlets as well as helping out her side’s backline.
With 20 minutes played, a situation that looked to be well under control at the back for the visitors suddenly turned into disaster. Kim McCartney was comfortable in clearing up a RedStar attack and laid a pass for Cassidy inside her. However, the Young Matilda came under pressure from two red shirts, with Jayna Ridley pouncing to gain possession and send a classy low finish into the right-hand corner of the net from the edge of the area to put the home team ahead.
Above: Celebration time for Perth RedStar after Jayna Ridley put them 1-0 up today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
On the half-hour mark, Ridley was involved again as she laid a pass out to Reina Kagami on the edge of the box to the right of centre, but the Japanese attacker’s shot went over the top to end a sublime move that also involved Olivia Wood.
Shortly afterwards, the home side almost profited again from an error at the back. This time, Thew, who has been sensational in recent weeks, and indeed largely throughout this game, misstepped to allow Ridley in, but Perth SC goalkeeper Bailey saved with her right foot.
The final 10 minutes of the half saw the visitors have their most consistent spell of possession and territory to date, which coincided with the trio of Cassidy, McKenna, and Wainwright stepping up their accuracy and intensity.
Above: Charli Wainwright (azure shirt) looks to dance along the wing. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Cassidy found Wainwright inside her from the right flank, and the youngster slipped a sumptuous pass between defenders for Lincoln to curl a strike just wide of the right-hand post.
RedStar responded in the final stages of the half by putting together a spell of outstanding one-touch passing football that looked to carve its way through the visitors. From one such move, Wood turned and hit a shot from the edge of the box that Bailey held.
The visitors came out firing after the interval to create the first opportunity of the second 45. McKenna showed great footwork to beat Sarah Carroll and play a crossfield pass. The move ended with Marshall coming in at the back post just unable to direct the ball on target.
However, RedStar stepped up the pressure and possession. Kagami escaped along the right and played a cross in that Bailey missed, but her defence tidied up.
Shortly afterwards, Kagami was involved again and benefitted from pressuring McKenna into a mistake. The RedStar attacker motored up the flank and cut inside to hit a low shot at the near post.
Above: Charli Wainwright is brought down by Andreia Teixeira, and Perth SC are awarded a penalty. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Yet, just before the hour mark, the Azzurri equalised. A superb move along the left flank saw Lincoln feed Wainwright. The midfielder played a wonderful dummy to bring Mathers into the game. A one-two allowed Wainwright to advance into the area where she was brought down by Andreia Teixeira and referee Stewart Beattie had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped McKenna to dispatch a powerful penalty into the right-hand side of the net.
The visitors were buoyed by the goal and gained momentum. Lincoln broke into the box from the left and saw an effort roll wide of the far post. Then, from the resulting clearance, McKenna held off Kagami and hit a long-range shot that was deflected just over. From the resulting corner, Lincoln crossed in at the second attempt for Marshall to direct a header goalwards that was met with a diving save from Dal Busco.
As ever, the rule when facing RedStar is to take your chances when they come, and with those opportunities not finding the net, the defending champions hit back with a vengeance as they always seem to do.
Above: Olivia Wood, Perth RedStar’s match-winner, crosses the ball into the box today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
With 17 minutes remaining, Wood found Emily Dunn on the right from the centre of the park. Dunn returned the favour, with Ridley then found centrally just outside the box. The home side’s opening goalscorer saw the onward run of Wood and laid a perfectly weighted pass into her which she then hit into the net on the half-volley. Wood is a player in superb form, and will not pass up opportunities like that. It was another great goal to add to her ever-growing scrapbook.
Perth looked to respond, and four minutes later, Wainwright was brought down in the box again, this time by Doan, but penalty shouts were waved away. Deep into stoppage time the same Azzurri player was felled again centrally, just outside the box by Kaitlyn Bellanca who received a yellow card. Wainwright stood over the free-kick and squared a pass for Cassidy to hit one of her trademark long-range rockets – but it was off target.
RedStar saw out the rest of the game comfortably and earned a hugely important victory. Whilst this result makes it unlikely that Vega Mena’s will be caught at the top of the ladder, there is still plenty to play for this season. Perth SC will be determined to lower RedStar colours in both the State Cup Final and the Top Four Cup, and Fremantle City are currently on a superb run of form that also marks them out as potential silverware winners.
The months of August and September are going to be one heck of a ride in the NPLW WA. Strap yourselves in, there’s some incredible football ahead of us.
More of Rob Lizzi’s photography from RedStar Arena:
Above: Hyundai NTC goalscorers Theodora Mouthiys (first gold shirt after referee) and Ischia Brooking celebrate against Murdoch University Melville on Saturday. Photo: Football West NTC.
Hyundai NTC grasped the edge in a competitive battle against Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC) at the Sam Kerr Football Centre as Round 16 opened on Saturday afternoon.
The NTC went into the game on the back of a midweek reverse to Subiaco and knew that three points were necessary to stay on the front foot in their battle with Fremantle City for fourth place on the ladder. However, MUM FC had a huge confidence boost from last weekend’s superb win over Balcatta Etna and knew another success would take them off bottom spot.
Play opened with vigour, and both sides set out immediately to maintain control of the possession, however, it was the home side that found themselves establishing a more powerful presence on the field.
NTC’s string of chances remained solid in the opening run of the game, with the visitors finding very few opportunities to break forwards. It was only a matter of time before the teenage hosts found a breakthrough.
In the 15th minute, a misjudged pass from Sophie Patience was capitalised on by Theodora Mouithys. Her cross was just parried away by Annabel Cook, however, she was unable to keep a hold of the ball, leaving it to fall to an awaiting Angelique Clayton. Despite her positioning in front of goal, the ball was just cleared on the line by the visitors.
MUM FC had an opportunity themselves. Last week’s hat-trick hero in their win over Balcatta, Ellis Glanfield, saw her header go wide of the post, keeping the scoreline level. Although struggling when NTC layered on the pressure, the visitors were purposeful offensively.
Above: Ellis Glanfield, who had another strong performance for Murdoch University Melville, seen in action earlier this season. Photo: Denyse RM Photography.
The first goal of the game was produced in the 34th minute, when Mouithys produced a stunning strike from distance. Her shot soared in the top right-hand side of the net.
Murdoch University Melville continued to pose problems in attack. Glanfield found herself in yards of space in the box but the former Perth Glory player saw her effort creep past the far post. Then, in the 45th minute, Isabella Baldin found herself in the right place, sending a shot that just rolled into the net – however, the goal was disallowed.
The beginning of the second half opened with an immediate return to the same levels of intensity and fight between the two sides. It would be the visitors who finally made their mark on the scoreboard.
After 67 minutes of play, former WSL player and Matildas cap Ella Mastrantonio stepped up to take a free kick. Her effort found Baldin with pinpoint accuracy to score.
However, Murdoch University Melville would only be level for six minutes. Klaudia Houlis relentlessly pressed the visitors’ backline, stealing the ball and sending it across to Ischia Brooking. Brooking, who had come off the bench just over ten minutes prior, had her say when she sent the match-winner cooly into the visitors’ net. It was the A-League Women’s youngest-ever player’s first goal of the season in the NPLW WA.
At the sound of the final whistle, Hyundai NTC’s victory took them into fourth place. Whether they would stay there would depend on Fremantle City’s fate against Balcatta Etna the following day.
Above: Tanika Lala (right) seen here in action last weekend at Perth SC, hit her ninth goal of the month for Fremantle City at Balcatta Etna today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Fremantle City regained fourth place in the table with victory over third-placed Balcatta Etna at Home Group Stadium on Sunday.
The visitors hit the front with eight minutes played when Janice Kiama, on the left fed Olivia Truman on the opposite flank. Her high ball was met by Abbey Green at the back post who slid a pass for Kiama to tap home from close range.
Two minutes before the break, Freo doubled their lead. What started as a playground-style scrimmage on the edge of the box with Kiama on the groundm ended with Alex Poad coming in to take the ball into space and lift a stunning shot over Rebecca Bennett and into the top left corner of the net.
GOAL! 43:38
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Fremantle City W in the Balcatta Etna FC W vs Fremantle City W match at Grindleford Reserve.
Balcatta hit back just over 20 minutes into the second half. A free-kick deep inside their own half was played up for Nikayla Hughes. She was able to find Kat Jukic via Liana Cook. A one-two then saw Cook lash home from the edge of the area.
Any hopes of a comeback for the home side were snuffed out with 10 minutes to go as Green raced away from Faye Phillips along the left, drove into the box, and unselfishly squared for Anna Powell to sweep home at the back post to restore Freo’s two-goal buffer.
GOAL! 79:00
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Fremantle City W in the Balcatta Etna FC W vs Fremantle City W match at Grindleford Reserve.
Two minutes later, it was four for the visitors. Annabelle Leek’s free-kick inside her own half was pumped forward and bounced on the edge of the box for Tanika Lala to run onto and crash home a powerful half-volley.
Balcatta reduced the deficit to two goals with two minutes remaining. Phillips played a pass through from the middle of the park for Jukic. She in turn found Hughes who was brought down in the box by Maya Spatafore. A penalty was awarded which Abbey Meakins dispatched into the left-hand corner of the net.
UWA-Nedlands 1-4 Subiaco
Above: Subiaco (white shirt) in on goal at UWA-Nedlands today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Cat Bryant.
Subiaco earned their second win in the space of four days with this excellent result at UWA-Nedlands.
Greg Farrell’s side had been on a disappointing run of results prior to their midweek game at Hyundai NTC, but those losses are now a fading memory after they restored Top Four hopes with this win at the UWA Sports Park.
They had to do it the hard way though, as the home side went ahead with 21 minutes on the clock when Emily Dinsdale was released along the right and pulled a low cross into the box. Erin Armstrong timed her run perfectly through the Subi defence to meet it with a low volley that flew into the left-hand corner of the net from around 12 yards.
Subiaco levelled on the half-hour mark. Out on the left, Cass Harvey played a one-two with Marianna Tabain which ended with her advancing into the area and, as Alyssa Kinkaid came in to tackle, Harvey’s shot looped up and into the right-hand corner of the net from 15 yards. It remained level at the break.
Above: An aerial challenge today between UWA-Nedlands (green) and Subiaco. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Cat Bryant.
The visitors opened the second half with a bang. Just three minutes after the re-start, Stella Zampogna, who scored Subi’s winning goal in midweek at Hyundai NTC, picked up possession in the centre of the park and laid off to Tabain outside her. The former Perth Glory and Melbourne City star returned the favour with a low pass that Zampogna ran onto. Her first effort was blocked by the midriff of UWA-Nedlands’ keeper Morgan Springer, but her second attempt rolled into the net from the edge of the box.
Subiaco’s game-breaking goal arrived with 56 minutes on the clock. Greta Bailey lifted a high ball towards the box that Tabain brought down superbly and controlled, before turning two defenders and hitting a low shot into the right-hand corner of the net.
The visitors made it four with just over 20 minutes to go as Keziah Burgis’ cross from the right towards the edge of the area was turned goalwards by Tayna Campos, allowing Shelby Cochran to nip in and direct a half-volley into the left-hand corner from 10 yards.
Whilst Subiaco move within four points of the top four, albeit having played more games than Fremantle City in fourth, this defeat sends UWA-Nedlands to the bottom of the ladder having scored fewer goals than Murdoch University Melville who have the same number of points and goal difference.
More of Cat Bryant’s photographs from UWA Sports Park
NPLW WA Ladder Round 16
Table From: Squadi.
Midweek Result
Hyundai NTC 0-1 Subiaco (Zampogna).
Round 17 Fixtures
SUNDAY: Fremantle City v Hyundai NTC, Perth RedStar v UWA-Nedlands, Perth SC v Balcatta Etna, Subiaco v Murdoch University Melville.
Above: Arsenal and Republic of Ireland star Katie McCabe during her team’s end of season game in Melbourne. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Katie McCabe is a crucial part of both the Arsenal and Republic of Ireland teams. Her ability to play as both a left-back and a winger has enhanced her understanding of the left end of the pitch, becoming more consistent and influential in both defence and attack.
Now, she regularly switches between both positions for the Arsenal side, presenting many different aspects of herself in both. Being able to understand multiple positions and read the game so well needs high levels of intelligence and a huge amount of skill, both aspects which go a long way to explaining why the Republic of Ireland installed her as captain. Her ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively makes her an invaluable asset to both teams.
As a left winger, McCabe combines technical skill, tactical intelligence, and physicality with a strong mental game and leadership qualities. One of her most threatening aspects in this position is her ability to create accurate long balls and crosses, building her team’s chances to score and progress up the pitch.
Arsenal icon
McCabe’s main and most comfortable position is left back. Under Joe Montemurro’s leadership of the Gunners, the Irish star was used initially on the wing. The Australian encouraged his side to play a possessive holding game with constant movement and attacking play. McCabe epitomised this style due to her tremendous vision and strong work rate. In this period of her career, the Gunner evolved her tactical skills, awareness and positioning. She was also opened up to supporting her defensive players more often.
Above: Katie McCabe celebrates a goal back in 2022. Photo: Press Association.
However, McCabe’s versatility revealed itself in the late summer of 2020. During a pre-season game, teammate Kat Veje, who played left back for the Gunners at the time, became injured which saw the Irish star move into the position, going on to be recognised for her outstanding contribution here by winning the Player of the Season award in 2020/21.
Current head coach Jonas Eidevall deploys McCabe more defensively – often taking on the role of left back. The Swede promotes a high and intense press style. Under this deployment, the 28-year-old has improved her skills as a defensive player and strategies from a different perspective.
Over the years, the Irish captain has developed into a committed player who isn’t afraid of getting dirty and stuck into a tackle. This is an integral part of what makes McCabe who she is. As well as this her technical ability, pace, and vision, she can also stamp her physical authority on the opposition as well.
As a result of playing alongside each other at the North London club for many years, McCabe’s relationship with Beth Mead is a key part of what makes Arsenal tick. Her overlapping runs assist Mead’s movement to the box to receive a pass or cross from the Irish star on the wing.
Although the two are such a threat and a dynamic duo, opposing teams have their own strategies to narrow down the pair’s rate of play. An example of this can be seen in double marking, which, on occasion can lead McCabe to lose her spark and go quiet. The knock-on impact of this is fewer supplies for Mead, reducing the team’s potential goalscoring opportunities.
Above: Katie McCabe (top) and Beth Mead – a key partnership for Arsenal. Photo: RTE.
Under Montemurro, the pair were able to showcase their attacking style of play and help improve their understanding of each other’s movements. McCabe’s crossing ability and Mead’s positioning were a potent combination. The two have blossomed further under head coach Eidevall. He encouraged a high-press attacking game, making the duo’s play even more direct and aggressive. Their understanding has deepened, leading to more effective combinations.
Despite their excellent attacking performances and ability to get the ball in the box, the pair could improve on their defensive play as a duo. To be able to drop back for one another and ensure a swift switch when moving from attack to defence would make the team overall stronger.
In September last year, the Ireland captain renewed her contract, committing herself to Arsenal to ensure that her time with the Gunners will move to within touching distance of the decade mark.
The face of women’s football in the Republic of Ireland
McCabe is the face of women’s football in her home country. She was made the youngest captain of the Republic of Ireland team back in 2017 when she was just 21.
As captain, she is a vocal leader on the pitch and has to lead by example, guiding her teammates with consistent energy and encouragement. McCabe is a key figure in the squad, contributing her ability to create goal-scoring opportunities and accuracy on long balls.
Above: Katie McCabe (green shirt) beats Katrina Gorry (on ground) and Alanna Kennedy in the Republic of Ireland’s opening group game at the 2023 World Cup at Stadium Australia, Sydney. Photo: FAI Twitter.
Whilst representing her country, McCabe has been used as a left-back, left-winger as well as a central midfielder. Under different coaches, Ireland’s style of play has been focused on defending and counter-attacking. The Arsenal star has often led the switch between defensive and attacking situations, developing her long-range balls, crossing ability, defensive play, and stamina.
McCabe typically takes the team’s set pieces including free kicks and especially corners. An example of her abilities in this part of her game was seen with her scoring the Republic of Ireland’s first-ever goal in the World Cup in the opening minutes of the team’s second group game against Canada in Perth. The captain stepped up to take a corner that curled in and found its way into the back of the net for the perfect Olimpico.
The mantra: “Stop McCabe, stop Ireland” is one that the Girls in Green have struggled to escape from over the years. The opposition regularly assigns more than one player to keep her quiet and focus on nullifying the players that are integral to bringing the 28-year-old into the game.
In a bid to avoid these opposition tactics, Ireland work hard to constantly switch McCabe’s positions on the pitch opening up new opportunities for her from different perspectives of the pitch.
With the Irish captain striving to develop her abilities to play under pressure from the strongest international sides and ensure she can continue to contribute consistently despite being marked by more than one player, she can lift her skills to a whole new level.
Above: Stephen Peters with Bethany Gordon after winning the NPLW NSW in 2022. Photo: NPL NSW.
Perth Glory have today confirmed the appointment of Stephen Peters as the club’s new A-League Women’s Head Coach.
Currently in charge of Macarthur Rams Women’s FC in the New South Wales National Premier League, Peters has signed a two-year deal with Glory.
The 40-year-old has enjoyed sustained success throughout his 15-year-coaching career, notably during his time as Head Coach at North West Sydney Koalas FC and most recently, with Macarthur Rams whom he guided to consecutive NSW NPL championships in 2022 and 2023.
Peters, who was named NSW NPL Women’s Coach of the Year in 2023, is now relishing the prospect of taking charge of a new-look Glory squad ahead of the 2024/25 ALW campaign which is set to get underway in early November.
“What drew me to the role is the opportunity to coach at the highest level in the country,” he said, “and what better place to start than with Perth Glory, a club with a great sense of community and history.
“We want to have a team that plays a positive style of football that the people of Perth will enjoy watching and resonate with. I’m really excited by what lies ahead for our squad and the club in general.”
Glory CEO Anthony Radich is confident that Peters has what it takes to secure sustained success and grow the club’s women’s program.
“Stephen is an experienced, highly-credentialled Head Coach with an extremely impressive record in women’s football and we are very pleased to have him on board,” he said.
“We are embarking upon what is very much a new era for our ALW side and firmly believe that Stephen has all the right attributes to drive us forward. Our Football Director, Stan Lazaridis, has been working away diligently and the redevelopment of our playing group is at an advanced stage.
“With Stephen now on board, further signings will be made to finalise the squad and consequently, a number of player announcements will be made shortly.
Sydneysider Peters began his coaching journey with Gladesville Ravens before securing his first senior Head Coach role at North West Sydney Koalas FC.
After steering the Koalas to the coveted club championship, he moved on to Blacktown Spartans FC where he further developed his coaching skills by working with both junior teams and the First Grade side.
Peters was subsequently appointed by Football NSW as Head Coach of their U15s Women’s State Team and under his stewardship, they were crowned champions at the 2018 FFA National Youth Championships.
Glory’s new Head Coach duly took up the First Grade Head Coach role at Macarthur Rams in 2021 and after helping them secure a top-five finish in his first season at the helm, he led the Campbelltown-based side to back-to-back NSW NPL championships, breaking the league record of 26 matches without defeat in the process.
During his career, Peters has worked with numerous Matildas representatives, including Casey Dumont, Leena Khamis Kylie Ledbrook, Renee Rollason, and Alex Huynh, along with a host of junior internationals.
Above: Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses after this month’s 0-0 draw against Sweden. Photo: @Lionesses
Stu Barker, Hannah Chadwick, Freya Ward, Aimee Reynolds, and Ava-Marianne Elliott team up to select a Great Britain team to compete at the Olympic Games (26/7/24).
As the Olympic flame burns brightly in Paris, Team GB go into the Games without a women’s football team. Our team of writers were starting to wonder what the squad might look like if they were representing in Paris, so we thought we’d have a bit of fun and suggest the squad that we’d select if in charge.
After complicated terms were agreed between the relevant organisations, England, the top-ranked nation, was chosen to represent Great Britain.
In Europe, The Nations League acts as a qualifying competition for the Olympics. To qualify, England needed to finish top of their group, including Netherlands, Belgium, and Scotland. Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses finished with twelve points, the same as the Netherlands. However, the OranjeLeeuwinnen took the top spot with a superior goal difference of one goal.
Goalkeepers
Mary Earps (Paris St Germain)
Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)
This selection was straightforward, with Earps and Hampton being standout options.
Most recently, Hampton has been preferred by Sarina Wiegman in the Nations League matches, securing victories against the Republic of Ireland and Sweden.
Earps would likely start, given her big-game experience, ball-handling skills, and shot-stopping ability.
Defenders
Leah Williamson (captain) (Arsenal)
Lucy Bronze (Chelsea)
Jess Carter (Chelsea)
Niamh Charles (Chelsea)
Millie Bright (Chelsea)
Alex Greenwood (Manchester City)
Despite the desire to represent all home nations, England’s defence boasts world-class talent. Williamson’s leadership and Bright’s solidity form a formidable central pairing, with Greenwood and Bronze protecting the flanks.
As one of the most experienced and versatile members of the current England Senior Squad, Alex Greenwood’s addition to the backline would inevitably give Sarina Wiegman’s squad an edge.
Above: Alex Greenwood during the UEFA Women’s Nations League match between England Women and Belgium Women at the King Power Stadium, Leicester, England on 27 October 2023. Photo: Chris Foxwell
Greenwood is a technically gifted player and sensational defender, the assets she brings to the table such as her phenomenal progressive passes and wealth of experience are a must if she is available for selection heading into a major tournament.
It is arguable that she doesn’t get the credit she deserves in comparison to her colleagues in the back line.
Midfielders
Keira Walsh (Barcelona)
Erin Cuthbert (vice-captain) (Chelsea)
Angharad James (Seattle Reign)
Beth Mead (Arsenal)
Fran Kirby (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Ella Toone (Manchester United)
Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich)
Lauren James (Chelsea)
Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)
This group of players is perhaps only rivalled by Spain in terms of quality and depth. Selecting a starting group of players is not an easy task, nor was selecting this group of players. There are a number who could be argued are worth a place in this team.
A central midfield pairing of Walsh and Cuthbert would be sensational. The vision and tenacity of the pair make them a formidable combination. Both are comfortable with winning the ball and finding the killer pass for their forwards to convert.
There are many combinations for attacking midfield but if forced to come off the fence, we would go for the trio of Toone, James, and Hemp.
Forwards
Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
Martha Thomas (Tottenham Hotspur)
Russo and Thomas would both hope to be heir to Ellen White who is the current top scorer for Team GB with six goals, all of which came in Tokyo.
Above: Martha Thomas (left) and Alessia Russo (right) lining up together for their previous club, Manchester United against Lewes. Photo: James Boyes.
Russo would of course take the number nine shirt, but Thomas would be good value if the team were chasing a goal in the latter stages of the match. Some fans questioned the Scotland international’s credentials when she moved from West Ham United to Manchester United, but given her minutes on the pitch and that she was often shifted to the right her three goals in thirty-eight matches were not a fair reflection of her ability.
Though it’s disappointing not to see Team GB in Paris, we hope for their return in Los Angeles 2028. Imagine facing the host nation in the final, with Emma Hayes leading the United States, it would capture the attention of the entire country.
At Impetus we have completed a thorough preview of each nation hoping to take home the gold medal in the women’s football competition which is available here.
impetusfootball.org 